Nokia today announced new N900 handset that uses open source Linux based Maemo software to deliver PC-like experience on a handset-sized device. The new Maemo 5 software allows users to have dozens of application windows open and running simultaneously while taking full advantage of the cellular features, touchscreen and QWERTY keyboard.

“With Linux software, Mozilla-based browser technology and now also with cellular connectivity, the Nokia N900 delivers a powerful mobile experience,” says Anssi Vanjoki, Executive Vice President, Market, Nokia. “The Nokia N900 shows where we are going with Maemo and we’ll continue to work with the community to push the software forward. What we have with Maemo is something that is fusing the power of the computer, the Internet and the mobile phone, and it is great to see that it is evolving in exciting ways.”

It is also an indication that Symbian has reach its limits at least when considered for smartphones, though Nokia still insists that they will keep growing Symbian platform. Nokia will showcase the N900 at Nokia World next week and it should come to the market in October 2009. Hardware specifications of the phone are 3.5-inch touchscreen (800 x 480), 5-megapixel camera with dual LED flash, 600MHz ARM Cortex-A8 processor, 256MB RAM (plus 768MB virtual memory), 32GB internal storage, full QWERTY keyboard, quad band GSM/EDGE, tri band WCDMA, WiFi, Bluetooth, A-GPS and microSD card slot.

The N900 will support OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics, full Adobe Flash 9.4 and various audio/video formats. It will measure 4.36” x 2.35 x 0.70” and weigh 6.38 ounces. Nokia estimates that the N900 will ship for Euro 500 ($712) starting this October in selected countries. You can get more information about N900 on Nokia’s website and we have added two video below showcasing the N900 in action.