I have seen the FPhone. It had a profound impact on me ;)

It’s not perfect yet, but it’s damn close. Let’s run through Fred’s FPhone checklist:

1 - same form factor as the iPhone - 3″ x 2″ super crisp display [This gets a 3/4 check. It's not as small, but it's pocket-sized]
2 - pull out dual slider keyboard like the Helio Ocean [check!]
3 - no operating system - just a browser, everything happens in the browser [No check on this one, but it does have an incredible browser (better than Apple's browser IMHO... it certainly renders this blog better). Bonus points because the OS is Linux.]
4 - gmail, gcal, gmaps, gsearch, and the web [check, check, check, check, and CHECK!]
5 - flash audio and video [check, check, check!]
6 - data plan only, no voice, and also wifi [1/2 check. Wifi and no voice plan, but no data plan either]
7 - voice delivered via voip (gtalk and skype) integrated with gmail address book [1/4 check... it uses Skype and Gizmo, and even has live video chat... but it's not integrated with the gmail address book]
8 - sold unlocked only, not through any carrier [Check]
9 - a GSM radio - thanks Craig [Fail, but that's ok... it's cheaper without GSM subscription]

The price point is pretty good too: $500. I got a chance to play with this at Web 2.0. It looks great on paper, and it’s even better in person. The battery lasts days… the screen is super crisp… and the browser is 10x faster in rendering than a Curve.

I experimented with some browsing to both AJAX and non-AJAX pages. The browser handled everything I threw at it. I tried Skype (Alex has kind enough to let me bug him at 1 am EST) and the experience exceeded my expectations.

My only complaint is that the keyboard is a little clunky; I type much better and faster on my Crackberry, but I’m sure if I practiced my speed would improve. I should pre-order now.

Here’s Engadget’s coverage with more detailed specs.