Android without GMS is definitely an option, to me it has following advs: - Lower the overall cost as there will be almost no front work - Easier warranty management and law requirement as all the basic function works by default (with Android) - Lower maintanance cost If there is not enough upfront funding this will be a good option. However, the initial idea is to have a "powered by Maemo" device, as a successor to N900/Neo900 and this is against original intention...