Nokia's full statement on the delay:
"To ensure the best possible user experience on the Nokia E7, we have decided to begin shipping it in early 2011."
Such delays are typically the result of a minor problem in the final quality control checks. In general, a fix will be made to existing stock (at this point the E7 will have already started production) and applied to new stock.
While a delay is unfortunate, especially in the light of earlier Nokia N8 delays, it is unlikely to have a major impact on the rollout or success of the E7. Shipping dates generate a great deal of interest, but their timing usually has little impact on overall sales.
Once the first review units are available we will be bringing you a full run down on the Nokia E7-00.