I wrote about a new, smaller PocketPC phone a couple of days ago here. Since then, I have found another in-depth review on it and a place where you can actually buy one now for about $600.

It’s just a matter of time before they build-in WiFi and add a keyboard (a front-facing one like this or, better yet, a slide-out keyboard like LG’s F1900). With native WiFi support you could use Skype’s PocketPC client, while a keyboard would make messaging, web surfing and email much easier. As soon as a small PocketPC product comes out with these features, I’m on it.

Regarding carriers’ data packages, T-Mobile is pretty much your only choice for a reasonable data package, since they offer an unlimited GPRS-based Internet package for about $30/month. Cingular is NOT an option. Their data service plans are a joke… like $30 a month for 10 Mbs of download. Forgetaboutit. I’m not even going to link to Verizon since their phones suck and all have external antennas, and, of course, their data rates are too high (I think it’s about $80/month for unlimited access). Surprisingly, Sprint’s data plans are expensive too.

Some carriers need a reality check… if you build it and charge too much, they won’t come.