With all due respect, I think you're nuts. You think the Nokia 9290 is the ideal form
factor for a smart phone? Better than the Kyocera 7135?
The 9290 is a brick. Not only is it heavy, it doesn't even run a standard (for the United States, anyway) OS. It is big and heavy. The 7135 has it over the 9290 in many respects. Not everyone needs a keyboard.
I am extremely proficient at Graffiti. I also have a stowaway keyboard when I need to do heavy-duty writing sessions. For a Cell/PDA smart phone, I want two things: Low weight and small size. The 7135 uses the same basic clamshell configuration as the venerable Motorola StarTAC. The StarTAC form factor has been proven as the ideal cell phone size. Try as I might, I haven't found a replacement for it.
If you squeeze a Palm OS device into a StarTAC form factor, that device will be a killer. Game, set and match--Palm. This from a devoted Pocket PC user.
I do not need a thumbboard and refuse to use any device that has one. The keys are too small and impossible to use over the long haul for note-taking. This rules out the Handspring devices. I like the Treo 180g, but it is GSM and GSM is a nonstarter for me. Plus, no color version.
I also do not believe Bluetooth is anything to be excited about. If my PDA is integrated with my phone, I have no need for Bluetooth. But if Bluetooth really floats your boat you will be able to use a SD Bluetooth card.
What I am worried about is the possible lack of a reflective color display. If this is true, then this is not good. One hundred percent daylight readability in direct sunlight is required.
I don't think I'm off base here.
The Kyocera 7135 is a stepping stone to my perfect device expected to be on sale in mid 2004. When it comes out, I'm in!
Terry Holderbaum
