That's OS2008, a free upgrade for the N800 in a few weeks from now.

I am also torn between these two devices. I am wanting something for music, but the ability to check the internet as well is a definate bonus. Currently, I'm leaning towards the Touch due to it being "user-friendly" and a focus on music, but the N810 does look promising and more versatile. Just wish I could find it (or the N800) in store for a hands on trial.

How is music playback on the Nokia, as compared to the iPod? If it is close to comparable, perhaps I should try it out.

I seriously hope you would buy the n800. Due to nokia's lacklustre advertising people think it is inferior to the touch. Of course if you buy one internet tablet you would never go back. Its just that starting step. You will know what i am talking after you take the plunge.

Could sound silly, but for me the external speakers (BTW excellent for the size!) are a plus too, mainly because I use the N800 as a portable internet radio around the house.

It seems like I picked a fine time to become interesting. I guess I entered the game here at a pretty hot time. I was under the impression the 810 was out, but I suppose not. I checked some sites and I can't find it for sale really. I've read it's expected to sell at 480...any chance of it being just a tad cheaper? I mean, built in GPS is a definite plus and probably worth the extra couple hundred bucks, and it definitely looks more portable and slick to boot, but then it kind of crosses into notebook territory in terms of pricing. It's beginning to seem that Waiting and saving a little extra for the 810 might be worth it.

imho if your friend is like my wife- go with the ipod touch... ie i am her tech support - she just wants it to work w/no futzing and ipod is definitely that if your friend is a futzer go with the n800

seriously they are different products designed for different purchasers- it just so happens that they do some of the same things

the ipod touch is an ipod that can do some surfing
the n800 is an internet tablet that can play music

the itunes store and it's ability to interact w/ the ipod is *the killer app*

my wife has the ipod touch
i have the 770 and now the n810

I was on this same search just a month ago...after reading & researching (&watching thoughtfix's n810 giveaway contest) I'm going with the n810 over the touch....the open source & 3rd party apps just kill the touch...especially skype & bluetooth... currently the touch is just to closed!

Now just trying to figure how to get a cheaper n810 without giving up my ss#

The other thing I was considering was the ipod touch & current jailbreak apps that are available that would free the touch from all the "rules" that govern it, but it seems to currently be a cat-n-mouse game, that I don't want to play with apple...Also you could still not be able to use a mic for VOIP & internet calling

Does anyone know when the 810 officially releases? I tried searching the nokia site, but I could not find a date.

They are kind of leaking out slowly... someone wrote that they are available at the Nokia store in New York and Chicago(?). Sorry, I didn't pay a lot of attention since I'm not shopping. But Nokia has said they are in the distribution channels and a couple of people mentioned today they saw online sites are starting to show stock.

There are several threads with info about release dates and availability, so try a search.