Not a problem, I don't get any commission regardless of your choice.

As for "any/every" application the answer would be no. However, for popular/common/widespread applications the answer is yes.

Anyone who creates or ports an application for the NITs can make a simple one click installer and repository for it *if they want*. However for some of the more technical or beta applications being ported, they may not go through the trouble. (As it's safe to assume anyone using them can do a simple install from a package) I still think this is the exception not the rule though. Out of everything I have on my tablet, only subversion, rsync and some unix commands were installed directly from some package that I can remember.

It's important to remember that in forums you'll find a unique cross section of users also. Many are new and come to post questions and problems, as that's what the forums are good for. You certainly won't find yourself continually reflashing or with constant headaches though.

I agree. I only have 1 Linux desktop the others are all Windows Vista. Servers I manage are another story, all Linux. However, on a portable mobile device I think things are different. My mother certainly couldn't tell she was using a Linux handheld when trying my tablet this xmas. A desktop would be a different story.

Well, there is an alarm clock built into OS2008 so your covered there. There are calendar options also including Web ones like Google Calendar or applications like GPE Calendar, etc, but I don't use any of them so I'm not much help there.

As for playing music and video I think you'd be fine with either. The tradeoff is just a little less UI/sync polish on the NITs vs. less file options/smaller lower rez screen on the Apple gear.

I'm certainly not saying the Touch is a stupid piece of gear, it just didn't do enough for me to deserve its pricing or a place in my pocket. Browsing is much better on the Nokia IMO and that's something I use all the time. It also has a lot more communcation options (IM, VOIP, Skype, etc) I like the glossy simplicity of the Touch, but in the end that comes with the cost of less features and expandibility. For example I still don't think it's possible to delete a photo on the Touch itself. At least I couldn't see how to do it. It seems like everything goes through the iTunes software for managment. Except the wifi Apple iTunes store of course. Ok that was a dig.