Interesting posts so far.

For me, why Maemo instead of Android?

Hardware-wise: I already own two ARM11-type/class devices, both from Nokia, the E71 and the N800. So if I am going to buy a new one, it has to be equipped with newer hardware. That rules out almost all Android devices (except the Droid, which I can't get anyway due to Verizon).

Software-wise: something that worries me of the mobile market, is its lack of freedom compared to the PC/Desktop market.

I can go to a hardware store, buy the components I want and assemble my own computer (in fact I have assembled all computers my family and friends have). Then, I can go and install any OS I want. Be it Windows, Linux or even OS X if I feel like hacking it. If I go with Linux, I can do anything with my computer. Even with Windows, I am still free to decide what applications I want running on it. And, as time passes, I can install a newer OS without much trouble.

That doesn't happen in the mobile market. You can't build your own mobile device, because of how the components are embedded. And very often, the hardware of your device only supports the software of the manufacturer of such device (due to drivers, hardware design, form factor, limited resources of the device itself, etc).

So when you buy a mobile device, you are at the complete mercy of the manufacturer. If, let's say, Nokia decides it will not update my E71, ever, I can't install Android on it to have new features. If Apple decides they don't like an app I have installed, they can, and will wipe it from my device. If Motorola decides it will not upgrade the Droid to Android 3.0 when it comes out, then, though luck. In closed environments, hacked ROMs rarely work well (look for info on running Android 2.0 or Touch Sense in the G1).

The closest thing to the freedom I have in the desktop market is Maemo. That is why, despite being tempted by other options (HTC Touch Sense UI, I am talking to you),I am sticking to it. If I don't like something, at least the system is open enough to try and modify it. And Nokia is open enough to let people build a whole new OS (Mer) based on what was done for Maemo.

As a customer, your strongest advantage is your capacity of walking away from the manufacturer if he screws you, and they will, because the reason for the manufacturer to be is to make money out of you selling things. So one has to be very careful with lock-in and walled gardens. Too often, what is inside is not worth it.