I agree. It's so nice because its like a PC: open.

You can tinker with it. You can install different operating systems. You can interact with it via different peripherals (keyboard, stylus). Current devices are at odds with this idea. Closed and with programmed obsolescence baked in.

I really think there's room for a platform like Maemo/N900 today. Especially in a post-Snowden world, where privacy has become a major concern. Neither iOS nor Android are good enough. Many privacy conscious users have moved to CyanogenMod, which is OK but a bit immature. It's an Android patch after all.

I think what's missing is both a stable and cheap SoC, and a mass-produced open device with keyboard to load linux onto.

If there was some stock phone with average specs that you could buy, like a Raspberry Pi, then I'd bet we'd see many more options in the same vein as the n900.

I'm using an LG Cosmos 3 [1] and I'd kill even for access to modify the BrewMP OS and re-flash it. That's all I'm asking for! Even that seems impossible.

[1] https://www.verizonwireless.com/basic-phones/cosmos-3/

Yep. I think it's mostly about mass production. Pyra, not really a phone, but can be used as one is the closest thing we have to something where you can install whatever OS you feel like. And it requires a very dedicated effort to bootstrap a project like this and keep costs within control.

Many projects, like Neo900 (or even Jolla Tablet) have had loads of trouble trying to manufacture something that is affordable.

In a post-Snowden world, a closed source GSM implementation is not good enough ;)

Well, see Neo900 approach to this, where the GSM radio is completely isolated and monitored.