It looks like the wait for the Nokia N900 is finally over, as Nokia CEO, Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, has told the world at large that the new tablet has started to ship from Nokia's factories this morning, so will be with us in the next week or so. This is exactly the kind of good news we were hoping for. Find out more about the Nokia N900 starting to ship after the jump...

The Nokia N900 is a 3.5-inch smartphone with touchscreen and full QWERTY keyboard that uses the Maemo 5 operating system, the first such Nokia device to use this version of the OS. A great deal of hype is surrounding the Nokia N900 as the success of this handset could see future mainstream Maemo devices being launched.

Check out our Nokia N900 hands-on

Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, Nokia Chief Executive, has stated in a press conference that the Nokia N900 has started to ship. Now, this doesn't mean you'll be able to get the device this week, as it normally takes a week or two for the devices to hit the shops but it does kind of suggest that they'll be ready for the claimed 16th November launch!

The story popped up on Reuters but the piece doesn't state where OPK made the speech. We're kind of guessing that it was the 'The Way We Live Next' event that kicked off this morning. This event is intended to showcase what Nokia will be bringing to market in the next year, as well as look at some of the thinking behind what makes Nokia the Number One mobile phone manufacturer in the world.

You can order the Nokia N900 for £499 (inc. VAT) SIM-free on the Nokia Online website. If you want to keep tabs on what's happening with the The Way We Live Next' event, then there is a Twitter feed set up by Symbianoid.

Via: Reuters