Hacker News Reader

Well, the iPhone is more 2002 PDA than 2002 phone. It’s not exactly that the PDA lost, it’s just that being able to make phone calls and to surf the web are essential features a PDA needs.

How about a tablet like they Galaxy Tab or a Dell Streak? Those are PDA like in that they can make phone calls, but it doesn't seem to be the main focus of the device (...not that it's the main focus of the iPhone, either). You can purchase them without a contract, which is why I bought an iPod Touch, too. Presumably the iPad is disqualified because it is relatively huge.

or, how about just a used contract-free smartphone? This is the route I've been taking, going from an iphone 3G to hopefully soon a nexus one.

Disclaimer: I can't stand carrying both a phone and a pda device in my pocket.