I like the open-endedness of the N900's Maemo architecture. If you want to run web-based apps, you can install a web server and php or ruby on rails or whatever you want... right on your device! The N800s have already shown me that they can run Java applets, including graphical ones, using OpenJDK and IcedTea. This is only going to get better as Sun focusses on embedded platforms (thanks for the link, Bundyo!)

Basically, if you want to write an app in your favorite programming language, there's a very very good chance you'll be able to compile it to run under Maemo 5. With Dalvik being ported to run under Ubuntu, we might even be able to just "apt-get install Dalvik" to run Android apps.

All of the other competing devices are walled gardens. Very pretty gardens, but with high walls. That one over there, with the big Apple tree by the gate, notice how they frisk you before entering to make sure you don't take anything they consider dangerous inside? And that one with the Robot guard; notice how the walls are glass, so it looks nice and open, but you still can't take your own stuff inside? And that tropical garden with the big Palm tree; they make you balance on a big web as you walk. Only things that can balance on that web are allowed in.

Maemo is like a meadow; sure the flowers are a bit wilder and things aren't layed out in nice, neat flowerbeds, but the meadow just keeps going and going, and there's a place for everyone. Look, over there, there's a bunch of people camped out, playing guitars by the campfire. And over there, there's a whole town built in the treetops by people who like to live up high. And there's a group over there who have built their town into the caves. All of these towns have built their own gardens, and everyone is helping to tend the flowers.

(Wow, that metaphor got out of control... )