Recently my camera cover is starting to scratch the area that it slides..is this a manufacturers defect?

It's probably some grit that has worked its way between the sliding parts - this is always going to be a potential issue with any sliding mechanism, and it's ultimately the user's responsibility to try to ensure it doesn't happen.

i guess its manufacturers defect because we cant help it with it grit or dust...

I would keep an eye on the quality of your pictures. I'd be intersted if it starts taking washed out pictures similar to the whole fiasco with the N97 scratching lense. But. I think they fixed it with the N900 because it is recessed a little.

nah..after examining it closer..it seems to be the spring thas in there has popped out a little and is making deep scratches..

In that case, yes - that would probably be a design/manufacturing defect (if there's no other damage to the phone anyway - otherwise they'll just claim you've dropped it and that's caused the spring to pop out).

I've used my camera daily for the last 2 months and have never had a problem. If you keep the device away from sand then this won't happen.

try owning an n97

no thanks!