Nokia N900 Still NOT Released!

Ok, so pretty much everyone is reporting that the Nokia N900 has been released and is ready to be picked up in a Flagship store near you (if near you is New York, Chicago, or London). But guess what happens when you call any of those stores,

“We have no idea where people are getting their information, but we have not received so much as a tracking number for the devices arriving at our store. It is a mistake and the only thing we can do is put you on a list and we can call you when we have the N900 in stock”.

Hmmm, wonder why everyone is saying that it is released? Oh that’s right. Because Nokia said it was! Here is the Press Release they posted on Nov 18th.

Ok, so I decided to call Nokia and ask about this released/not released game they are playing.

Media Relations had me leave a message and wait for a call back. If I actually do I will be amazed.

Sales told me this:

“The phone has begun shipping out last week to those that preordered it, if you place your order now we expect you to receive your phone by the end of November.” – Nokia Rep

“Well, then what gives with the Press Release made yesterday, that is the same thing you told me last week, is there no change. What warranted the press release? Cmon, you can tell me.” – Me

“The phone has begun shipping out last week to those that preordered it, if you place your order now we expect you to receive your phone by the end of November.” – Nokia Rep

“You said that already, but thanks.” – Me

So what gives? Why the explosion of “Nokia N900 Released!” posts all over the net. Why must you torture us so?

And what about the press release? That’s awesome PR…

One more fun game they played, the Twitter for the UK Flagship Store posted a few days ago that November 19th was the day you could come get your Nokia N900 at their store then it took it down last night so its no longer there.

I’ve never seen a company have such poor PR for a product release, does anyone have any nugget of info to help shed some light as to either why this is going on and/or when the N900 will ACTUALLY be released?