When I had similar problems with applets in OS2007, the maemo developers recommended I disable all third party applets. In their experience, it's usually third party applets that crash the desktop. If such action fixes the problem for you, you could then re-enable one applet at a time until the crashing presents itself again.

Uninstalling the applets is not necessary. You need only disable them.

If you can identify the problem applet, then you may be able to help its developer by creating a directory named "core-dumps" in the root directory of the memory card you have in your tablet's external slot. If that directory exists, your tablet will, well, dump core files there. Do note that you may need to clean the directory out periodically.

The maemo developers won't be interested in your core files unless you're able to establish that it's one of their applets that's causing the problem. If it is though, create a bug report in maemo bugzilla. I expect they'll be eager to investigate and fix the issue.