Nokia :: How Reliable Is N900 As A Phone First - Mobile Computer Second

I've been deciding lately on whether or not I want to make the final push to the N900, but can't fully decide.I've been looking particularly for phones that are able to run on the T-Mobile's USA 3G network, 1700, yet at the same time have a slide out qwerty keyboard. After months of deciding and debating, I still can't fully decide on where I'd like to be exactly as I've gotten so many mixed reviews from both sides, in terms of user experience.

For example, some of the flaws I hear for the N900 are - it's mainly built as an internet tablet, not a phone, so don't expect to be able to rely on it fully. I don't know how stable the N900 is as of right now, but I'm hoping to hear good things about it. Part of the biggest gripe to which I have with my current phone, is that being touch screen only, it locks up or lags occasionally when I want to make a phone call or send a text message - and that's something I'm hoping dearly, dearly to avoid when I purchase a new phone. As for apps and things similar, I don't expect much and I don't need much as well. Having used an Android/Apple phone in the past, I didn't find myself downloading apps constantly. Instead, I found myself deleting them more, being content with the few that I had.

Another thing that I've heard about the N900 is that there is no portrait mode, yet from everyone that I've talked to, they've said that it's most likely something that's going to be on the way. That's something that I'm a bit curious to as well, since I have not gotten any real, definitive answers that can firmly state that this is true. Everything that I've heard so far only sounds like it's the conclusion of the typical rumor and speculation.

To sum it all up, by purchasing the N900 I'm hoping to experience a stable OS, which means stable phone capabilities along with internet browsing. I've been eyeing the Nexus One for quite a while now considering it's 1GHz Snapdragon processor, but the issues with the bottom screen buttons and lack of physical keypads have kept me on the edge. I do understand that Nokia also has a new phone coming out sometime soon which is suppose to redesign the way Symbian is, so my options are open. What I'd like to know from you N900 users, however, is do you think the N900 lives up to the standards? Or should I just wait and look elsewhere?

For those that believe that I should be looking for a "real" phone instead; my current phone that runs Android was designed to do so, yet I find myself browsing the web, etc., more than I do making phone calls. I'd like to elaborate more within this area, but forgive me as it's late right now and the detail are slipping my mind. I'd be more than happy to provide more tomorrow morning.

i appreciate all the time and honest feedback you contribute to this, and forgive me if I sound a bit demanding or others as it is 4AM where I am now, and I am trying to put all my thoughts down, straight to the point. I am choosing to write this now because I am in dire need of a new phone soon, since the one that I have right now is purely and currently unreliable in terms of making phone calls performance wise (lag, long delays, etc.) .Anything else you would like to add in terms of what you think may help benefit me in a decision will also be gladly appreciated.

Previously owned phones: N73, N81, N82, N95, E71