[eugarps]

All,

My recent experience may serve to illustrate why (For the USA based International traveler.), iPhone may not be ready for prime time.

I took my iPhone along on a week-long trip to Ecuador. I left on 7/11, so I wasn't able to download the v. 2.0 software to my last generation iPhone. Thus, I also carried my HP iPAQ 6945 with me and put the SIM in it for most of the trip. I was concerned by the huge data bills some were racking up, because of data roaming and its polling function. The iPAQ was much easier to use due to its ability to have the WiFi turned on while the GSM/GPRS radio is off. The iPhone allows you to turn of data roaming too but its still worrisome.

Anyway, I've determined that I'll wait for the Sony Xperia X1 to hit the market, before I jump to but the new iPhone. Personally, I like the iPhone but it's like back when I had a Compaq Aero handheld and found myself envious of folks with Palms. Palm had more software and peripherals available then compared to the early WM devices. Anyone remember when you had to shop for your software based on the processor in your device?

One finger typing is too slow and composing a large email on the tiny iPAQ 6945 screen is a pain. So I carried yet a third device: My Palm TX and its folding keyboard. I think the Xperia X1 could be usable for my travel. Thus, for me, the wait-a-thon continues....