Travel Technology - Apple + _____ + Skype + WiFi + T-Mobile + SlingBox

Help me fill in the blank (_____________). I'm trying to figure out a VERY VERY simple to use device that will:
1) Replace my blackberrry
2) Work as a regular cell phone / data (albeit slow) connection to T-Mobile
3) Work globally, e.g. as a GSM phone
4) Synchs up seamlesslessly with MS Entourage for the Mac (software add-ons OK - suggestions?)
5) Have a Wi-Fi connection
6) Have a Wi-Fi connection that lets me Skype.
7) Works with the new Slingbox mobile software (see http://www.slingmedia.com/slingbox/slingplayermobile.php )
8) With a Mac - can download (from web) the upload (from Mac) to handheld the needed software.

Ideas?

Help me fill in the blank (_____________). I'm trying to figure out a VERY VERY simple to use device that will:
1) Replace my blackberrry
2) Work as a regular cell phone / data (albeit slow) connection to T-Mobile
3) Work globally, e.g. as a GSM phone
4) Synchs up seamlesslessly with MS Entourage for the Mac (software add-ons OK - suggestions?)
5) Have a Wi-Fi connection
6) Have a Wi-Fi connection that lets me Skype.
7) Works with the new Slingbox mobile software (see http://www.slingmedia.com/slingbox/slingplayermobile.php )
8) With a Mac - can download (from web) the upload (from Mac) to handheld the needed software.

Ideas?

howardchui.com forum
apple.com > support > discussion >
skype forum

Not sure you'll get #5 & 6 - might need to resort to bluetooth and edge

You only really have one option if you want to use the Sling software: A Windows Mobile powered device. Next question is which of the devices will suit your needs best. You'll need something that supports EDGE, something fast enough for Skype, and something that has WiFi.

The Treo700w is not an option (no GSM), the T-mobile MDA/HTC Wizard COULD be an option, but it doesn't run Skype very well unless it is overclocked.

So far I'd say the HP6940 would be your best option as it is fast enough for Skype, has EDGE, Quadband GSM and WiFi. The screen is square so Sling programming will be a little small, but it does include all your requirements. Only problem of course is that it isn't available yet, and that it probably won't be released on T-mobile. So you'll need to pay full price for it (think $799).

You could also get one of the older HP's (the 6515 or the 6510 and add your own WiFi to it).

As for the options on the Mac; I'll leave those to someone else, I'm not a mac expert.

For Mac software that allows you to sync with a PocketPC, I know of two applications:

PocketMac
http://www.pocketmac.net/

The Missing Sync
http://www.markspace.com/missingsync_windowsmobile.php

It doesn't look like Windows Mobile 5 is currently supported by either, but is on the way.

Happily, you are no longer confined to Pocket PC. There is a new, Mac-friendly, player: http://www.eqo.com/

HTC Universal/T-Mobile MDA IV? I guess it might be a bit crap on the Mac compatibility side until The Missing Sync is updated, but otherwise it would do everything you need (albeit in an enormous, expensive package :P )

HTC Universal/T-Mobile MDA IV? I guess it might be a bit crap on the Mac compatibility side until The Missing Sync is updated, but otherwise it would do everything you need (albeit in an enormous, expensive package :P )

Sadly no EDGE in the Universal so data on T-mobile would be terribly slow.

Yeah, but then again WiFi can be found in so many places for serious browsing or downloading and GPRS can hold its own for e-mails & such. The screen on it is also a rare gem, gotta love the VGA.

Yeah, but then again WiFi can be found in so many places for serious browsing or downloading and GPRS can hold its own for e-mails & such. The screen on it is also a rare gem, gotta love the VGA.

[Bill Lumburg voice] I'm going to have to sort of disagree with you there[/Bill Lumburg voice]

WiFi is a major hassle to find, many hotspots require you to login (another major hassle), and GPRS really is too slow for many applications. I've sat on the runway of an airport and watched content off my TiVo using Sling. I've listened to live radio with Resco radio while driving and many other things I couldn't do with GPRS.

Point definitely taken, though relatively low-bitrate online radio has worked for me on GPRS as well.

The Benq P50 also doesn't have EDGE, but would take care of the Mac compatibility issue since it runs WM2003SE. Alternatively, the XDA Atom (though not having a keyboard) does everything else...I guess a tradeoff will have to be made somewhere.

Point definitely taken, though relatively low-bitrate online radio has worked for me on GPRS as well.

The Benq P50 also doesn't have EDGE, but would take care of the Mac compatibility issue since it runs WM2003SE. Alternatively, the XDA Atom (though not having a keyboard) does everything else...I guess a tradeoff will have to be made somewhere.

I guess I am just spoilt. I don't think I could ever go back to regular GPRS again, and am hoping for decent 3G coverage with T-mobile this century.