Thanks for all the replies.
BigDaddyJ: I know what you mean by "dubious apps". In the Palm OS, most come in the form of hacks. Luckily my hacks haven't reached critical level yet. In any case, it's comforting to know that a "stock" PPC has rock-solid stability.
ferrous: I guess we have the same "second latest" philosophy. I consider a good portion of any new product's price as the cost of owning the "bleeding edge". Besides, the price would usually be so high I won't be able to afford it. (though the Dell *could* be an exception...
)