Couple of additions
I live in a low tech area, the local store had one with no lines waiting phone it, so why not. I always wanted a pda style phone.
With an existing cingular/ATT plan the only thing that changes is the addition of the data plan unlimited internet / data for $20 a month.
Browsing away from wifi is not that bad just start with google and know to look for things that are not overly graphic intensive. It will look for wifi spots itself and connection is easy.
Hooked up easily to the hands free setup in my auto
You are able to use home pop email accounts also as well as yahoo , gmail etc, just be sure to turn the pop account off if trying to hit it from another computer, it keeps the pop session open.
An easy way to play with contacts is to port them to yahoo, make your adjustments , multiple numbers, address etc and then sync them to the phone. Then email or phone call is a one button operation. You can put a subset of contacts in the favorites section, a pseudo business /personal.
No voice dialing, although the previous phone had it I never used it. Once the contacts are set navigation is easy.
Compared to my previous Razr i think the calls are as good or better. I had to hack the razr maps to increase ear piece volume while this phone seems ok so far. Havent tried a call with the targa top off yet.
I think your local speaker noise is a product of GSM phones.
Here is the complete user guide link if this helps.
http://manuals.info.apple.com/en/iPhone_User_Guide.pdf