I know we are all itching for this device to be released. I know it is hard to wait and it can make you sick. What we need is something related to the N900 that is fun and productive to put our minds into while we wait. I know, I know, you already read the whole manual, twice. And that is OK, but here are some suggestions if you haven't done them already.

• Install and learn to use Linux - If it is you first time, pick an easy to use distro. You'll have a blast. If you have only tried one distro, say Ubuntu, try one that gives priority to KDE (not Kubuntu). For example, PCLinuxOS, Mandriva, SUSE, etc.
• Learn a bit of programming - I recommend Python. Not only is it very easy to use, but it is available almost in any computing platform including by the N900.
• Install the SDK - This will allow you to actually play with the N900 in a sense. And, if you did the steps above, you can even start writing your very own N900 killer application.

Of course, if you have already done all that, then I am sure you are so busy coding your next Maemo app to have it ready by the end of October that you will have no complaints if the release date is pushed a bit into November.

I never thought of installing the SDK to have a peek at the UI, great idea.

Why not Kubuntu? Maemo is based off of debian linux as is Ubuntu... so why not stick to debian based distribution?

Just go here:
http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=32158

Its what all the cool kids are doing :P

Dr. Hogwash prescribes a liberal dose of bourbon, hourly

ok so i have win xp and no linux on my laptop, would Wubi windows installer on my xp do the trick to run the maemo SDK? thanx

Wubi info .. http://wubi-installer.org/

I think this article explains why rather well.

http://www.itnewstoday.com/?p=1032

I want people to have a good experience when trying KDE. I don't think Kubuntu offers as good a KDE experience as other more KDE focused distros do.

I think your best option is to go with a virtual appliance. See here:

http://maemovmware.garage.maemo.org/...ion/index.html

http://maemovmware.garage.maemo.org/...mentation.html

wubi will do a plenty!

A nice cup of english tea.