There is a better choice out there. I cancelled my pre-order, and I will never go near Nokia again.

But I want to let you all know there is another option out there, and it is BETTER. The open Pandora gaming handheld is finally getting very very close to launch. It is a clamshell gaming handheld, has larger screen like the NITs, it does not have cell phone funtions or 3G... but in the US tmobile 3g is a poor option anyway. Most everything about this device is even BETTER than the N900, it also runs a full open version of *nix... and is not controlled by a corporate entity. That is the BEST part of the pandora, a group of enthusiasts got together to get them built, not some company that doesnt care about customers and screws everyone over. Here are some of the specs:

# Texas Instruments OMAP3530 processor at 600MHz (officially)
# 256MB DDR-333 SDRAM
# 512MB NAND FLASH memory
# IVA2+ audio and video processor using TI's DaVinci™ technology (430MHz C64x DSP)
# ARM® Cortex™-A8 superscalar microprocessor core
# PowerVR SGX530 (110MHz officially) OpenGL ES 2.0 compliant 3D hardware
# integrated Wifi 802.11b/g (up to 18dBm output)
# integrated Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR (3Mbps) (Class 2, + 4dBm)
# 800x480 resolution LTPS LCD with resistive touch screen, 4.3" widescreen, 16.7 million colors (300 cd/m2 brightness, 450:1 contrast ratio)
# Dual analog controllers
# Full gamepad controls plus shoulder buttons
# Dual SDHC card slots (up to 64GB of storage currently)
# headphone output up to 150mW/channel into 16 ohms, 99dB SNR (up to 24 bit/48KHz)
# TV output (composite and S-Video)
# Internal microphone plus ability to connect external microphone through headset
# Stereo line level inputs and outputs
# 43 button QWERTY and numeric keypad
# USB 2.0 OTG port (1.5/12/480Mbps) with capability to charge device
# USB 2.0 HOST port (480Mbps) capable of providing the full 500mA to attached devices (examples include USB memory, keyboard, mouse, 3G modem, GPS)
# up to two externally accessible UARTs and/or four PWM signals for hardware hacking, robot control, debugging, etc.
# un-brickable design with integrated boot loader for safe code experimentation
# Power and hold switch useful for "instant on" and key lockout to aid in media player applications on the go
# Runs on the Linux operating system (2.6.x)
# Dimensions: 140x83.4x27.5mm
# Weight: 335g (with 4000mAh battery)

I am thrilled to be getting this device as opposed to the N900, I was never going to use the camera on the N900 or the GSM portion, I will be able to use skype on the pandora... and its only $330!!!

One of the greatest things, is they let the community know what is going on with the launch. They dont lie and hide things, they keep everyone up to date. Their forums are not filled with shipping threads, everyone doesnt have to spend time putting rumors together and trying to figure out where and who are getting the few first devices. Look here for that info:

http://openpandora.org/index.php?opt...mid=13&lang=en

This is their main site, please check it out:
http://openpandora.org/

I have been enthusiastic about Maemo in the past, but it is unfortunate that Nokia will be controlling it. Instead of them looking out for what is best for the OS, they will look out for what is best for Nokia's bottom line. I will be looking into Mer for my N800, and still have high hopes for ARM linux on handhelds, but I am done with anything Nokia.

Also, for those that need cell internet to be able to get online anywhere, consider spending the extra $ you save getting the pandora, on a 3/4g to wifi router. There are a lot of good option out there, and a portable cell to wifi router + the pandora will still be cheaper than the N900