The problem with other messenger solution is that the input is pretty crappy (from t9 to resistive stylus tapping to sliding/flipping keyboard) really put off any chatting solution (sms still ok just because short direct messaging, not extended chatting)

The fact that palm can compete with other phone is because of their form factor, but without improvization and proper target market and a device that can be used in gsm/3g/hdspa unlocked form, nobody can/will adopt it

E71 become worlds best selling phone because of their form factor and quality of design and proper basic function which copies bb excellent form factor and yet still missing bb push and corporate integration.

Not sure how N900 fits this though, I feel like N900 really is just an internet tablet (a good one, great if only they bring ovi map 3.0, flash 10 and better battery life hehehe ) with phone function.

Is the same as Iphone, which is the greatest ipod (and PMP) with phone functionality. But then Apple open its app store and everything changes. Now it becomes the phone/smartphone/gadget to beat.

After reading various replies it seems that N900 do replace your previous gadget together with it flaws. People choose it because they believe in the potential and to be different, not because their previous gadget can't satisfy the need of the owner.

I just wonder how many people choose N900 because of the flash and multitask ? which all other gadget can't do (well unless you get a netbook, but that won't fit your pocket and a whole different category :P). Or am I missing important apps/capabilities that N900 have but i'm not familiar with?

Xterminal/ssh/customization are all great, but that does not add value to average people other than just to be different/showing off, or maybe it just me that missing the real functionality that maemo offers (real office app maybe? But do you really work on office document with N900? or is it just another "thing" what i can do and your gadget can't do). Can someone enlight me ?

Thank you