Considering all of Finland is about the same population size as the metro area I live in (Metro Atlanta), I think this is irrelevant. Also considering Jolla's home is Finland I am sure they enjoy a pricing advantage or a sense of pride buying something made in Finland.
That being said I would really like to see an outsider come into the US and gain some marketshare.
Why do people say this is irrelevant? Clearly the small population needs to be taken into consideration, but it is still an interesting point, and could be a sign of things to come or not. Since we all like to be prepared, I think it is something of interest to us here.
I would argue success in a home market may be a necessary but insufficient precondition to "relevance" (however one defines that). They've cleared that first hurdle. And that is to be applauded, I feel.
I wasnt sure about the pricing advantage, some would say we get one for iPhones in the US but others say we are paying for it by getting locked into 2 year contracts.
That being said I would really like to see an outsider come into the US and gain some marketshare.