Wireless Handheld Recommendations?

JLyle asks: "I am trying to determine my options for a simple wireless internet device that my wife and I could use for instant messaging and/or e-mail. Due to some medical problems she's unable to speak right now and some of her upcoming treatments will require her to be in isolation, so it would be nice for us to have this way to communicate. I'm looking at things like Motorola's Talkabout T900 (around $99 with current rebate deals) or the Palm VIIx (ditto). We don't really need the added features of a full PDA like the Palm Pilot, but it's a nice bonus if that device works well. This is an area where I'm very unaware of the state of the art, etc. Are there any wireless gurus out there who can clue me in as to the most appropriate solution for this situation?"