Travel Technology - How do people like the various Verizon WM5 devices

Specifically I have read a lot about the 700w being unstable. Now that they have been out a while do people still like them. Im looking for a device that will

1) Sync with an exchange server and
2) Serve as a BT modem for EVDO connections with both a Mac and a PC notebook

Or am I better off just adding a data plan to a BT/EVDO phone such as my E815? Thanks for any info.

Not entirely helpful, but I've got a Cingular WM5 device (the Cingular 8125, aka HTC Wizard, with the sideways-slideout keyboard).

Exchange Push service only worked on my phone with an upgraded ROM (which was very easy to do - plug in and run a setup.exe), but it does a good job. I don't use it for work, but I auto-forward a copy of all my personal e-mail to mail2web, which offers free Exchange accounts. I can't confirm, but I've heard that the Treo 700 also requires a ROM upgrade (AKU2) to support Exchange SP2 Push service, as does the new Motorola Q. (these ROM upgrades come via other international carriers who are more on-the-ball when it comes to keeping the software updated - someone takes the right pieces out and integrates them into your carrier's ROM)

It will work as a modem over BT, but I got Cingular's MEdia Net service as opposed to a PDA plan, so I'm not allowed to use it for tethering officially. It's well-equipped enough that if I need to get online and look up something, it'll work good enough as-is.

Screen's bigger in the 8125 - 320x240 vs 240x240.

As far as stability goes - I usually just do a full power-cycle every other day to clean up memory leaks. Other than that, it's done pretty well in the 6 weeks I've had it so far. The processor *could* be faster when I use it with my BT GPS unit for mapping, but it's certainly adequate.

I have sprints ppc-6700, its the same as Verizons XV-6600.
Its a total brick...huge...i feel like I have a 1982 comodore 64 strapped to me.

I had exchange active sync working until the firmware upgrade and now it doesnt trust any SSL cert...but thats probably unique to my device. I really prefered my blackberry for email.

Web browsing is ok, better than a blackberry or treo (with palm)...EVDO speeds with sprint are GREAT.

Bottome line, I'm giving it up. I cannot get e-mail to work anymore and its just HUGE. I'm tired of people making fun of my Maxwell Smart shoe every time I make a call...ok that never happened. But I have stoped carrying it most of the time b/c it doesnt fit comfortably in a pocket.

I'm looking at the cingular 2125, but I cannot find anyone with plans that compair to sprint ($100/month for a ton of minutes- cannot remember- and unlimited datat including tethering).

To answer your question:
If you are always going to have your laptop anyway, then just add what you need to make it work with a phone.
If you are running around all day and need access to e-mail with out a laptop, then look at the Treo with windows mobile. Be warned, if you don't run your own exchange server or your company isn't going to support you then you may have problems. Although there are pretty cheep hosted exchange accounts out there.