Considering present day tech: umpcs, ev-do, wi-max, and hi-res mega-pixel cameras, the next logical step will be the creation of an all-in-one portable convergence device. An excellent foundation for this (admittedly) elementary concept can be found in the Sony Vaio UX series. This device is a mini computer capable of running the current Windows OS (Vista), w/speakers, a microphone, and has two built in cameras(one on the back for taking pictures, and one that faces the front . The one in front allows for video conferencing and and person-to-person video calls using Skype or other similar programs.

Considering the device is a full blown computer, capable of connecting to the internet by ev-do and wi-fi, anything you can do on your average desktop, you can do on this, but this thing is no bigger than a paperback book. A similar device, the OQO +02, is a better example of how small the device can really get, this one literally fits in your pocket.
As processors get stronger, faster, and smaller, the possibilities almost become limitless for these type of devices: watch movies, listen to music, surf the net, shop, control other devices,etc.

The current price range and overall current practicality of the device makes it a high end novelty to most. Yet one can easily see that: 1) if a phone were added to the device (which could be done rather cheaply now), 2)if a widespread telecommunications network existed capable of handling excessive video traffic (the internet), 3) if the cost could come down enough for the common man (maybe over the next 10-15 years) 4) if a durable, portable, form factor with a long lasting battery (the biggest problem) could be created----then the everyday idea and method of interpersonal communication would change forever.

While "Joe-Public" may be slow to adopt new tech, history has shown that new tech can become a part of accepted everyday rather quickly, if the price is right. Look at the proliferation of cell phones in just 15 years, the internet in the last 10, and hi-definition media viewing in the last 5, all because the cost continues to drop.

If a company like Apple were to put its i-Sight camera and program on its i-Phone, it would INSTANTLY change the telecommunications landscape. So much so that if they still continued to call it an i-POD (or i-Pod "i", for the sake of creativity and marketing),people could possibly start refering to that type of item as a "pod" ("I'll pod you later", "Hit me on my pod in 15 minutes", etc.). The right branding can change a lexicon quickly. Think about it, when you need to blow your nose, do you ask someone for a facial tissue or a KLEENEX?

Image how useful a dock for your device would be in your home and car. It would allow you to utilize all of the capabilities of your all-in-one device (home video phone, car video phone, watching videos in your car stored on the device,etc). Competitors would rush to market to put out similar products, which would promote innovation and the reduction of cost. This would lead to more people adopting the tech, which would lead to your grandkids laughing at your stories of the "old days" when you COULDN'T see who you were taking to while you were talking to them.

I really believe this will be a reality that is commonplace in 15 years. I would love to hear others opinion on this possibilty.

ya just look at japan, their phones are almost everything in one, highres cameras, computers, and even credit cards and passports