Do you want to have a cellphone integrated to your UMPC?

[CTitanic]

I was reading this post at Pocketables.net and reading the following fragment made me think: do I really want to have a cellphone integrated in my UMPC?

Personally, I don't see the point of putting a semi-smartphone ("semi" because there aren't any cellular calling features) into a comparatively large UMPC. Since the Shift can't be used as a phone, you'd still have to carry a phone.

I don't think so. I really prefer to have my phone and use it as a modem or my UMPC with a data connection like it's in the HTC Shift or with a WiMax internal modem. If you ask me why is that I would say that one I think of an UMPC with a phone integrated on it that reminds me the iPhone locked to ATT. Yeah, I know that probably in the near future we will see hacks to unlock the iPhone but... do I really need another aggravation in my life? In another hand, the type and size of UMPC that I like is really not that comfortable to have it using it as a phone. I know that the idea in those cases is to used with a BT Headset but that does not convince me either.

But you, my dear reader, what do you think? Do you like the idea of having your cellular phone integrated to your UMPC? Vote in this poll.

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www.ultramobilepc-tips.com

[brucewilsonpa]

I vote YES..... if I can link to a wireless service that's reasonably priced (currently not the case). I have my Advantage X7500 on Cingular's less expensive plan and love the fact it is always connected so I can do email and internet whenever I pull it out of my pocket.

But, if your challenge is focusing on the voice calling capability of a cellphone onboard a UMPC, I guess I agree with your comment. Kind of pointless to have a voice-capable cellphone in something the size of the Shift, or my Q1U.... although the Raon Everrun or even my Vaio UX390N are small enough that I'd rethink this.... that's the key, size.
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Currently use:
HTC Acvantage X7500 (WM6)
Samsung Q1U-V
ThinkPad TP60p
Future: HTC Shift

[Chuck]

I voted yes - but not to replace my cell phone. I voted yes for redundancy - not just of the cellular signal, but of the battery.

If I don't want to pay for the second cellular account, then I don't have to.

It's all about backups and options.
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Common Sense is not Common

[Inspector Gadget]

I voted yes, but I am really looking for advice here.

I have been a PocketPC user for a few years now, but I am feeling the need for something more powerful and versatile, without Windows Mobile limitations. For that reason, I am starting to get into UMPCs, which I know almost nothing about. I am particularly interested in the Raon Digital Everun, but I would like to know if there are other “small” UMPCs that can be used for phone calls?

Since I do my daily travel on bike, I like to keep all functions on a single (almost) pocketable device, that I can always keep with me wherever I go.

I currently own an HTC Universal witch I think is already too big for a cell phone, so I always use a Bluetooth headset for calling, and I don’t think this is an inconvenient, on the contrary.

I do a lot of web use, so I would really love to have HSDPA, a bigger screen and no browser restrictions. I also often use off-road GPS, therefore it would be wonderful to carry Google Earth around. In addition, I do a reasonable amount of text input, so it would be great to have full MS Word capability. Concerning text input and handwriting recognizing, is there a distinction between UMPC and PocketPC touchscrens?

I would be very grateful if you could please help me on this, since I’m unable to find much information on this subject here in Portugal.

[CTitanic]