Ken - in answer to the data plan question, my 20yo daughter's BB just died, and when we moved her to an X, she still got unlimited, so as far as I know they haven't gone to tiered data.
One big offset to data fees is that most new phones have WIFI, something that was unheard of a few years ago.
Another offset is Google Voice, SMS and voice at no charge, just need a live number to do the initial setup. It comes as a Android app, or can be run from a browser.
For those that are curious, you can get DIDs (10 digit phone numbers) that can then ring you (wired/wireless/ computer) phone in most markets in the US, you just have to have a service to have those numbers terminated through a VOIP provider - a whole other discussion.
There is a literal wave of Android/HP/Dell tablets (think iPad without the Apple surcharge) coming to market that will offer much greater functionality without data plans, and in different form factors to boot. WIFI and multi-touch are the keys here. Different form factors as well; 5" to 10"
The great thing about WIFI based devices is it becomes far harder to use them in a moving vehicle. (not impossible)
