Microsoft Smartphone

[Faithless]

Worth the hype?

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmobi...e/default.mspx

Any value to using the features for personal use, as opposed to a business use?

[ism]

Depends on what you need. Know that "Smartphone" isn't restricted to Microsoft -- the most common Smartphone platform is Symbian, and also includes PalmOS, Linux, BREW, and more proprietary ones. Smartphones are basically mobile phone/PDA combos so ask yourself if the PDA functionality is worth the additional impact (size, weight, cost, complexity).

Most of the Smartphone capabilities require some sort of untethered data communication. If you want to browse the web, there's not much beyond GRPS or EDGE in the U.S., and you'll have to find a service provider that offers it in your area. T-Mobile's GPRS starts at $30/month unlimited, and $20 on top of a voice plan. They're slowly rolling out EDGE -- lower Manhattan has it. Is that worth it for your personal use?

There are phones that offer Smartphone-like capabilities. Java MIDP phones offer installable application possibilites, and if it's got GPRS, you're pretty much set. Hooking up a WAP-capable phone with T-Mobile's T-Zones for $5/month is good enough for most non-business needs (weather, driving directions, movie times). If I really want to surf the web from my phone... well, I wouldn't. I'd get the data plan for $20 then use my phone as a GRPS modem from a laptop.

If you already lug around a PDA and a mobile phone, then it might be a good idea to integrate them together. Just make sure you're using a headset cos you'll look like an idiot holding a bulky Treo up to your head.

If you don't already use a PDA... well... you don't know you need it til you start using one. =)

[bluemonq]

be advised, there's actually two kinds of smartphones. the first type is basically a regular phone with some additional pda functionality, like the audiovox smt 5600. it syncs with your desktop for contacts, calendar, etc. and acts as a place to read emails.

the other kind, more common because of its higher versatility, is a phone-pda hybrid. larger screen, (usually the) ability to work with a stylus, more onboard ram, etc. this includes the aformentioned treos, and the hp 6500.

also, there's one more possibility for wireless data communication; if you work and/or hang around in a few areas that have wi-fi coverage, you might consider getting a wi-fi card. and if you already use skypeout and have a pocket pc, you can get the mobile version of skype and save on airtime.