New Zealand is one of the unlucky countires currenty not schedulled to have the n900 released. This sucks a bit.

However I plan to purchase one from the US and then use in NZ.

I just wanted to check if anyone out there may be able to offer some advice on what features may be restricted/won't work in New Zealand?

for eg.

• WIll I be able to connect to and download software and updates (assuming a connection)?
  
• Will there be any IP type restrictions on content that will prevent me using services?
  
• WIll positioning work on Ovi Maps?
• I suppose I could install Google maps anyway?
  
• Or anything elese you may be able to warn me of?

Appreciate your advice.

Let's see going straight down

1) Yes
2) Yes (seems like it from the Ovi Apps require Corporation +.....) thread.
3) Yes
4) You can't install Google Maps unless Google is offering a Google Maps application on the n900 that we aren't aware about. There might be Maemo Mapper in the future. Then there's maemaps a special interface for Google Maps. And then there's just Google Maps' website itself.
5) IF you buy it in the USA your warranty is only valid in the USA. E.g. if you want the device fixed you gotta send it to the states (and then they may not send it to NZ thus resulting in you having to get someone else to act as a middleman in the USA).

all things you ask about will work, Nokia puts no restrictions on sim free devices, so you can use ovi maps and get software updates, as for ip restrictions most services integrated are global so should work no problems over wifi but things like skype could be blocked by network if using there connection as some don't play ball but this is same globally and is getting less of a problem these days

thanks guys, appreciate you fast help.

I'll have to chance my luck on the warranty side of things. But I do have a buddy in the states who will be able to middle man for me if desparate.

Now for the purchase...

Hey, before buying make sure the 3G bands in your country match the T-mobile's one. Otherwise might end up being stuck with EDGE and WLAN

Edit: To my understanding, the device is now shipping with 900/1700/2100 bands, NOT 850/1900/2100 (looks like some provider according to Wikipedia might use these ?)

Looking at:

http://www.gsmworld.com/roaming/gsminfo/cou_nz.shtml

NZ has vodafone with GSM + 3G 2100, and Telecom NZ at 3G 2100/850. So both will work when in urban areas (2100), but vodafone will work better in the woods (or should I say in the middle of sheep:P) .

A minor detail: wifi channels in US are more restricted than in elsewhere. You won't be able to connect to Access Points on channels 12-13.

Telecom have almost no 2100 towers, so if you went with them you'd be getting pretty acquainted with EDGE.

2degrees will be turning their 3G towers on "sometime" next year (seriously, they're as bad as Nokia) and will use 900/2100 like Vodafone.

So, basically, we're stuck with Vodafone or one of their MVNOs for the moment.

It will say "Hi Y'all" when you turn it on instead of "G'day mate!"

More like "Chuur bro".

I am getting one from USA too bro. We're Kiwis get F88king Sh1t NOKIA Phone offering. But lucky me, I got a siblings living in USA. :-) they are will be my middle people. They are buying it for me and once they got the device they will send it to me.