nokiausa.com doesn't offer the N96 for sale any more, but it does offer the E71 and 5800 (those are probably my two top candidates right now).

Save up for N8?

HTC Touch Pro ... its basically an N900 (has most features) by HTC released few years back.
You can grab a used one for around $200, then install custom ROMs on it.
From what I know, xda-devs have already perfected the Android ROMs for you, but there are WinMo6x ROMs available too if your into it.

The noticeable differences are:
- a smaller screen with less pixels (640x480)
- a slower processor
- graphics chip without 3D driver (unless you run a custom ROM from xda-devs which have this fixed for some PSX emulator fun)

Then it has some differences which matter less:
- a decent camera but not as good as the N900
- no internal memory which doesn't matter since it has SD support
- no infrared (which doesn't really matter)
- no FM transmitter (which doesn't really matter)

The similarities are:
- form factor (ie slide QWERTY keyboard)
- a front camera for video conference
- LED flash for back camera
- resistive touchscreen
- 3G and QuadGSM
- aGPS on both
- TV out
- Gsensor/accelorometre
- RAM (288MB HTC vs 256MB N900 ... 756MB virtual RAM does not add to performance)


So when it comes down to it, the Touch Pro is an underpaid device.
Go grab a bargain!

PS: I don't want to get your hopes up but this device is powerful enough for Mer/Maemo/MeeGo but there is no attention to it.

Your other option would be the Motorola Droid which is better than the N900 in screen (size and resolution), capacitative touch and slightly more compact ... but it isn't in your budget!

Oh I found them on craigslist for between 200 and 250. But you can usually negotiate decent prices on CL. I got my N900 for only 400 on CL as well.

By the way I wasn't kidding about its potential.

For GPS you can buy or download GPS software for WinMo platform, there's many. You can easily obtain pirate copies but I'd have to advise against it. "Route 66" is a freeware (afaik) and its better than Google Maps (iPhone) but not as full-featured like the big brand names (TomTom etc.). You can also load Android into the device (if you dont want to use WinMo) and use its Google Maps software from that.

After loading XDAndroid 2.0 ROM by xda-devs you can access the Apps and emulators for Android.
Just make sure to save your original OS, flash to a LITE WinMo that automatically loads Android for you by Haret.
Haret loads other OS's (eg Android) and totally kills all WinMo running tasks, so that Android OS is running natively and not emulated. Its not as convenient as dual-booting or full install into the NAND (ie the phone) but it is far better than an emulation.
Also make sure the copy of Android includes a "custom made" 3D graphics driver which couple dev's built from scratch (since QLCM drivers are licensed)

All emulators should work and at full speed (otherwise at decent speed) without overclocking, with sound and no frameskip ....except DOSBOX, N64, Dreamcast and upwards (which is too slow/just unplayable).

So once optimized these ports give you a vast repertoire of titles; which is reflective of N900's possibilities -less N64 emulation.

If you don't like Android or don't wanna mess with the flash NAND you can use emulators built for WinMo.

Like here is the PSX emulator and SNES emulator for WinMo.

I must chime in. The n95, n96, e63 or basically apparently the phones that have been mentioned do not have 3g for tmoile. You have to look for *** 1700/2100. Not there? No T-Mobile 3g. You best bet is to look for the behold 2 or try and buy a used Hd2. Most phones from Nokia do nit have T-Mobile 3g. Buyer beware.

P.S. Typed from Nexus One

Can't you get a free HTC Desire/Nexus One if you're signing up to a new contract?

Nexus One isn't free with a new contract. It is cheaper but not free

The Nexus One is not free. It is $180 for new customers. $280 for current members. Google.com/phone

I thought they'd reformed in the states to be more like Europe (free phone, with minimum contract lock in period, e.g. 18 months)?

Well anyway, $180 plus whatever a month sucks a bit! Oh well.