I am typing on my n900 currently, so forgive my brevity.
I just found a shocking ability that the n900 has hiding under its hood:
A root file browser that is installed by default and allows you to read any sytem file (text ones obviously) without installing "sudo gainroot" or typing in any password. Shockingly enough, its the web browser. I can see the doubt in your eyes, but open a new web browser window and open this address:
file:///
you are now looking at the n900's root directory. At the top is a button for showing hidden files. You can open any file and read it's contents, no editing obiously, but still. It's much nicer than cd - ls ing your way arround and you need sudo gainroot for that.

By the way, after typing this, I have come to the conclusion that the way to type fast on a n900 it to use the stylus and the virtual keyboard.

Wild_Doogy