Wait... where are you guys getting these $200 N900's? Link me, I need a new travel phone.

I'm horrible at these things. But here's my take.

If you're out for something just right now, I'd say go SGS2 then go and flash a custom ROM on top of it to obtain root and have access to a set up apps, utilities that fall short in terms of being a full-blown Linux but can do terminal, SSH et al. Matters on your usage.

If you're out for something down the line, then I'd say wait for the next crop of phones to come out. There's a few that will have quad core, blah blah... but it's really down to build, the OS being updated to the upcoming levels - Jelly Bean is next after Ice Cream Sandwich.

Notice that I'm shifting over to Android. iOS doesn't give you control like we TMO'ers tend to like. Android isn't Linux/Unix - we've heard those arguments before but at least manufacturers are supporting it still. Can't say the same for Maemo/MeeGo. And I have no reason to believe that Tizen will be different.

SGS2 for now. HTC One X also has my attention. SGS3 is rumored to be announced next month. Those are the ones I'd say be aware of for the next 30 days.

btw... whatever happened to your N9 body swap?