New phone/PDA combo

[NorCalLights]

My current phone is on its way out, as is my contract with Verizon, so I'm in the market for a new cell phone and calling plan. I like the idea of a smartphone, but I don't really want to lug a big phone like the Treo 650 around with me when I'm not working, so I am looking at getting both a new phone (something to have on me at all times) and a PDA (something to give me access to my email and the internet when I am working).

So... does anyone have any thoughts on phone and PDA combinations that will have full functionality with my Mac via bluetooth?

Ideally the PDA would be able to connect to the internet by using the phone as a bluetooth modem, and the carrier would have a network that won't keep me waiting too long, and won't charge an arm and a leg for data connections. (I am in the U.S.)

My first thought is to go with a Razr (I love how small they are) and a Palm with bluetooth, but I don't love that the UI on the Razrs I have played with feels slow and clunky... is there something better out there?

Thanks in advance...

 

[tkidBOSTON]

My current phone is on its way out, as is my contract with Verizon, so I'm in the market for a new cell phone and calling plan. I like the idea of a smartphone, but I don't really want to lug a big phone like the Treo 650 around with me when I'm not working, so I am looking at getting both a new phone (something to have on me at all times) and a PDA (something to give me access to my email and the internet when I am working).

So... does anyone have any thoughts on phone and PDA combinations that will have full functionality with my Mac via bluetooth?

Ideally the PDA would be able to connect to the internet by using the phone as a bluetooth modem, and the carrier would have a network that won't keep me waiting too long, and won't charge an arm and a leg for data connections. (I am in the U.S.)

My first thought is to go with a Razr (I love how small they are) and a Palm with bluetooth, but I don't love that the UI on the Razrs I have played with feels slow and clunky... is there something better out there?

Thanks in advance...

Im not sure if you've actually checked out the Treo in person or not but its really not as clunky as it seems especially for what it can do and if you plan to carry around 2 devices (razr & palm).

I currently have the Blackberry 7100 and am anxiously awaiting the release of the forthcoming Treo 700p.

 

[h0e0h]

Verizon VX6700 gets my vote

I recommend the Verizon VX6700. I have this phone (not exactly but the cingular version with no antenna, the specs are identical though even included accessories are the same) and my girlfriend has the same phone (on alltel's network, same exact phone as this one with the antenna and everything) and they're the best phones either of us have ever had. My cingular reception is the best its ever been and her altel clarity is the strongest its ever been. I used to carry a Dell Axim and a Razr, but it was great to have the two merged into one. I have yet to find something i do not like and i've had it for a month. The only thing it requires is Mark/Space's Missing Sync (around 29 dollars i think) and a PC to do the original sync to set it up to sync via bluetooth. I love the phone and my friend who has the cingular version does too.

As far as palm devices go, and i've never owned one so this is just what i think, since they sold their OS to Microsoft, they may not support the old devices for too too long, so you'll probably need that aftermarket software anyway.

 

[h0e0h]

after doing a little more research... Sprint has the same phone as well... I think they were dirivatives of the HTC wizard (sprint, alltel, and verizon's versions all manufactured by audiovox (UTStarcom) I believe)

 

[FongMan]

wow didn't even realize they were making another version to the 700. But now that i look at it, this 700p looks very good. I was completely turned off when i saw the 700w, the whole windows OS and all, and it got even lower ratings than the 650

 

[tkidBOSTON]

wow didn't even realize they were making another version to the 700. But now that i look at it, this 700p looks very good. I was completely turned off when i saw the 700w, the whole windows OS and all, and it got even lower ratings than the 650

Yeah, I was really disappointed with the 700w but the 700p looks great on the website. I just hope its going to be as fast as they claim it to be. I have not had a smartphone to date where the internet access has been bearable.