Because the phone is not a full blown computer and people would rather have an app they can easily use rather than have to pull up the browser and deal with the website. Although I don't agree with the way the OP made his/her first post in this thread I tend to agree with them. This phone has NO apps compared to the iPhone (I came from a jailbroken one). Sure, it runs linux and is open, but there are seriously way more customizations for jailbroken iPhones than the n900. I know you're going to say the n900 is new and just to "wait" but by the time that happens the n900 will be outdated and a new gadget will be available.

Personally, I think the n900 is a step backwards from a jailbroken iPhone but I have an n900 now and I'm going to have to make the best of it.