kingka: I can take a generic desktop computer and attempt to install Windows XP. Most of the time, XP will not have any of the drivers, including the network card drivers, so it will be dead in the water until you can find the CD that came with the motherboard or you get the drivers over the Internet on another computer and then bring them over on a CD or USB stick. Ubuntu just works, right off the install CD. I can also install Ubuntu to a USB key with no hassles. Try that with Windows.

Also, I have a working MSN account on my tablet (and ICQ, Google Talk, Gizmo, AIM, link local, etc), integrated into the tablet's built-in chat system. When someone sends me a message, I get a bloop and my LED blinks... Yes you have to hack around a bit, but that's because MSN doesn't come pre-installed. Quite a few people have managed to get it installed without too many headaches.

chatbox: The N8x0 plays MP3s and DivX videos as well as most of the inexpensive video PMPs out there. The difference is that they don't do anything else, while the N8x0s let you download and watch all your favorite Rick Astley videos from YouTube, stream Internet radio, etc, etc.

deeteroderdas: I was a sysop of a C64 BBS in the late 80s. Ah yes, back in the days when almost everyone in the forum was within the same telephone area code.