Some random thoughts on WinMo - and associated or competing devices - a few of which echo previous posts:
1) LIKE using a stylus. In fact, actually HATE using FINGERS to do Anything On The Screen. Accordingly, by default, any device that is NOT "stylus-centric" is simply out of the question.
With the Fuze it is often Convenient to use a finger to answer the phone, and occasionally to dial a number, but much of the time these are handled via bluetooth connection: look ma, no hands! (let alone fingers...)
This, of course, is not a question of "right or wrong," but simply preference. In the end, believe that many - although certainly not all - of the pros / cons of WHATEVER OS / Device / Software ultimately fall back upon "preferences."
2) Enjoy having the option of choosing from a Variety of software applications, available from a variety of sources. Therefore would dislike being forced to choose from a selection of Officially Approved apps.
3) Apple controls the Hardware, the OS, and (most of? all of?) the Applications available for the iPhone. MS develops the OS, but then leaves it up to the device manufacturer to determine suitability / functionality of the hardware, and to the Developer to create & support non-conflicting software.
Apple's approach ensures greater consistency - and conformity - but arguably less 'freedom to choose'; certainly so in terms of Hardware. (Even if the new iPhones may melt in your pocket!
)
The WinMo approach offers a wonderful variety in both devices and software - but also ensures that it will be nearly impossible to avoid some less-then-satisfactory results.
4) Recall MS taking a lot of heat for building into Windows (Desktop) OS a lot of functionality that had been reserved for third party developers in the past. Seems a lot of this controversy has simply blown away (although read something about Win7 being available in Europe WITHOUT IE8 - ??) - and also MS is now making available a number of Free Apps / Applets that you have to DOWNLOAD - as opposed to building them into Windows Desktop.
Wonder whether part of the failure to include certain features into WinMo is due to concern MS might face similar attacks if they try to "control" too much?
Then again, you have the service providers putting their own twist on things - and sometimes insisting that certain capabilities be removed or at least weakened. (FM Radio on original Fuze release? Tethering on new iPhone?)
5) Since doing the ROM update on the Fuze (to the Official New ROM, not one of the "Cooked" ones), the device has been a remarkably stable performer. Unlike my Axim, the Fuze does not seem to be prone to ever-increasing memory usage - although, to be fair, the vastly larger quantity of RAM is certainly a factor here - and "Soft Resets" have been limited to Install / Uninstall an App, or for certain customization settings, as opposed to a several-times-a-week necessity.
6) None of this is to suggest that MS does not face a problematical future with WinMo. The OS is - from a personal perspective - Wonderful for a PDA, Acceptable for a PDA / Phone, but (apparently) Woefully Lacking for a PDA / Phone / Entertainment (Multi-Media) Device, which most of the marketplace seems to have moved toward.
And, YES, would wholeheartedly agree with those who take MS, the various device manufactures, &/or service providers to TASK for failing (in most cases) to provide any opportunity to upgrade to newer releases...
None of the available options is PERFECT - if any were, there would simply be no competition left. But, FOR ANY GIVEN INDIVIDUAL, it is certainly true that some device / OS combinations come closer than others... Repeating Vector's comment:
Good luck with your mobile device of choice!