But it isn't open source!

Just adding another pointless comparison.

iPhone:
Darwin kernel originated from BSD is a true Unix.

N900:
Linux kernel is a Unix-like implementation from scratch. Not a true Unix.

But Nokia will accept contributions if it replaces a feature they have developed?

That's irrelevant. As long as you can replace/improve it yourself, it's just a convenience question.

Both OSs are not officially POSIX compatible, but conform in large part, and interestingly neither is listed as compliant with Single Unix Specification. So which one is true UNIX then?

Besides, iPhone OS is based on XNU kernel, which in turn was based on Mach microkernel. Whatever was not implemented by Mach was taken from BSD.

No tryng to douse your N900 fervour here... but I think not owning and extensively using an iPhone and writing a comparative review based on feature lists is not really a way to convince people.

First of all you have to be convinced - strictly on the merits itself - not on any hatred or fanboyism - and that can only be done if you have used the device itself. You obviously haven't used both the iPhone and the N900.

And secondly why do you keep bringing up the iPhone meme whenever the merits of the N810 or N900 are discussed, yet you keep bashing the iPhone also in each thread on founded and unfounded grounds ?

Seems like a strange love-hate relationship

Best thing to do in technology world is to discuss the N900 strictly on its own terms - not on the iPhone terms or any other device's terms.

I'll wait till Maemo is based on Gnu/Hurd

If you're not interested in the subject don't reply with noise. This way you respect those who are interested in the subject.

Only certain versions of Mac OS X 10.5.0 are UNIX (r) (tm).

However, you can use a stylus on the iPhone which resembles a finger.

At what performance cost though.

OTOH the iPhone OSK has good quality. Its interesting to note why the G1 with Android dropped keyboard.

Easily solved with jailbreak. Will Maemo 5 have equivelant of push notifications?

Idem dito, and Mobile Safari ad blocker costs 2 EUR or sth.

Those are just maps. Google Maps does not come with preloaded maps, but there are now 3rd party applications which come with offline maps. For voice guided turn by turn navigation on either device you have to pay a subscription. No matter if its TomTom or Ovi Maps, it will cost money.

Something like this is possible on iPhone with jailbreak.

With jailbreak you can make the iPhone's default interface more informative but by default you're right. This does give a peace of mind when you start though.

Agreed, good point, this would be something I'd have expected from Mac OS X and Apple.

Which PDF reader is being embedded here? Often holes are found in PDF readers.

Now some advantages of the iPhone 3GS:
1) Hype / trend.
2) Market penetration.
3) 'iPhone' always refers to latest device.
4) Big developer base.
5) Big user base.
6) iTunes integration, more known that Ovi.
7) Champion in UI consistency

And for N900:
1) Nokia brand recognition.
2) No childish App Store reviewing. Nokia doesn't have the name to censor and protect stuff like Apple does.
3) A clear, new path from Nokia.
4) Like you said the 32 GB flash on board with microSD slot is a huge advantage. Its pathetic the difference between devices price is only one feature: on-board flash size.
5) Many people own iPhone 3G instead of iPhone 3GS. The iPhone 3GS is not a big upgrade compared to iPhone 3G, while the N900 will provide far better performance than iPhone 3G.

Well, in that case you'll be waiting for a loooong, long time...