Think I know the problem, i reflashed the memory card...
it was taking ages! it was reporting 1.5Mb/sec writing

It is a class 10 memory card and it used to give 15Mb/sec, so I think the memory card is duff, which is really annoying I've not used it other than flashing meego!

It didn't report any I/O errors or anything which is extremely annoying

So I'm just about to order another one and give it another go.... pffft!