Agreed. Considering that Maemo is being groomed for mass-appeal, it may attract software companies that fill gaps that OS hasn't.

In an interesting twist, the software companies may start considering cross-platform libraries like QT more seriously when building their apps as they have more exposure to them. It could be a significant boon to linux in general. Instead of having polarity between all-closed and all-open, you have a system that marries the two and lets the users/market decided what it wants.

In addition, the added popularity may attract more 'hackers' to the system. This seems to be the case with the iPhone even considering how closed it is. I suspect many developers would have field-day with an open, pocketable linux computer.

<offtopic>
By the way, I tried browsing the web on the N810. ZOMG. Amazing. Easily better than the iPhone -- no competition IMO. It really is the 'full web in your pocket'. If I didn't feel that the N900 was around the corner, I would totally buy an N810 tomorrow.
</offtopic>


In the end, I believe it adds choice, which could be a potentially great thing. It doesn't mean in any way that OSS has to be stifled.

There's beauty in the grey.


}:^)~
YARR!

ZOMG Corrupt