Since I work at Microsoft, it should be fairly evident that I'm surrounded by gadget geeks...they're everywhere!  In fact, one of the worst (or best depending on your perspective) is in my group and has an office right across from mine.  He's one of my 'go-to' guys for any information I need on the latest technology luring my hard earned cashola. 

Lately, everyone is walking around the office with SmartPhones.  I've been jonesing for one since they released early this year, but held off buying one for a few reasons:

1. Crappy phone - First off, I'm currently with Verizon Wireless and from the reviews I read the smartphone they originally offered was a POS.  Sorry, I don't remember off the top of my head which phone they originally offerred.  AT&T was offering the Motorola MPX200 and it was highly recommended to me by several friends and co-workers.
2. Breaking the contract - AT&T (now Cingular) has better smartphones and (thankfully) I can now transfer my cell number from Verizon, but I have a contract with Verizon that would cost me $175/line to break!  My contract expires on 5/24/05 so I have to wait until then.
3. Price - I'm not exactly a cheap bastard, but I must see a decent value in a gadget before I plunk down my money.  My out-of-pocket cost on the original smartphones was going to be in excess of $200 and I just couldn't justify it at the time.  I don't really need to synch with my Outlook email remotely.  I don't really need to have my Outlook calendar with me 24x7.  I don't really need a camera phone.  I don't really need to surf the web from my cell phone.  You get the idea...I just couldn't justify the purchase (especially when I had a brand new baby at home!).
4. Waiting for Microsoft Windows Mobile 2003 - The 2003 version has some functionality not present in the 2002 OS such as Bluetooth wireless connectivity and camera phones.

If I stay with Verizon, then my only real choice for a smartphone is the Samsung SCH-i600 Smartphone which as you can see from the PC Mag review is only considered "Fair."  I don't know anyone who even has this phone that I can even ask about it's quality.  Not too mention that Verizon wants $450 for the damn thing.