Well isn't this a terrible start to a thread. Shame, this could've been quite useful, if it wouldn't been understood as a fashion of sorts to swap to a new phone just because your friends have it.

Unfortunately I can't really recommend any Android-handset for one, who really appreciates the N900. If you're not a power-user (as I believe that is the case in this case), then maybe HTC? They've been quite good for my knowledge to keep their handsets up to date with the stock Android.

If you really want to have the power of Android then you'll have to consider Nexus-lineup. It's the most easiest to root and you'll have most of the access then, if I'm right. In normal handsets you might be able to have root-access as well, but it can be tricky, as it was with (to my knowledge) with Motorola Droid 2 and HTC Desire Z.

What you'd really need to know is this. Will the normal Android-handset be enough for you? Do you need the root-access to the device? Are you a power-user? Once you know what you want you should go out and buy it. Or buy it with postal service. Again, it is up to you.

Sorry for all the bolding but it really is necessary in this case. Don't let people tell you what to get, just get what suits you the best. That's why I got N900 and will not most likely give up on it. I appreciate it, I like it and that's it. If someone doesn't like the fact that I'm using the N900 and tries to convert me to use something else, that I don't want, then I'll just tell him/her to piss off (unless it's a work-phone, then I may have to reconsider).