Though I'm most familiar with and so prefer using rpms, and I don't see where one package system has a significant technical advantage over the other, I can understand how longtime Debian-flavor users might feel upset. It's kinda like having to buy a Nissan when you've always had Toyotas.

All I can really say to that is...Fear not! It's just not a big deal. I have no problem switching between the 2 systems. You won't either.

The only significant technical problem I've seen expressed is ARM-compatible rpms or the lack thereof. A legitimate concern I suppose. But I think people here aren't taking into consideration the truly massive effort a combined Nokia/Intel/Linux Foundation coalition could throw at the problem. A concentrated attack by those forces could wipe that out pretty quickly. They could get a whole lotta compilin' goin' on in a hurry. End of problem. And no doubt Nokia & their new friends already have a plan of action in place to do just that.

So relax, enjoy your N900s and smile. This is gonna get good! Soon we'll all look even more brilliant than we already did for choosing Maemo over those Brand X OSs.