Selecting a PDA/Cellphone Combination?

zrk asks: "It's coming time to replace my cellphone - way out of warranty, physically broken, the coverage isn't what it could be, and so on. My initial thinking here is that I should replace it with a combination PDA and cellphone, but I have no clue as to which way to go. The selection process seems to be along the lines of either getting the cellphone service/coverage I want OR getting the small computer I need and living with passable phone service. Another possibility is to get a phone and PDA that easily interact. I live in the north-eastern part of the US, and given that I travel occasionally, I'm concerned with phone service. Verizon seems to have the most complete coverage, but they don't offer all the devices. AT&T also seems OK, but there have been a lot of complaints about bandwidth. Sprint is OK, but coverage is spotty as you go more rural (insert your own Axe Gravy Soap joke here). I know of Handspring's various products, some of the Pocket PC type devices, and also the Kyocera Smartphone lines (still waiting on the 7135!). Which way do I go, George, which way do I go?"

"If you're going to recommend something, have some questions I'd like you to answer:

• How is your PDA functionality - limited, annoying because of size, etc?
• How is the phone service?
• What do you wish your PDA/Phone could do that it can't?
• Is it worth buying a combo unit or should I consider elements that interact properly?

The problem is that there is NO one place to get the sort of reviews I require, except perhaps through an Ask Slashdot posting, so whatever stories and experiences you share will be most appreciated."

Comments

Danger Sidekick through T-Mobile

[Crutcher]

I've got a Sidekick. Its a new platform, there developer program isn't even open yet. The service is through T-Mobile.

But, the hardware itself is awesome. Its a JVM based system, and the hardware has:

Qwerty Keyboard, spin wheel, D-pad, USB, IrDA, a Phone plugin, 16M ram.

Current Apps:
Email, AIM, Calendar, Asteroids Clone, ToDo, Notes, A NICE Address Book, Web Browser, SMMS Messages, Phone, Tetris Clone.

And the "Desktop Interface" is unbelievable. You go to a website, login, and you have access to all of the application features of the device. It just keeps everything synced. And these aren't pared down interfaces on the web. It's a good email client, a good calendar, etc.