I agree with this!

I've stuck with Ericsson/Sony Ericsson phones since 1998 simply because I can't bear the thought of learning a different interface -- Nokia, Motorola, whatever.

I just got a Blackberry 8310 and I am completely addicted. I think they did a great job and after installing Opera Mini, Facebook and iSkoot (Skype) and putting in an extra 2gb it's close to being perfect.

Earth to Zack: i.p.h.o.n.e.

You should try N95.
It's one of those "phones that have all the right features".

I insist: Zack, try it! It's amazing phone, with camera, wifi, applications, and other stuff.

The best thing of a Nokia phone is the operation system: Symbian.
If you don't know Symbian, this is a good time to learn about it.

Don't buy iPhone. It may be pretty and easy to use, but certainly it isn't the right choice.
Maybe an iPhone2 will be good enough.

However, right now, I think N95 has the best hardware and the best software.
Obviously, there are drawbacks: its battery, and its keypad.

Don't be silly. Microsoft buys companies that are doing it right so that they can force them to port stuff to Windows. Either it works or it doesn't, but either way the Sloth gets to suck without competent competition.

Why buy a smartphone? I've got a Samsung Z720 that supports Java apps like Google maps and Google mail. Google calendar sends me text msgs for appointments. It's got an MP3 player and a microSD slot. I can tether it to my notebook (or the N800 I'm playing with) and run HSDPA at 1.8mb. It weighs 80g and is about 10x5x1.3 cm.

Earth to James: iPhone? Are you kidding me? Weak calendar app and NO TASK APP?!?! Ugh! Useless then, no matter how nice otherwise. I have a Treo 650, too. Maybe time to switch to a new Blackberry... I dunno...

Most cell phones are sold by what are essentially public utility companies. The core product of these companies is really network access, not the cell phone. Product design is driven by the utility companies, not the cell phone manufacturers. Several years ago, Motorola made a breakthrough phone (the V710), which had Bluetooth, a reasonable file system, a decent interface, etc, etc, but the first thing that Verizon did was disable Bluetooth for anything except handsfree kits (no Bluetooth syncing; you needed to buy Verizon's $50 USB kit), disable MP3/ringtone support (so that the only ringtones available were the ones that Verizon would sell to you for a few dollars each), and on and on. The wireless companies have much more in common with the gas, electric, and water companies than they do with consumer-oriented companies.

I just did the same thing, new phone for me, new phone for the wife. I need my device to be a phone 'first' and after reviewing the many smart devices I went with Treo 700 because it simply had the best touch screen. Most units I tested have a delay that quickly becomes frustration when trying to dial a number and makes then not such good phones. The 700 uses Windows Mobile which might be a compromise for Palm but the unit is functional and has a decent battery life and seems to be a bit more business then toy which may be a good set of details to look at.

That's why I got a Treo 680. Strong integrated contact/task/schedule apps are available that sit on top of the native ones, good size and weight, excellent signal strength and voice quality as a phone.

I too wish that Palm would be more on the ball with updates, and sorely wish that they had WiFi, but I haven't found any other device that will do what I need on a daily basis as easily and as well as my Treo does now.