Maybe it is not so much different, see discussion below http://lwn.net/Articles/356520/. What are exact terms? Maybe Nokia doesn't want to get it back so badly? There is also this "All we ask you is to make good use of the devices you have. Otherwise you can return the loaned device." confusing phrase in today's developer discount mail.

We can't really tell now the availability in 2010. Hopefully yes but I can't commit on that.

The price might change depending on the country. I have asked the price in USA.

After doing the purchase in Forum Nokia website you receive the device at home. No vouchers like in past editions.

If you have specific questions about practicalities in Forum Nokia's end feel free asking in the email address provided. The role of the Maemo Team has been to provide the list of names, but the operation, congratulations and merits belong to Forum Nokia. Like many things Maemo, they are opening this service (they provide to professional developers regularly) for community developers for the first time.

Forum Nokia is incredibly slow on my system -- haven't been able to register yet. Hopefully, zillions of people aren't all trying to register at once and it's just %*&^%(*&^% Time Warner Cable that is causing the slowdown for me.

Even if they don't want them back, they will NEVER say it explicitly.
So don't even bother asking.

Nokia gave those devices because people who can't afford it can still play with it.
You got it, use it wisely, develop on it and still be an active member of the community,

I too would have liked a stronger discount, but that's the way Nokia has always worked (I believe). They won't (and they are not) changing it now.

No need to complain, it won't change.
Let's push this complaint for the NEXT developer program and see if something better can be achieved.

Former devices got the same amount of discount (300€ circa), so nothing is really different here.
Same amount of devices, same amount of discount, just in different guise.

I personally may not use it as I got the loan for a year.
I can understand having it for only 6months and having to spend 300€ may be too much.
But just use it for a month or two and then decide if it's worth a Christmas Gift.

Aniello

Seconding yerga, here. I do not have the funds available for me to justify ordering a device now. So, my question is: Do we have a time period in which the discount must be used? If so, I'll have to bail on the program as I do not (and will not for a long while) have the funds available.

Finally, I do not own a company, and nor am I working in one (I am a student); what am I expected to enter for the "company I work in"?

Thank you.

Comparisons with previous programs are not linear. The N900 is a primary device and the reference discount price is about half of the retail price.

Do you ever got a laptop discount from a vendor for your community development and contributions?

You are not forced to accept the invitation and I'm sorry if some of you are not happy with it...

And it shows because they are asking to sign up with a company account..

I don't know if you talking to me
I tried to defend this developer program and tried to pipe the complaint pushing them on the next developer program (if any and when).

I am saying roughly the same you're saying now.

Aniello

For me it prints
# 'User Province' is a required field.
# 'Company Name' is a required field.
# 'Company URL' is a required field.
# 'Company Province' is a required field.
# 'Company VAT Number' is a required field.
While I am not against being a bit creative when filling registration forms I guess I really shouldn't fake Company VAT Number

Hmm. My own fault, I am sad to establish. Hopefully, there'll be a carrier discount whenever they come out over here (USA). Otherwise, the SDK will hopefully suffice.