@GBD: You're exactly on the money, and I believe completely that we are going to see a fundamental shift in wireless telephony over the next 5 years.
Consider that, as we've been trying to explain to Rogers, these Android phones are not "web phones", they are not the usual wireless "appliances" to which we have become accustomed; these are mini-computers that are capable of making phone calls. I think it's interesting (even ironic) that many iPhone users complain about call quality. The truth is the iPhone, and Android phones, are little computers first, cell phones second. (I think Rogers is finally getting this, after all we've done here).
At CES scores of "tablet" PCs were announced, and the iSlate will be coming soon (I'll give credit where it is due. If the iSlate is like the mockups, it will be sweet. So will MS Courier if they ever make it!). On top of that you have Dell releasing an Android device that looks like a smart phone (slightly larger) but which is not a phone.
Add to that Google Voice, Google buying up phone numbers, and Gizmo, and you have now a company that can theoretically offer free VOIP service (something we thought we'd see with Nexus One).
I am willing to bet that _PC_ companies are going to start building hardware, never mind the traditional phone companies. You will see HP, Dell, Toshiba, all of them coming out with truly pocket PCs. They will be able to output to a monitor and keyboard wirelessly or via USB for desktop use, then stick it in your pocket to go.
These pocket PCs will have wireless radios, or will use VOIP only, but once these companies start making these pocket computers (and with Android being open source it will be easier) the cost will come down, and you will buy ALL your "phones" without a contract. The wireless companies will be forced to pander to customers who buy their hardware separately, and who can move about.
Soon enough...
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