I've been very happy with my Nexus 7. So much so that I wish it had a phone.
I know it's crazy, because it's huge, but if you can get beyond the oddness of it (cf: people usings iPads as cameras,) I think the "Phablets" are a form factor so practical that fashion will have to embrace it.
You actually wish you could hold it up to your ear? Or are you thinking more along the lines of a Bluetooth headset or speakerphone? Using an iPad as a camera for the occasional picture is not too bad, but I can't imagine holding a 7" device to your ear for any call exceeding 30 seconds.
It'd work fine for headphones + mic. Plus in the car it plays through the audio system as well. I just wouldn't want to lug around an iPad Mini or other ~ 7" tablet everywhere I go.
The nice thing about the Nexus 7 is it fits in my coat and jacket pockets easily. Oh, and in my cargo shorts (my non-work summer attire.) The iPad mini doesn't.
So the only time it would feel like lugging is in the summer. And it's not that big a deal carrying it to/from work.
Not crazy. A Bluetooth headset for around the house or out and about, and a hands-free bluetooth system in the car, and you have a perfectly usable phone. Less portable versus better screen - that's the only tradeoff.
I know it's crazy, because it's huge, but if you can get beyond the oddness of it (cf: people usings iPads as cameras,) I think the "Phablets" are a form factor so practical that fashion will have to embrace it.