[gcianc]

if you use the internet you use a cloud.

99% of smartphone users DO NOT want email/info stored EXCLUSIVELY (ie. locked) on a "single device" rather a server where it can sync any device you're presently using (phone, laptop, pc in transit, home, work for example).

you want to check mail on a phone, delete it and when you get on a PC the email is 100% in sync.

same for calendars, etc.

the clouds is only lacking because of half-baked implementation. (well unless you pay $100 for apple's mobile me or whatever it's called and restrict yourself to apple only yuk).

for example MS has not yet realized the ability to sync your CONTACTS simply from Hotmail to a windows mobile device using "cloud service". Windows Live (wm app) helps remove the no-imap hotmail support (allowing imap-like use) but fails to sync contacts nevermind allow the ease to enter contacts into your "network" to be sync'd.

no ability to sync bookmarks to your phone.

or contacts (well of course you can using google contacts but...).

this is computer 101 level stuff and it's not just MS missing the boat. But that will all change hopefully soon as real phones are released with adequate RAM, faster CPUs and software designed for the "cloud".

ps - any smart phone (or blackberry) sold today pretty much requires a data plan by any major carrier. if you're on "pay as you go" using a smartphone you don't count in their stats and are a loss-leader to the carriers