Coming from a power user/developer perspective, the hardware package (screen/cpu/storage/networking/keyboard) is spot on, it's pretty much the sweet spot on the market at the moment.

As for the software, the question is the target audience.

If it's targeted for developers, it's very good. (documentation, tools need a lot of polishing tough)

If it's targeted for power users, I think it will be there in a few months (some bugs need ironed out and we still need some basic apps, but nothing ondoable in a few months)

If it's targeted for the average enduser, forget it. It's lightyears behind the ipod/android from a usability perspective, and let's not even talk about the app. suport (c'mon, no OVI store at launch?)

The question is Nokia's strategy. If they intend Maemo in the long run to be the os for the smartphone/N/E series phones (and completely replace symbian), then the N900 is a very good first step to attract developers. Of course they still have to push very hard to create/move the existing partner ecosystem to this os.

If not, then the N900/Maemo will remain a niche product, without pro apps, without usability. Ofc. the hackers won't care, but even the powerusers will move after a while.