Welcome to our forum Ben! as for your surprise about the number of people who plunked down a fair amount of $$ to get the same PPC as you, consider that The T-Mobile MDA is almost the same phone!
These forums are full of tips,and you might want to check out the "sticky notes" and the download section for quick ideas...
First step, of course, is download and install SPB Plus, to make your Today screen friendlier and more useful!
And, if you are a scifi freak (like me), get your free copy of Mobipocket Reader and free ebooks at Baen.com
Good luck !!! let us know how you are doing!............ Manny