Now it’s not really a secret that most US based tech sites have looked down upon Nokia for the past several years (Gizmodo refusing to review the N8, Engadget jumping at any chance to lash out against Nokia phones or the company), but as of now it seems that all of that is water under the bridge. Even-though there isn’t a single carrier-available ‘New Nokia’ in the US yet everyone seems to be fawning about it’s bold, sexy attitude and looks, it’s been given a complete revival after what most people assumed was the end.

Take a hop on over to any US tech site, you’d be hard pressed to find someone not applauding the new designs and strategies regarding the N9 and the Lumia 800; you can see that everything has changed, there’s no more intentional malice, no more digging deep for flaws in fact it would seem that they want to like the new devices rather than looking for a reason to hate them (and Nokia certainly hasn’t made it difficult for people to join the band-wagon).

Just by reading the gift guide itself you can notice a change in tone towards Nokia, no longer is being different a bad thing, it’s a pro when it comes to the N9 :

If you’re looking for something different — you know, that’s not Android or Samsung — have we got a choice for you. It’s the N9, and dare we say you’ll be the only one amongst your friends or family with a phone running MeeGo. The handset itself is one of the most lust-worthy slabs of engineering we’ve ever come across, which packs a beautiful display and excellent camera. We think you’ll be impressed with the battery life, too. What’s best, this unlocked phone features pentaband 3G support along with quadband GSM. MeeGo may be going the way of the dinosaur, but you can be sure the N9 will have your back.

Short version of the story is that the winds are changing, Nokia seems to have survived the long hurdle that of trying to make it’s way into the US market and more importantly into their Hearts. How deeply into their hearts remains to be seen once the Lumia 710 hit’s T-Mobile, although that’s small beans compared to what goes down after CES ’12, with the promise of a LTE WP coming to US shores and all this talk of of Champagne and 900s.

Nokia the time is now! The US market is ready for you waiting to celebrate- just bring the champagne (see what I did there?).

* Obviously the 800 isn’t available in the US yet, which is probably why it wasn’t on the list.

I met the great Steve Litchfield in London last month at the London Go Play event, sharing hands on with the upcoming N95 8GB.

He’s put the King Pins of the 8GB Mobile phones against each other, but who wins out?

I’m excited about the iPhone, I still haven’t touched one or even seen one in person. (And I won’t till they come here in November . . . unless someone at the upcoming Nokia event at LA brings one )

Personally, the iPhone as my main phone would be out of the question. I’m more of a heavy smartphone user who wants the extra bells and whistles the N95/N95 8GB provides, like the 5mp camera, GPS and HSDPA.

The iPhone though – I bet it would be a heck of a head turner if I had that over here.

Check out Steve’s objective take on the N95 8GB vs iPhone.

“The original N95/iPhone battle may have moved onto new stomping grounds, but it’s still a battle royal. Between strength and subtlety, between functions and form, between features and ease of use. Both devices are either aimed at totally different markets or aimed at the same market, depending on who you talk to. But the fact remains that the Nokia N95 8GB and Apple iPhone are the two most desirable smart devices anyone will be able to own this Christmas. “

Ooh Christmas! Not including 19-09-07 there are 97 days left – that’s approx 96 shopping days remaining. Anyone planning to splash out on either one of these devices for such an occasion? Maybe for yourself or a very lucky someone? *Starts writing my letter to Santa*

- AllAboutSymbian