This is why VoIP rules for phone calls. I've saved SO MUCH CASH and headaches by having a number that follows me wherever I go. I'm not locked into any one provider, and comfortably use my phone via WiFi when available (which is 98% of the time), with scarcely a concern about my usage. Thankfully with prepaid data plans (via Rogers), I don't have to forego talk time when away from WiFi, which is perfect.

If the Tab gets a data-plan like the iPad (which is almost a certainty), then it will cost $15/month for 250MB of data. That doesn't sound like a lot, but for for calling via SIP (GSM codec, edge/3g), that should offer around 8-10hours of talk time (480-600mins)! For the actual call, it costs around $0.005 to $0.01 per minute (voip.ms, link2voip) -- unlimited incoming plans are also available. That's a crazy deal any way that you slice it, and the best part is, you don't use up your 'data-minutes' when you're around WiFi. Even better, your calls follow you wherever you go, so if you're vacationing in Spain or Australia, you can keep the same number and make/place calls as normal. Best of all, it's all data, so it consolidates phone and data into one lovely, flexible, inexpensive, and portable package.

I hear that Google Voice is offering free service, which sweetens the deal even further for casual users.

Of course, VoIP isn't perfect. It requires setup, patience and know how, and call quality can really suffer with a bad connection (lag, jitter, lost packets). But if you're willing to go the extra mile and do some investigation, it really is quite liberating, though CERTAINLY not for everyone.

This is why I want 3G in my tablet device. Now, I don't have to sacrifice phone connectivity when away from my home or office. I also get the benefit of SSH, email and web-surfing when away to stay connected. Best of all, I save TONS of cash by going this route. My only recurring bill is my home internet. If I'm between WiFi spots and I absolutely need connectivity, then a $2 data day pass is adequate. If I'm on vacation and need connectivity, a $7 week pass or $15 month pass will do.

Thankfully, the Tab has a sane screen size for extended use making it all the better, and touches like a camera for quick photos are a welcome feature. It's the moblie that I've been waiting for, and I'm confident that it can replace my laptop for many, many tasks. (Eg. me and my GF were playing marbles on my N810 last night in bed, and then we took in a movie on her macbook. With a Tab we could have done both -- with a wider selection of games--, and far more comfortably than with either of those devices. I also often read and listen to audio books in bed, and I suspect the Tab will handle both far better than my N810).