A hybrid device may be enticing, but don't get duped by cool looks and features alone. The service plan is more important in the long run. There's no point having the device if you can't get a signal. Because all hybrids aren't always available for all networks, compromise on the hardware for the best service plan.

Service plans can charge by the amount of data you use while others charge by the minute. Consider how frequently you'll be using data services before settling on a plan. Here's the minimum cost of data in the San Francisco area.

Editors note: The Kyocera 7135 isn't currently available, nor are the corresponding service plans. The 7135 is compatible with the Sprint PCS and Verizon Wireless networks. The following hardware prices are coupled with service agreements of up to two years.

Editors note: Since our original review Sprint PCS has changed their service plans to include unlimited data.

Hybrid device	T-Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition	Audiovox Thera	Handspring Treo 300	Kyocera 7135	T-Mobile Sidekick
Hardware/service cost	$550	$800	$500	roughly $500	$250
Service provider	T-Mobile	Verizon Wireless	Sprint PCS	n/a	T-Mobile
Minimum data rate plan	$20	$35	$40	n/a	$40
Voice anytime minutes	None	Shared with data	300	n/a	200
Included MB or minutes	5MB	150 minutes	Unlimited MB with latest plan	n/a	Unlimited for one year
Extra data cost	$5 per MB	40 cents per minute	n/a	n/a	n/a

If you want to use instant-messaging applications, you're better off with a per-megabyte plan that allows an "always-on" connection, though you can quickly lose track of the amount of data used. We surfed the Web for 20 minutes on the Audiovox Thera and managed to eat up around 1.5MB. Pocket PC devices are the most data-hungry.