I spoke too soon - the fiasco is not over.

Having been promised a refund yesterday, I drove an hour to the nearest remaining CompUSA and purchased another N800 (full retail), then settled in to update the OS and kernel, pair with my BT phone and GPS, install apps and data, etc.

Today another Nokia ERT rep called to inform me that yesterday's information was incorrect; my original N800 has in fact been repaired and shipped back to me. I quickly explained why this was not welcome news. Of course they wanted a copy of my new receipt to prove my story. We agreed that I will accept delivery of the repaired unit and FedEx it back at Nokia's expense, after which my refund should be processed. Sounds like more delay, doesn't it? Incompetence stretches the imagination...