You've obviously missed the point - the iPhone INTERFACE is what prevents proper multitasking. The Pre's implementation is genius - its abundantly clear what program you are using at the moment, and how many programs are open. Switching between them is trivial - the key to "multiple tasks."

Even with the iPhone, where if it's jailbroken the multitasking capability is accessible (and I'd imagine ALL slashdot readers who own an iPhone indeed have jailbroken it), there is no feel of true multitasking. All you get is "background processes" - you do not ever feel that you can do multiple tasks.

There's only a few hours left, but if Apple was smart, they'd release OS 3.0 with multitasking similar to the Pre's. This would probably convince at least half of those eyeing the Pre to keep their iPhone. But one can only dream...

You've obviously missed the point. When customers buy these, they know what they are getting themselves into! If you've noticed, Dell will not try to sell you ubuntu. They "agree" to sell it to you. Adding more value to their ubuntu offering means they are accommodating people who are willing to experiment, and give them a full package including all the basics. Aunt Mildred will not be buying this computer. Experimenter Joe will be. He will understand that he needs "ubuntu compatible" when it comes to outgrowing routine tasks. But experimenter Joe expects that whatever was included in the box works right out of the box, including that dvd drive that should play dvds....