Actually, all the stuff about the N900 being just for "hackers" or "linux fans" is just not true.
There are many people who just use the N900 for what it is made for: web browsing (even the full YouTube and more stuff), playing music and videos, instant messaging on the go, reading e-books, and so on.
(So, if the above features are important to you, you should consider getting it.)

The trolling mostly comes from people who buy a device only for a couple of months for the purpose of showing it off - the N900 has no bloatware to show off, it just works.
(If you want a gadget that you want to boast about to your friends, the N900 is not for you.)

Additionally, contrary to what some might say, the N900 has a deal of great apps that enhance its functionality greatly.
(Not millions, but still very much.)

Here are the questions you asked for:

Would you like a device with which you can browse the web pretty much the same way a regular computer?

Do you want to watch DivX movies on the go?

Do you want to use Skype calls on the go?

Do you want to use MSN (or other IMs) on the go?

Are you not afraid of standing out from the crowd?

... and so on.