I had the same issue with my N900 not able to switch on. It happened after I uninstalled "Enhanced Linux kernel for power users" package not reading properly its uninstallation warning/instructions and do it in the correct manner. So fellow N900 users, know full well what you are doing and take the responsibility for what you do. 1. Every few minutes it will vibrate with Nokia logo without the backlight. 2. If I tried turn it on, Nokia logo again will show this time with backlight along with white led indicator, the screen will show the 5 flashing dots before going off and lastly the white indicator will also go off. Then it will repeat step 1 over and over again. My way of solving it was to keep in on the charger despite of recurring step 1. After a few hours, I will then plug it to my Debian desktop while holding the "u" key down. Then on Debian console, lsusb will show you "Nokia device for flashing" or sort. Then I grab my opportunity to flash it. Then everything will be reset back to factory state. I flashed only the Fiasco image and NOT the eMMC. So that the root system returns to factory state while my photos and data on eMMC still remain intact. N900 in a way is a great open source device that you can do flashing from your desktop. So you have the absolute freedom to try out your stuff and not so much of fearing of bricking your device.