I’ve been playing with the idea of having a “always online” smart phone so that I can check my emails at any time, do the occasional web surfing and help sort out user issues and queries from XP-Dev.com and Duzle.com. So far, my best solution has been to grab hold of a HTC TyTN II and a sim-only deal from either O2 or Vodafone that give tons of bandwidth for internet usage. The HTC phone will set me back some £400, and the contract about £30 a month (12 months contract) (TCO: £760). An iPhone costs £45 a month on an 18 month contract (TCO: £810).

So, the HTC idea is cheaper – my only quirk: it runs Windows. 3 months down the line with the HTC, I can see myself getting frustrated with Windows Mobile. I might even try installing Linux and risk bricking the phone. However, since the Google G1 out, it just adds a different perspective to the choices that I have. Morever, its not Windows. It uses Google Andriod, which is a big bonus point in my books. Suddenly, the ideal smart phone has come about – the only thing that’s going to hold me back could be the price.