shanrizvi you make some good points:

I think there is a case for a device like N900 to have two modes - one for the 'mass market/everyday user who seem to favour sexy transitions and will only make limited demands of their device, and one for 'advanced/multitasking' use. The ability to switch between modes at the flick of a switch (so to speak) would only enhance the appeal of a device across market segments; one hardware package, multiple sales opportunities.

I'd be interested to hear how jailbroken iPhones perform - anyone have any experience to share?

Your other points about, shall we say, entrenched positions and opinions on Maemo OS and comparisons with other devices are equally sound. MOST people will compare N900-type devices to iPhone, BB and Android because they consider them to be PHONES first and foremost. We have to get over this bug up our collective backsides...

All this 'it's an IT with phone functionality' is sounding as lame as the iPhone antenna excuse. N900 is sold as a PHONE in MOBILE PHONE shops. It's listed on Nokia's website with their other PHONES and is critically reviewed across all media as a MOBILE PHONE.

That said, I find it to be a pretty damn good 'phone. Desktop dialing icons, apps and widgets like K9 Call, MyContacts and Horizontal Call add functionality way beyond other devices. My (iPhone) friends are amazed that I can play back all old calls (Recaller) and are impressed by how easy it is to find contacts and select media.

To get back on message, the concept of a dual-mode device is appealing to everyone by its very definition - but I think that may be a whole new concept for a future device.