Smartphone / PDA suggestion HELP!

AT&T 8925-should be out soon.

Right on, thanks for the suggestion.

I think that the usage I'm going to be looking for is kind of going to be limited by how much money I want to dump into data usage. And I don't think I'm going to go crazy on that, as I'm not even sure when I'm going or for how long. From what I can tell only the blackberry world edition has a decent international plan, and its still pricey and not worth it for what I want. Does anyone know much about vodafone and their plans?

I think I'm just going to get something unlocked and buy the prepaid SIM cards, but the first place I'm probably going (Cyprus) doesn't have data prepaid SIM cards to my knowledge. Thus I'll just be utilizing WiFi hotspots and wherever I work etc for Data usage.

This means I'll have to get a phone with a large hard drive or data chip you can throw in, bigger the better. I'll still want to be able to use the device for documents, emails etc, especially since I can work offline and wait til I'm in a hotspot (still trying to find out how prevelant they are there, but they do take their coffee shops seriously, so I'm hoping decent)

Since I'm going to have to stress the capabilities while not directly connected to the internet at all times, I'm going to aim for a decent camera. These you suggested look pretty decent, or I might go for a Nokia 60 series with a 3-5 mp camera. I'll still be able to use many of the other things I want to do while not connected: making and editing text documents, taking and editing pictures, music, playing nes games etc. I'll just have to get to wifi to send stuff, check websites, swap music, chat, etc.

I have a few questions tho:

What kind of data connection do the GPS functionalities require? Would it be able to pinpoint my location all the same and load up the program that lots of phones have, or do they rely too much on an active internet connection? Could I save and load up a global map or terrain to be used while offline? And if so, again, what would require the GPS function to work?

Also, if you can think of any other problems I'll run into, any unforseen consequence or loss of functionality I'm not thinking of if I just use pre-paid cards for only calling and texting within the country, and WiFi spots to use Skype, Google video calls, text messaging, email, and internet. I'll still use orb, and probably regularly change out what music I have, but I'm still going to want a lot of it at any given time, so will really need the hard drive or good cheap and huge data storage cards.

Thanks again, I know this is kind of huge, but I'm out of the whole loop and want to make a good decision obviously, as I'm looking for a fairly specific usage out of my device.

I'll hit the short answer first- GPS simply uses the system of GPS satellites which the device receives for free. There is a whole host of mapping systems you can buy, or even find for free (Live Search), that should do the trick. Look for maps of the regions that you will be visiting.

I know cost is always a big issue when buying a new WM device. Let's face it, we are not talking about some $19.95 cell phone. This is going to be something we sink hundreds of dollars into before we are finished. Even so, many will try to find a device that fits in their price range. Personally, I usually suggest a completely different approach. Rather than looking for a device that is simply in my price category, I waited and saved up for the device that I really wanted. I did plenty of research and found the features I really wanted. In fact, I started by listing all my preferences for a device, such as the ability to view and edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint (I had to purchase the Conduits product for this use) documents. I wanted a decent processor, a QWERTY keyboard and one that had 3G capability. There were several other "druthers" in my list.

I found the device I wanted in the AT&T 8525. At first I thought of buying the 8125 for the price, but decided that I would probably want to upgrade soon and would loose money in the process. The end result? I am glad I waited.

Right now I am very interested in the new 8925 that will soon be out. It has integrated GPS, whereas I need a separate Bluetooth GPS with my 8525. There are some other advantages to the 8925 that interest me also. Needless to say, if I want to get that one, I will save up my pennies instead of ending up with something I do not want. My question is always, "How much is my business worth?"

As an example of what bad decisions can do, I can use the situation my friend is in right now. He wanted a new device and instead of listing out the solutions the device needed to address, he purchased a device based on the price, despite my warning that the device he chose would likely fail to meet his expectations. A long story short, he was completely unhappy.

Keep in mind that companies like AT&T offer international connection ability now. I believe AT&Ts plan is in the $40 range. Not too bad really. Also, the new 8925 has a 3 mp camera as well, so it will likely meet your camera needs. I spoke to a camera company rep who once told me that certain cameras with small lenses really have little advantage when going beyond 3.2 mp. He said that a camera with a small lense, such as a phone, should do very well in the 3 mp range. Looks like the 8925 wins that category also. My 8525 has a 2 mp camera which has done fairly well with quick photos so far.

Again, my #1 suggestion is to list out the wants and needs you have for a device, then go out and research which device will meet those needs the best. You may have to tweak it a little with some additional software, but it should fit the bill fairly well before you buy it. In the end, you will be happier with your purchase.

ok@!!!itis great@!!