I’m thinking of bailing on my cellphone and going with a PDA / Broadband Wireless / Skype combination. The beauty of this setup would be the lack of need for cell phone charges which cost me $50 / month. Instead of $100/month for a cable modem and cell phone I’d pay $60 and I’d gain the ability to get online anywhere.

“Verizon Communications and Vodafone Group PLC, dropped the price of its evolution-data optimized, EV-DO, monthly service fee from $79.99 to $59.99. At that price point, according to JupiterResearch analyst Joseph Laszlo, wireless service becomes a legitimate alternative to DSL and cable modem, as well as Wi-Fi services. “At these prices, wired broadband services and Wi-Fi now have some real competition,” Laszlo said. “Just like people now forgo regular phone service for their cell phones, wireless Internet services will become a more attractive alternative.”

Now combine that with a rollable screen pictured to the above so you can browse the web with reasonable resolution when needed and still fit it in your pocket and you’re looking at the future of communication. Google is rumored to be entering the wireless broadband market nationwide in the not too distant future so prices should drop further.

The catch right now is that without a Verizon voice plan the cost jumps to $79.99/month. There’s also a two year contract requirement which is sensible for them because google may come out with a $30/month plan which would require the payment of $180 for an early termination fee. I just called and they said there is no option to go month to month. So a contract has a minimum value of $1920 unless you pay the $180. Hmmm, that’s a hell of a commitment.

Note to self: Research EVDO and EDGE…