I just don't get why people think a N900 is so hard to use as a phone, at least not compared to similar touch-screen units. Comparisons to dumb phones aren't fair. I think it works better than the G1 it replaced.

Iuse use it for my only personal phone (no land line) and primary business phone. 15-20 calls a day, about 2000 minutes a month. No problem.

Wonder if my proximity sensor is defective... turns on to answer screen when not near my face.

I use it as a phone, but I don't use any phone that much. It's part of the reason I love the device--that it does have a phone within, but isn't really one. But now I don't have to carry a phone anymore.
And if you read the product pages for the device Nokia hardly ever uses the word 'phone'; it's a mobile computer.
Sounds like the OP is more a phone user than I, and perhaps isn't a good fit for the device. But what I have used of it, only the too-low call volume is a bother.

primary phone. best phone ever. does lack functionality but im fine with that till the updates.

use as a phone with no problems- but i lock it.

I am using it as a PMP device mainly, but it seems you need to get rid of those "skinny jeans" and get some comfort fit pants.

ps...he shouldn't need a case. A phone shouldn't answer while you're picking it up. Also, check the features. Can't you select, "press this to answer" or something like that?

Yeah, lock the phone and you shouldn't have issues.

Yes - it's my phone. I only use one phone at a time, otherwise my life gets too complicated.

There have been a couple of times when it flipped landscape/portrait on me - but, by and large, it works well as a phone for me.

A better call log would be good - but that's far and away balanced by the smooth integration of Skype and "ordinary" phone.

It's also my handheld browser/communications device - moving to being a handheld desktop/laptop. Nice package.

I use it as a Skype phone. Only got a data plan through T-mobile so its a VoIP handset for me. Never hand any issues using it with Google Voice and Skype other than I get the occasional random incoming Skype call with no one on the other side.

My primary phone and it works for me. I keep it locked when I am carrying it though.

It works well as a phone for me. Although I use other features much more often.