Google’s Android has overtaken Symbian as the smart phone platform leader according to research firm Canalys. Shipments of Android-based smart phones reached 32.9 million in Q4 2010, while devices running Nokia’s Symbian platform trailed slightly at 31.0 million worldwide. While this is certainly bad news, Nokia remains the leading vendor. This reports tells us the total shipments of Android devices from LG, Samsung, Motorola, HTC, and others combined just slightly beat Nokia.

Phone Arena got their hands on a prototype Nokia E7 and just published their preview. They were thrilled by it’s fantastic design, rock solid construction, and its choice of premium materials. However, they were put off the OS. They felt it was too uninspiring when compared to other modern rivals. There’s a video with the preview for those who don’t like to read.

Nokia recently created @NokiaCareUS to help North American users on Twitter with support questions. The account also has Nokia experts tweeting tips everyday. I thought getting customer support through 140 characters was interesting, so I sent a few questions to Sean Valderas, the Customer Care Manager at Nokia. Have a look at the responses.

Get ready to be jealous! Despite all the talks about delaying the Nokia E7, the first unboxing video made it to Youtube thanks to user Franksyed. He said he got it from forum.nokia.com. I’m still searching the site to see how I can get it, too. In addition to the package contents, we see the Nokia E7 next to the vintage Nokia E90 communicator.

A Nokia spokesperson told The Inquirer that the company expects to release the Nokia E7 in Q1, but it could be Q2 before the UK actually gets it. That most likely means Nokia will ship towards the end of Q1 (March 31st). The Nokia E7 was originally planned for Q4 2010, but was pushed back to “ensure the best possible user experience.”