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I'll admit to being biased, but...

People go on and on about how Android is Linux based and Open Source, but it's not.

And your proof of this assertion is...what, exactly?

As counter, I offer links to the Git repository and the kernel and other GPL/LGPL bits. That's already more than any other major platform has done, and they aren't through yet.

The Linux backend is all but invisible

What? You want it to pop up with a bash prompt?

and likely just as locked down as the Linux installs on other embedded devices

And your proof of this assertion is...what, exactly?

The decision on whether a device is firmware-flashable is made by the device manufacturer. The T-Mobile G1, the first Android device, is being made by HTC, which has a history of making firmware-flashable devices.

You are not going to be able to easily replace it, assuming you can even get close enough to the system to have a hope of doing so. Tivo, all over again.

And your proof of this assertion is...what, exactly?

Google is doing everything in the Java environment precisely to put you in a sandbox they (and the cell networks) can control.

Popularity of Java in mobile device development, of course, would have nothing to do with it, since that wouldn't fit your conspiracy theory. Neither would security (no direct memory access), for that matter.

Sure the developer agreement is not quite as onerous as the one Apple uses, but it's certainly just as controlling when necessary.

And your proof of this assertion is...what, exactly?

I mean, seriously. If you have problems with their developer agreement, cite passages and specific issues.

And, sadly, so long as the cell carriers are seen as the customers of these phones

Carriers will, undoubtedly, be the "customers" of many Android devices. At the same time, I've received emails from manufacturers whose devices will not be sold through carriers. If your carrier allows standards-compliant devices (e.g., GSM), you should have your choice, albeit not on day one, as Android devices make it through various manufacturing and development processes.

From the Android FAQ page: http://code.google.com/android/kb/licensingandoss.html

Where can I find the open source components of Android?

You can find the kernel at http://git.android.com/ and the other mirrored GPL and LGPL'd components at http://code.google.com/p/android/downloads/list.

Notices for other licenses can be found within the SDK.

Over time, more of the code that makes up Android will be released, but at this point, we have been concentrating on shipping an SDK that helps application developers get started. In short: Stay tuned.

It looks like they're more targeting the Qualcomm chipsets, since their kernel repository is for that: http://git.android.com/

The source code for the kernel *is* available, here's the GIT repo: > http://git.android.com/ Right now it only includes the kernel, expect more soon.