Ready for the iSlate?

Knot:

I'll have you know that I have decided to buy an iPhone if they ever are carried by Verizon.... I know you said you like the iPod and phone separate, but I'm such a simpleton that combining gadgets into one device is an appealing thought to me... this is all your fault you know :D

No mobile device (short of a full-sized netbook or laptop) offers a choice of browser. And stock is always "buy on the rumor, sell on the news." That's why it's a cliché - because it's usually true.

Now that someone else posted about prepaid phones, more and more I'm liking the idea of having one strictly for emergency/athletic use. I know it still means I'll have to own two devices, but I won't have to carry both of them all the time, and I won't have to try to run or ride hills with a four-ounce iPhone or Droid bouncing at the small of my back. I know we had quite a discussion last year about why flip phones aren't safe for emergencies (because it takes so long to physically remove it from its sweatproof plastic bag or other container, and you can't dial out without opening it - half the time if my phone rings after I get home but before I've taken it out of its bag, I can't even get to it in eight rings before it goes to voicemail), but since all the compact phones are flip phones, I think I'll take that risk.

With a pre-paid phone, you will be limiting the financial damage when the phone is lost. With most other plans, YOU'VE GOT TO CALL IN AND SHUT DOWN YOUR SERVICE!!

As for the phone in the pack, would you want a phone case with an arm band so its on your upper or (lower) arm? Velcroed so that you can rip the phone off your arm to answer..

@Oakleaf --
Opera Mini is available for most smartphone platforms. It's way better than the proprietary blackberry browser.

Ah, my mistake. However... now that I look, yes, there are several third party browsers for the iPod/iPhone (not Opera though) - and supposedly all iPhone apps will work on the iPad.

So... not a valid criticism of the device.