Traditional GSM yes, but "3G GSM" as you call it is actually UMTS, which is based on WCDMA (Wideband CDMA) technology.

In equivalence of 1xEVDO data on top of CDMA, HSDPA over UMTS has reached theoretical speeds of 14.4 MBps on the downlink, where as EVDO is still at 3.1 MBps theoretical with rev. A.

Cingular/AT&T has already deployed the 7.2 MBps flavor of HSDPA, but to further counter the EVDO rev. A imminently being readied by Sprint & Verizon, they are planning on launching HSUPA to increase the uplink speeds to 5.76 MBps (assuming they go all the way to category 6) -- see reference below:

High-Speed Uplink Packet Access - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
AT&T to add HSUPA this year - Engadget Mobile


Now when it comes to handsets, it will probably a while before HSUPA Windows-based PDA/phones come out, whereas the i760/XV6800 will be out some time this summer (we hope) with EVDO rev. A.
So for "power" users who tether and/or send relatively large amounts of data from their handsets, rev. A currently makes more sense than the higher HSDPA download speeds.
However, HSDPA being based on UMTS which is an evolution of GSM, UMTS handsets still include GSM bands which makes them "world" phones.

Having stuck with Samsung since the i700, followed by the i730, I will take a close look at the i760 when it's finally tangible.
However, I am very tempted by the iMate ultimate line - as others should rightfully be, given the high-end specs being delivered.

As I see it, the bottom line is: there is probably a close competition between EVDO-rev.A-capable and HSDPA-capable PPCPE handsets today (assuming today includes the following 2-3 months), however I see the UMTS handset market growing way beyond CDMA in the near future.

I'm sure this echoes many other users' feelings here

-Marc