I think part of the problem is defining what the n900 is, smartphone vs MID. Personally I think it's both. But looking at the specs, is there another device that can do what the n900 does. Phone or MID.

Motorola Sholes is the nearest compeition, but it uses Android, so about 70% as efficient with programs compared to Maemo.

Android apps execute within a container known as a bite code java translator. Yes, I know it is spelled "byte", but the word "bite" seems more fitting.

The idea of competition is too broad. There are multiple levels to which current devices and platforms are competitive with Maemo 5 and the N900. Here's a small list (with the competitive areas)

The Archos Android Tablet - functionality, price, platform, web, multimedia
HTC Touch HD2 - functionality, price, platform, web
iPod Touch/iPhone - functionality, platform, multimedia, web, (price depending on region)
Nokia N97 - functionality, price, platform, web, multimedia
Palm Pre - platform, web
SE Xperia X2 - marketing, platform
Garmin nuvifone G60 - functionality
Asus/Acer/Dell/HP netbooks - functionality, platform, web

You can throw a ton of others in there. But again, competition happens on more than just raw numbers given by specs. Nokia cannot even make a product for sale until identifying these types of areas (in better detail than I have here). If this is a conversation to be had, we'd be better - for the community's sake - in making sure that we are realistic towards this topic, rather than fanboyish.

Truthfully I think the java translator for Android is amazing, but there is only so much you can polish a turd and Java just doesnt run stuff well. I mean its fine for my actual job, but not my personal toys

The Samsung Moment is a possibility. It runs standard Android. It's not 1GHz but it is 800MHz and will be available on November 1 and will cost $180 with a two-year contract.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/17337...tk=rss_reviews

I can only speak about what devices currently compete with the N900 for my money.

My issues with the N900:
Maemo does not have a huge marketshare so relies upon a relatively small, extremely talented userbase.
What will battery life be?
T-mobile's signal in my college.

Competition:
I would be sorely tempted by powerful device running android with a qwerty keyboard. As of right now I'm interested in the HTC dragon, the Xperia X3. I know that they do not necessarily have a qwerty keyboard but I am still tempted and their lack is one of the reasons I'm probably buying an n9mm. I would be interested in the Archos phone tablet, except I fear it will have poor battery and be very large. I refuse to use windows mobile when open source android and maemo are alternatives.

So: if the venerable HTC come out with an impressive android device with either snapdragon or Tegra and a weety keyboard and a battery powerful enough to handle it all and US3G then I'm on board for sure. Samsung has a rumored Tegra android in the works but I am not convinced.

I believe that if the N900 has good enough battery life, then I will by one regardless,a nd I will probably purchase an android device and decide between the two when android's hardware meets my demands.

I am really excited for the possibilities of maemo, I just wish it had more devices!

On that note: will the N900 run maemo 6?


Competitors

edit: phone double post sorry

It's been announced at the Maemo Summit today that Maemo 6 will feature multi-touch with a capacitive touchscreen.

So even if a way can be found to run Maemo 6 on the N900, it won't give you the full experience.

It's more if they do any bugfixes and Nokia pulls one of those "fixed in freemantle" stunts meaning if your using Diablo, your screwed on that bug.

Though I wonder, any news on when we can expect Maemo 6 and the Maemo 6 device?

I kind of prefer a sensitive resistive screen, since capacitive to me is too sensitive. Strange I am.