Mobile Phones

@Multi_Grooves, without looking back at your post, I think you said you had the Sony-Ericsson Xperia, which runs Windows Mobile 6. Regarding calendars, WM6 probably has more 1st, 2nd and 3rd party apps per type, of all OS's on mobile phones. So you should be able to download different calendars and run them simultaneously.

Does it work with a Mac? I doubt it.

Regarding Android phones - the G1 (T-mobile) has a handy slide-out keyboard, but the most puny and restrictive onboard user memory of any modern multi-use phone. An unbelievable 256k. Thats right, 1/4 of a megabyte! Whereas many phones have gigabytes(!!!) of onboard user memory. The G2 is better, but doesn't have a slide out keyboard, and runs a screen virtual-keyboard, a la iPhone.

The HTC Hero is the same phone as the G2 (T-Mobile).

As far as I know, the Android OS will not easily "talk" to a Mac. Another difference between the G1 and G2, is that the G2 can "tether" and become the modem for a PC/laptop. The G1 can't as standard, but there is an unapproved app that can get this done. Its a bit fiddly though.

I like Android phones. They show a lot of promise. The amount of free useful apps, and playful apps is enough reason to get it. What I don't like, is the tie-in to all things Google, but the iPhone does the same with Apple, and much more expensively.

You're right on the tethering bit (but as you say you can do it - although I've still not managed to tether with Linux) but wrong on whether Android will 'talk' to a Mac (I think).

If plugged in via USB it is recognised as an external device (just like a hard drive). You do have to select to mount it. I only do this to transfer files (pictures and music mainly). I stuck a file manager app on the phone so I could organise things better (Astro). Unlike the iphone you just put in a Micro SD card to handle the memory issue.

Multigrooves asked about contacts, calendars & e-mail etc. As someone else noted if you use google already for these things it's a no-brainer as it auto synchs both ways over the air automatically. I use Sailing Media Synch to synch the phone with itunes.

Have to say I don't use iChat/iCal/Address Book as why would you if google handles all of this? OK you might lose some functionality but the benefits to me outweigh the negatives.

Not knocking what you are saying GA2G but I can't see how it doesn't talk to a mac?