So I was sitting in the speakers lounge at DevConnections last week with lots of people you know and love and Kim Tripp whips out her Pocket PC phone. I was really impressed. I'd heard about these PDA phones before, but this one had so many cool features, and I was due for a new phone anyway so with a little help from Richard Campbell I found the model that works with Verizon, my carrier, the Samsung SPH-i700.
Even though this review is a few years old, it still covers the basics pretty well: http://shrinkster.com/4i6
The phone retails for $899 but I found a b-stock unit online at http://www.zTradingPost.com for $369. It's just like new, but with no software.
I took it to my local Verizon store yesterday, and got the unlimited data plan (thanks to Ken Getz, I know about it). I can use it as a DSL/Cable speed modem from anywhere for $45/month. I had to find a good reference site for software, etc., but I did just that at http://shrinkster.com/4i7 where there are step-by-step instructions for downloading the Verizon CDMA drivers for your PC and creating a connection for it. All of this went flawlessly.
It has a camera and speakerphone built in. No bluetooth, but I picked up a Jabra bluetooth headset and transmitter for $130 at the Verizon store.
Next I downloaded a trial of VoiceCommand from Microsoft and installed it. Easy easy easy!
All this is very cool, and I had NO TROUBLE installing or configuring ANY of it. I am very surprised, actually. HOWEVER:
What I really want does not exist yet. I want to use the Etymotic earbuds and yet have a little dial to mix in audio from a microphone so I can interact with my environment. In fact, I want a shirt-pin that has a mixer dial, a phone answer/dial button, and a voice command button. I also want the device to be intelligent about answering calls. Currently if I'm listening to music and I get a call, the music stops (ok, I'd like the option for it to turn down as well) and the call is announced... out the speakerphone! What? Why when I'm listening to music with the earphones does the device speaker have to be activated? I'd like the music volume to decrease (or at least pause and restart after the call) and the call answered by button or voice command.
So, I hope the Phone/device people are listening. If you can make it so that I don't have to take the device out of my pocket to use it, then it becomes something much different than anything we have today, even with the addition of voice commands. You still have to touch the thing. Also, give me a way to listen to the microphone so I can wear headphones and still hear what people are saying to me, and interact with my environment.
Am I right, people??