I found this article a fascinating read:

http://www.quirksmode.org/blog/archi...c_usabili.html

Yes, obviously I am happy that the guy found the N900 easier to use than all the other phones, but I think it does help lay to rest this idea that the N900 is only for geeks, hackers and developers.

I know ultimately the iphone has a more accessible UI than the N900, but I don't think it is as unwieldy and confusing as some reviews suggest. My wife has used it on several occasions and she isn't a very techy person, but it didn't take her long to work out how to navigate around and when she didn't know she asked me and she quickly learned how to do the thing she wanted to do.

What have been your experiences when other people play with the N900? And how user-friendly or counter-intuitive do you find the Maemo UI? For example I still find navigating between the homescreens, task manager and app menu a little confusing despite knowing what I'm supposed to do.

Put app manager and task manager on desktop as shortcuts..that'll solve the problem. Or install "MYMENU." It'll help categorize items in their own respective category....so u don't have to scroll everywhere looking for an item.

This test was mainly on the web-browser (which is excellent and as close to desktop as you're going to get)

It did not compare the rest of the device for calls, emails, apps, daily use etc

And this article was already discussed.

I am honestly so tire of article comparing ipphone to this or to that....a dumb-down device or one that give users ability to do almost anything they want right out of the box. Don't need to ask which one we at maemo here prefer.

Hmmmm the iPhone was "tested" last after gaining knowledge and experience of touchscreens beforehand. How would it have fared with no instructions and the first to be "tested" ?