I am in the line of considering N97 too and with some deep research and discussion about it, the latest firmware fixed up some of the obvious issues.

Frankly speaking, a smart phone defined as a bit of everything phone. If you prefer to have good camera features, SonyEricsson is what you should seek. N97 built and designed with connectivity in mind while not loosing all the todays functions.

Dropping a phone is depends on how high is the fall. If its <30cm fall then the damage wont be severe except for some scratches or dents around with possibility of cracks. If fall >30cm then you have to be ready for some parts replacements.

N97 from my readings of user experience, some of them dropped the phone accidentally and no one have yet to face any side effect from the drop.

Also something you have yet to figure out, N97 uses the very latest Symbian build which leads to slow third party app development. It will be on track in a few months.

Small fingers fits in N97 qwerty keypad very well.

N97 compared to Samsung Omnia II and i would say Samsung ones fits you better. N97 is more towards productivity while Omnia II is towards functionality.

I have seen and tried N97 before but have yet to put my hands on Omnia II.

Have to agree that white is a better option. Do note that N97 surface is glossy so its prone to capture oily finger prints and virtually anything else that would give stains.

Also, invest some screen protector for the phone too