To be fair to some wrong prognosticators ... there were 3 REAL prototypes floating around. I managed to see all 3 in the August-November 2006 timeframe. One did have a touchpad and a 2.2" screen and no buttons. One did have a slide out keyboard and no touch pad and one looked similar to the final release. The same person had each prototype.
I think of all the most accurate rumors Slashphone actually had the best scoop ... a photograph with a (close to actual pic) and the word iPhone on it.
I really think Macrumors deserves the most credit though for presenting all the various sides to this rumor.