As far as I know Linus wanted a phone with good navigation capabilities and chose the Nexus One.

Quite franlky I think he made the right choice. If navigation was an important factor I probably would choose it too.

However, my requirement was an open-source flexible mini computer then phone functionality - I chose the n900.

If we talk about "Linux" as in GNU/Linux then the Nexus One does not meet that definition

Then n900 meets this definition because it includes the glibc libraries and as a result porting existing GNU tools and other linux-based programs are much easier.

Android phones do not include any glibc libraries (I think a port of some kind is in progress) so GNU/linux programs in general will not appear in Android any time soon.

Like I said Linus's requirements for navigation was important to him and he made the right decision. Android phones are obviously closely-integrated to Google services and fill that requirement.

I know that there is work underway to bring decent navigation to the n900 but it is available now for android.

For me the n900 is about flexibility and control. If Nokia completely ignored the n900 and ceases development - I can still use the n900 for years to come - it's easier to write or convert software for the n900 than it is for android-based phones.

Give Linus a break!

He is exercising his right to free choice. If it was up to certain other companies that choice will be taken away from you.

Richard Stallman started this "GNU free software" malarky and I know he is "a bit wierd" but without the GNU license things would be very different.