I don't think Android or even iOS have better apps than the N900. They have more apps, a lot more, but not better.

In terms of apps and functionality, whatever the iOS/Android phones can do, N900 can as well, it has the same or similar apps that allow it to perform any and all functions that iOS/Android phones do via apps. Plus the N900 has way more/better hardware. And that is a fact.

I can't think of anything that my iPhone can do which my N900 can't in terms of apps and functionality/features.

So really, to say Android or iOS is better than maemo is more a matter of preferance rather than actual functionality.

And Android is just a knock off iOS skin, both OS's look so similar. I personally would take iOS over any lame Android phone. And would prefer maemo over iOS. So like I said, in terms of smartphone functionality, there isn't anything they can do which N900 can't. It therefore comes down to preferance.

But hang on a minute. What about the things that N900 can do which iOS/Android can't..

Well for most users its all about the apps, so for the sake of the OPs arguement, I'll just focus on apps..


Bluemaemo: Control PS3, functions as a PS3 controller, media remote, keyboard and mouse all in one single small device, rather than 4 separate ones.

This is not just limited to PS3, it can control alot of devices this way through bluetooth such as your PC and also other smartphones or bluetooth systems.

Android/iOS don't have an app like this that offers so much versatility and functionality, and they probably never will. I actually like the iOS but facts are facts.


Apple Raemote: App that acts like an apple media remote for iMacs, Macbooks etc. Need I say more? Simple and easy to use by anyone.

iOS could do this but not as well as the N900. Android will never have such an app.


VNC Viewer: Allows remote connection to your PC/Laptop and whatever else. You can view whats on the connected device's screen and control it fully using your N900 screen. Touch friendly.


Qtirreco: Control almost any TV, amplifier, home cinema system, set top box via this app using remote functionality through built in infra red port/transmitter. Works with everything I have at home, old and new.

This combined with bluemaemo, vnc viewer and appleraemote make the N900 a media beast, not a media centre but a media universe. As it can control 100s of devices all from this one device, while you sit on your ***.

iOS and Android will never gain such functionality no matter how many apps they get on their store.


PS1 and Nintendo DS Emulators: Let me play all of my final fantasy games (1-9) on the Nokia N900. With tv-out cable I can connect to my home cinema system and play these retro games with theatre quality full HD surround sound. I can also do this with my PS3 fair enough, but what other phone can do this other than N900?

iOS and Android will never have this possibility.

QueenBeecon Widgets: Allows you to create yur own customizable widgets and shortcuts. You can create HTC style weather clock, cpu frequency changers, monitor data usage, cpu temperature, ip address or just create simple shortcuts to launch apps such as the phone app.

You can use your own icons for further customization of widgets/shortcuts, change their sizes, use custom font and change font color/sizes. Choose what to display and where to display it. The possiblities are endless.

iOS/Android will never have this.


OpenSSH: Allows access to N900 root folders using this app. You can use this to completely change the look of your entire operating system, from icons, to widgets, from window colours and appearence, right down to the bootscreens and welcome logos.

In short this app allows the Nokia N900 to be the most customizable phone in the market today. And this offers true personalization, whereas other phones would just offer various themes that just put a skin over the entire device. N900 allows you to access and change each and every individual aspect of it, you can even mix and match should you wish! Like I have done, with my pimped out Awoken Fusion theme, custom iOS icons, N series original notifications, M4rina D4rk calendar and HTC style widgets. That's 5 different themes fused in one.

I wonder if iOS 5 discovers widgets and Android can only dream of the above personalization options.


Custom Firmware: Allowing me to give 8GB of allocated space for apps, rather than the standard 2GB. I can change this size any time I flash and I don't even need to 'jailbreak' to do it. Possible to just simply make 1 quick edit to the original firmware and then flash.

Not to mention Preenv allowing me to have 55+ WebOS games to take up most of that 8GB app space lol..

Theseare just a few of the apps unique to the N900/maemo, I have listed my favourite ones. I am sure other users can add a lot more!


The simple fact is in terms of functionality and apps, the N900 can do everything the iOS/Android and other smartphones can do, plus a whole lot more.

So it really comes down to a matter of preferance. Gimme an N900 successor with all of the above + 8-12MP camera and I am interested, otherwise I will be holding onto my N900 long after I have replaced my iPhone 4's, 5's and 6's.