I use an iPod Touch 2G for just what you describe ... works wonderfully. Free web connectvity when near WIFI, too.
Get a new cell phone that incorporates those requirements.
The Palm Pre will do all that and more.
Comes with Office suite and syncs with email.
You will also have access to the internet.
Better phone, if only for the display, is the HTC EVO. Hard to get and you can’t just walk into a store and get one. Usually have to order and wait 2-4 weeks for arrival.
An iPod Touch makes for a great PDA. Downside is no wireless synch to your computer, although I think there’s an app for that. And it does a lot more than just a PDA, so it’s priced accordingly.
My two cents.
I’d recommend going to overstock.com and purchasing a replacement unit given your satisfaction and reluctance to go the smartphone route.
I was a very very heavy user of Palm Products and shifted to Blackberry @ 6 years ago.
MFO
http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=10898
Virgin Mobile offers an android-based smartphone.
Alternatively, you can keep your existing cell phone and use an iPod.
Get a touch screen phone with a data plan.
That’s it, really.
I used an HP IPAQ for years. It was a great device synced with all the MS Office apps, great security due to a biometric reader. I stopped using it when they integrated those same features into a blackberry.
Tow and a half years ago, I replaced my Palm tungsten with a Palm Centro, which uses the same operating system as the tungsten. Unfortunately, Palm has abandoned both the Centro and the palm os and palm desktop, with which I hotsync my functions. It’s a nice unit, with a few defects - the keyoard is small, and its web browsing is limited.
I’m looking to replace it, but, I suppose I’ll have to switch my desktop sync functions to something else, and transfer my data manually to the new desktop function.
I used HP iPaqs for years until I finally went the route of smartphone once the processors caught up. I would recommend this for your stated purposes:
http://www.shopping.hp.com/product/handheld/iPAQ/1/storefronts/FB041AA%2523ABA
Buy a refurb HTC PDA.. no plan
http://pocketnow.com/android/htc-sync-305422-released-for-desire-legend-hero-wildfire-and-aria
I have to agree that the two best options for you are going with an ipod touch or an android device.
There are numerous android tablets hitting the market for the holidays, and the android phones that are available now are truly amazing. (Typing this on a samsung vibrant phone right now)
Transferring contacts is extremely easy by importing and exporting CVS files.
Ipod transfers are equally easy.