From the developer's point of view, it's notable that you can now use the Qt framework to program cross-platform apps for Maemo and Symbian phones as well as for Windows, Mac and Linux desktops. And with the support for web technologies in Qt, this means Web developers can create native apps using mostly HTML, CSS, Javascript, SVG etc. http://qt.nokia.com/
(Edit: replying here because of the reply limit: I Right, Qt is supported on Maemo 5, will be default on Maemo 6. II Indeed, and Nokia will support Python for Qt development too.)
Yes Maemo 5 is mainly gtk based. But nokia announced they will switch to Qt for Maemo Harmattan. It is only logical after they acquired Trolltech in early 2008.
Biggest additions I see here are the additional memory, cellular connectivity, and rear facing camera. The limited memory made multimedia application development a challenge on the N810, and the front facing camera was rather useless for photo taking. Now this will truly be a use-anywhere, do-anything mobile computing platform. Looking forward to developing on it.
Battery life was always a problem on the N810 with constant connectivity. We'll see how it holds up on the N900.
I see. For 3G data, I've found tethering to be good this far. I'm eager to see how built-in (versus Bluetooth) data affects the battery runtime. (Edit: replying here because of the reply limit: The previous Nokia internet tablets (770, N800, N810) can tether with any phone that supports the standard Bluetooth DUN profile.)
IMHO 500 euros is reasonable considering that this is almost a computer in your pocket with real control for the user. It is my guess that an iphone 3GS would cost more than this without a contract and the device looks good as the iphone.
One reason might be that the Samsung has 8 GB storage, the Nokia has 32 GB. The Samsung has 320x480 pixels, the Nokia has 800x480. The Nokia also has OpenGL for Exposé-like task switching etc.
Rumors and FCC documents suggest that the N900 will be available in USA with T-Mobile's 3G frequencies. Nokia probably wouldn't go through the effort of building a special version for T-Mobile US unless they have a deal in place that the device will be subsidised by the carrier.
So there's a fair chance that this will be available in the US for considerably less than 500 euros (my guess for the T-M price would be $199, but who knows?).
Remember, this is what you pay without a contract. I don't think it's much for a phone (or rather, a full handheld Linux computer) with these specs (32 GB storage, 800x480 display, 5MP camera...). If you prefer to pay it monthly in your contract with a network operator, let's hope there'll be good deals.
(Edit: replying here because of the reply limit: I Right, Qt is supported on Maemo 5, will be default on Maemo 6. II Indeed, and Nokia will support Python for Qt development too.)