Smartphones

Apple iPhone reviews: Still a hit

While most reviews say the iPhone (*est. $400 with a two-year AT&T service contract) is great as a multimedia player, we found iPhone complaints regarding performance with office applications. Reviewers Sascha Segan and Tim Gideon complain about the simple POP3 implementation that, for example, eliminates some Gmail features. Word files, pdf files and Excel files can be read, but not edited or saved, and the iPhone can't read or save other types of attachments. However, recent updates tackled complaints about the lack of simple e-mail functions. And now the iPhone lets you send text messages to multiple people simultaneously, though there's still no multimedia messaging. You also can't add a third-party client, since you can't install any non-Apple software.

You can sync e-mail with popular consumer services such as Gmail and Yahoo!, but syncing business e-mail is more hit or miss. For example, iPhone reviews say it will sync with Microsoft Exchange, but they add that you'll need a lot of help from your company's IT department. You can sync contact and calendar information with many Mac and PC programs, including Apple's Address Book and iCal -- and with Microsoft Outlook on the PC. The review at PC Magazine says syncing support is generally excellent.

The iPhone's "virtual" keyboard has been the source of some controversy. However, David Pogue at The New York Times and CNet.com's Kent German and Donald Bell all indicate that the tiny keyboard is easier to use than first feared, aided in no small part by correction software -- similar to that in the Blackberry Pearl (see below) -- that guesses the word in advance (and is usually right). One issue is that punctuation can only be accessed through a secondary keyboard, which can slow things down.

The iPhone's built-in Safari web browser gets accolades all around. Its biggest flaw is that it lacks support for Java or Flash -- Java and Flash plug-ins can't be added right now. Otherwise, everyone says the browser delivers what has been promised. Web pages load and are displayed just like they are on a computer -- with all formatting intact, right down to the ads and pop-ups.

The iPhone connects to the Internet via Wi-Fi or AT&T's much-maligned EDGE network. Reviews we saw offered a range of opinions on the experience. Pogue at The New York Times writes that loading pages via EDGE makes one "almost ache for a dial-up modem." However, PC Magazine's reviewers indicate that pages load relatively quickly even over EDGE. Everyone agrees that things are very fast when connected to a Wi-Fi network.

The most universal of the iPhone complaints in reviews is that the iPhone isn't a very good phone. Receiving calls is easy enough, but reviewers note that it can take up to six steps to make a call. Call quality is described as so-so, and both connectivity and dropped calls are a problem. Though some might be tempted to blame AT&T's network for that, PC Magazine tested the iPhone alongside a BlackBerry Curve (also on the AT&T network) on three calls in a poor signal area. The Curve connected on all three, while the iPhone failed twice. Some features found on even basic phones are missing: There's no voice dialing, and you're limited to the 25 ring tones that come with the iPhone (you can't buy or add additional ring tones).

iPhone pricing has been the source of controversy. Considered very expensive when first introduced, Apple originally offered an 8 GB iPhone for $600 and a 4 GB model for $400. Just about two months later, however, Apple suddenly discontinued the 4 GB iPhone altogether and dropped the price of the 8 GB model by $200, to its current selling price (*est. $400 with two-year AT&T service contract). Needless to say, that left many early adopters furious. Steve Jobs' comment of "well, that's what happens in technology" in a USA Today interview did little to quell the firestorm at the time.

Rate plans for the iPhone are considered to be relatively affordable (*est. $60 for 450 minutes or *est. $80 for 900 minutes plus unlimited nights and weekends). AT&T also offers a $20 unlimited data (Web/e-mail) plan (with 200 SMS text messages) to existing wireless customers and a $30 unlimited data plan with 1,500 SMS text messages.

Best BlackBerry smartphones

Research in Motion (RIM) BlackBerry PDA cell phones have long been favorites among business and enterprise users, primarily because of their support for push e-mail on BlackBerry Exchange servers. Push e-mail delivers mail to the handheld immediately, with no user action required. Traditional BlackBerry handhelds used to be much larger than many of today's ultra-svelte smartphones. However, the latest BlackBerry smartphones have slimmed down to keep up with the competition. Reviews report that these smaller BlackBerry smartphones still provide all the functionality of traditional models, and helpful features continue to be added.

The BlackBerry Pearl ($130 with Sprint or $150 with Verizon service contract) is the smallest of all; it measures just a half-inch thick and weighs 3.4 ounces. Aside from the sleeker design, it includes such nontraditional BlackBerry features as a 2.0-megapixel camera, media player, Bluetooth, GPS, video recording capabilities, multimedia messaging and more. In addition, all of BlackBerry's traditional business-oriented features are still present. The latest model, the Pearl 8130, works on Verizon's extremely fast EVDO network.

To achieve its small size, instead of a full keyboard, the BlackBerry Pearl has a 20-button keypad. Each button is assigned two alphabet letters, but you don't have to push buttons twice for the second letter (as you would on a cell phone.) Rather, the BlackBerry uses SureType software to analyze all the possible letter combinations to come up with the word you are trying to type. However, not everyone is impressed with SureType. CNet reviewer Bonnie Cha calls the keyboard "irritating" and takes some getting used to.

Users -- and especially corporate users -- have not been as appreciative of SureType technology, however, and RIM's newest BlackBerry models are again featuring a full QWERTY keyboard. Among the group, the BlackBerry Curve 8320 (*est. $250 with T-Mobile service contract) has earned the most kudos. PC Magazine's Sascha Segan seems to sum up the consensus by saying it's T-Mobile's "best handheld for communication addicts." At .6 inches, the Curve is essentially no thicker than the Pearl, though it's slightly wider to accommodate the larger keyboard.

Like the Pearl, the Curve has more fun features than traditional BlackBerry smartphones. According to PC Magazine's Segan, the Curve is "a more grown-up Pearl." Wi-Fi is the big addition to the 8320 -- the latest Curve smartphone. The device works with T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home, so you can make Wi-Fi calls that don't have to be included in your plan.

The Curve also has consumer-oriented goodies such as a 2-megapixel camera with built-in flash and 5X digital zoom. Though the camera can't record video, media manager software developed in conjunction with Roxio can download and play all sorts of video or music files from your PC or the web. A full-screen mode can let you view videos on every bit of the Curve's 2.5-inch 320 x 240 pixel display, which CNet.com's Bonnie Cha says is "sharp and vibrant." Most consider the proprietary BlackBerry OS to be significantly easier to use than other smartphone operating systems, especially Windows Mobile 6.

Of course, the Curve is a BlackBerry, so e-mail functionality is first rate. Push technology is used to send messages to the smartphone as soon as they are received, and the same technology can be used to send other business data -- such as appointments, business events, inventory, pricing and more -- in real time, as soon as updates occur. Syncing is automatic, and deleting a message on the smartphone deletes it from your desktop computer. Up to ten e-mail accounts can be accommodated. You can open and view most popular file formats, but you'll need to turn to a third party application if you want to do any editing.

BlackBerry units are not regarded as the best for web surfing. For instance, CNet's Bonnie Cha says that the integrated web browser "isn't quite as sophisticated as those on competing smartphones." Web-page rendering is still problematic and doesn't come close to the near-perfect page rendering of the iPhone. Editors at Brighthand.com say that some pages on the BlackBerry browser can look like a "crossword puzzle with randomly inserted pictures," adding that some sites fail to work properly at all. Some third party browsers are available, but reports are mixed on whether those are better or worse than the browser that's included with the Curve and other current Blackberry smartphones.

Reviewers are generally very complimentary about the Curve's ergonomics. The editors at Laptop magazine say that the Curve sports a sleek, no-compromise design. The keyboard is well spaced, and the Curve retains the Pearl's trackball for menu navigation. In addition, PC Magazine's Sascha Segan says that call quality on the Curve is very good. However, the BlackBerry Curve 8320 is currently only supported by T-Mobile.

RIM also makes a BlackBerry aimed at the more traditional business user. The newest version, the BlackBerry 8830 World Edition (*est. $200 with Sprint or Verizon service contract) is equipped with GSM technology for international roaming in over 100 countries. The BlackBerry 8830 is a dual CDMA/GSM phone. Being able to use both types of networks gives users the best of two worlds -- access to Verizon's higher-speed EVDO network in the United States and the ability to use GSM networks when traveling. (GSM networks are the standard outside the United States.)

In many other ways, the BlackBerry 8830 is nearly identical to the earlier 8800 in form and function, but there are some key differences. In addition to the ability to use both types of high-speed networks, the BlackBerry 8830 lacks GPS and push-to-talk capabilities. On the plus side, multimedia functionality is better in the 8830 than in the 8800. Call quality and surfing speed are also both better in the Verizon BlackBerry 8830, thanks to its use of EVDO. Thus, PC Magazine gives the BlackBerry 8830 the editor's choice award as "the ultimate business tool for Verizon subscribers." The review adds that the media player is excellent.

In most reviews, the Blackberry 8830 gets high marks, but opinions are mixed on some aspects. The full keyboard is described as cramped by several reviewers, and at 4.5 x 2.6 inches, the BlackBerry 8830 is a little large to be comfortable to use as a phone. In addition, there is no Bluetooth support. However, if you're looking for seamless international roaming, experts say this is the model to use.

Other good smartphones

The BlackBerry has become the de facto choice for businesses because of its excellent push e-mail capabilities. However, web browsing isn't great, and you can't edit documents without third-party software. If your business doesn't limit you to BlackBerry, there are other smartphones you might consider, some of which also offer push e-mail. Some of these are less expensive than an iPhone.

One of the major criticisms of AT&T as a carrier is the slow speed of its EDGE data network. To answer that, the company has been aggressively rolling out the HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) data network, a challenger to Verizon's EVDO high-speed data network. Reviews say that HSDPA is much speedier than EDGE. One drawback to HSDPA is that it's still not available in as many markets as EVDO.

The AT&T Tilt (*est. $400 with AT&T service contract) has built-in HSDPA connectivity. The phone can also use the EDGE network in areas where HSDPA is not available. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Telenav GPS navigator support are included, as well. Additionally, the Tilt supports Blackberry Connect software for the first time, so that you can use the Blackberry e-mail system. Reviews are generally very positive, and most call the Tilt a great choice for the business user. It is a quad-band (850/900/1800/1900) GSM phone that can be used most places in the world.

According to CNet.com's Bonnie Cha, the AT&T Tilt is "packed with all the features a mobile professional could want in a smart phone," and she considers it a worthwhile upgrade from AT&T's earlier 8525 smartphone. The Tilt uses Windows Mobile 6 Professional, and it's bundled with a full Microsoft Office Suite that allows editing of Word, Powerpoint and Excel documents. Outlook Mobile is also included. A speedy 400 MHz processor helps ensure that everything runs smoothly.

The Tilt's large 2.8-inch touchscreen tilts 40 degrees -- hence its name -- and that sets it apart from other smartphones with sliding keypads. There are also numerous additional controls and shortcuts that make the AT&T Tilt very easy to use. The Tilt's top slides over to reveal a full QWERTY keypad for messaging, editing, or composing e-mails. Hiding the keypad behind the top panel when not in use keeps the Tilt's size manageable and more comfortable to use as a cell phone.

The AT&T Tilt also has a fun side. Multimedia goodies include AT&T Video, AT&T Music services and a 3-megapixel camera with a video mode. However, CNet says that the camera's picture quality was subpar and that speakerphone quality wasn't the greatest. Many reviewers add that while the Tilt is a power-packed communications device, it falters when used for entertainment. Money Magazine reviewer Kate Ashford complained that the clips and streaming video that appear on the Tilt only use about half of the screen.

Despite its large size, critics say the Samsung SCH-i760 (*est. $350 with Verizon service contract) is Verizon's best phone. According to PC Magazine's Sascha Segan, the Samsung smartphone "has the hottest form factor going right now." There's a traditional phone keypad on the top half, which slides and rotates to reveal a full QWERTY keyboard below.

At a weight of 5.29 ounces, the Samsung SCH-i760 is one of the heftier smartphones. However, the device is packed with features such as a bright, 2.8-inch (320 x 240 pixel) display, a touchscreen and an external dialpad. According to CNet's Bonnie Cha, the keyboard is easy to use with enough spacing and sizable keys. She does add that are also a number of quick launch buttons on the phone, which can be overwhelming, and warns that there's a learning curve after you buy this particular Samsung model. Another negative is the lack of a wheel to better navigate the menus.

The Samsung SCH-i760 is a Windows-based device powered by a 400 MHz processor and equipped with 64 MB of RAM. That's not a lot for a smartphone running Windows, but Cha says that the smartphone's performance is "snappy," though the speed was slowed when many applications are used. However, the device can access e-mail in many formats like Verizon Wireless Sync. There are also Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity work well according to Cha.

Speaking of applications, the Samsung SCH-i760 is also packed with business productivity tools. For example, there's Windows Mobile 6 Professional, so that you can retrieve or edit documents in Word or Excel files. The Verizon Samsung device uses the EVDO data network, so both web surfing and downloading e-mail is fairly speedy. Reviewers say that phone performance is generally good, and they agree that the Samsung SCH-i760 is a good bet for those who want a business-centric phone.

While T-Mobile subscribers can't use the Samsung SCH-i760, the T-Mobile Wing (*est. $300 with T-Mobile service contract) also has powerful features. The Wing comes with a 2.8-inch touchscreen display, 2.0-megapixel camera, media player and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. There's also integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity. PC World's Melissa Perenson writes that "the Wing is a reasonable value, given the phone's versatile functionality, stellar call quality." Her only concern, shared by other reviewers, is the poorly constructed buttons that can slow navigation. In addition, the Wing is bulky, weighing about 6 ounces. However, she still feels that the Wing is a great package, especially if you value touchscreens. The Wing uses Windows Mobile 6 Professional Edition.

The T-Mobile Wing also has excellent connectivity. It is a quad-band GSM cell phone that can be used worldwide. In the United States, it uses the EDGE network for data transfers, which reviewers say is notably slower than Verizon's EVDO. However, critics say that call quality is excellent.

Reviewers in general have also been very complimentary about the lower priced T-Mobile Dash (*est. $100 with T-Mobile service contract) . At 4.2 ounces, it's considerably lighter than the Wing, yet it delivers sharp, clear images, according to a CNet review. On the downside, PC World's Christopher Null says that, like the Wing, typing on the Dash's keyboard can be tricky -- there is not enough horizontal space between the keys. He is also disappointed that the Dash lacks some important productivity software, such as a word processing application. Bonnie Cha calls the Dash's volume-control touch strip "temperamental" and adds that the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera's user interface is "unnecessarily confusing." Still, most reviewers feel that the Dash presents a nice balance of form and performance, with the same excellent connectivity as the Wing. The Dash has recently been updated to run on Windows Mobile 6, and upgrades are available from T-Mobile for owners of older Dash smartphones, which used Windows Mobile 5.

Treo smartphones slip

In light of a slew of newer smartphones, many Palm Treo units aren't doing as well in reviews as they once were. Treo units gained a good reputation for their Palm software, which has great functionality and uses minimal resources (resulting in better battery life and quick performance). However, other smartphones are fast catching up, spurred by iPhone.

The Palm Treo 700p (*est. $300 with a 2-year Verizon service contract) is a smartphone with a QWERTY keyboard occupying the bottom third of the body. At 320 X 320 pixels, the Treo 700p's display has higher resolution than many other smartphones. Its 312 MHz processor isn't the fastest (many smartphones now operate at 400 MHz), but reviews say it works smoothly with the PDA's Palm software and operating system. You can sync data with your Windows or Macintosh computer, and the Treo 700p has 60 MB of memory. While that might not be a lot if this were a Windows device, it's more than enough memory to run Palm applications. In addition, you can expand memory by adding an SD (Secure Digital) media card.

The Treo 700p features support for EVDO, a high-speed network used by Verizon that's available in most major metro areas of the United States. A copy of Documents to Go 8.0 for editing Word, Excel and PowerPoint files is included. This is a plus, as some smartphones let you read Word and Excel files, but won't let you edit them. The Treo 700p uses the CDMA network for phone calls, which is fine for the U.S., but not as popular elsewhere in the world.

One issue worth noting with the 700p is that we've seen numerous user complaints regarding frequent lockups and freezes. While professionals spend a few days or weeks with a phone, user reports typically reflect more extended use and are helpful in spotting these types of issues. While the reports are far from universal, they are frequent enough and consistent enough to raise a red flag. That's a shame, since the 700p's ease of use and support for both reading and editing office documents otherwise sets it apart from the competition, especially for business users who need this extensive away-from-the-office functionality.

While the Treo 700p remains available, Palm also offers the Treo 755p (*est. $200 with Sprint or $300 with Verizon service contract) . Unfortunately, that smartphone has been largely greeted with yawns -- or worse. Perhaps the most scathing review comes from Rob Pegoraro in The Washington Post, who says that while competitors have been busy innovating both form and function, "Palm has been napping on the train tracks." A somewhat kinder review at CNet.com nonetheless agrees that innovation is lacking in the Treo 755p, adding that it looks "just plain frumpy compared to today's sleek QWERTY devices."

That's not to say that there aren't some improvements over previous efforts, just none that anyone would call groundbreaking. Most notably, there's an instant-messaging application, Google Maps for Mobile, and it offers support for Microsoft's Direct Push Technology within the e-mail application. However, even Pegoraro concedes that "the Treo 755p isn't bad in its own right."

Experts also say that Palm's latest effort, the slim, compact Palm Centro (*est. $100 with Sprint service contract) also breaks no new ground and is unlikely to restore Palm to its former glory. Reviewers seem willing to cut this phone a bit more slack because of its hard-to-beat price and generous feature lineup.

CNet's Bonnie Cha notes that the Centro "sheds some of the weight and bulk of Palm Treo," but retains most of its capabilities. The New York Times' David Pogue is more direct. He asks "what, exactly, do you sacrifice by buying a $100 smartphone instead of one that costs $200 or $400?" His conclusion is not much, adding that "this phone is loaded, loaded, loaded."

The Palm Centro only weighs 4.2 ounces, but it has push e-mail, lots of messaging options and a suite of productivity apps. There are also nice features such as Bluetooth connectivity, a 320 X 320 pixel color touchscreen, a 1.3-megapixel camera/camcorder and memory card expansion (microSD, up to 4 GB). The phone runs on Sprint's high-speed network, making it faster than the iPhone at one-quarter of the price. On the downside, the Centro lacks Wi-Fi, and the keyboard is "cramped," Cha says. Pogue agrees, adding "Palm and Sprint boast that the Centro has a full alphabet keyboard, but that's a generous use of the word 'full.'" Still, the Centro is affordable and easy to use, so experts say it's a good choice for young or first-time smartphone buyers.

In addition to smartphones that use the Palm operating system, Palm is producing Windows-based smartphones. Its latest effort is the Palm Treo 750 (*est. $200 with AT&T service contract) , which uses Windows Mobile 6. That GSM phone is available only from AT&T, and most reviews say that it's competent, though limited by its use of Windows and AT&T's slower EDGE network. It's not as slim and attractive as many other smartphones, but a review at Brighthand.com says that the Treo 750 is "not a complete party pooper if you pull it out with your friends to shoot off a text message."

There are some good options among budget smartphones; just don't expect much in the way of iPhone-like multimedia goodies at the lower end of the price spectrum. That said, there's at least one multimedia-rich smartphone at an intermediate price point that reviewers say is worth a look.

Money magazine reviewer Kate Ashford gives top marks to the Sprint HTC Touch (*est. $250 with 2-year Sprint contract) , beating out four other heavyweight contenders, including the Apple iPhone, in her review. Ashford especially likes the big 2.8-inch touchscreen. The interface is user friendly, she adds, and you don't need to use a stylus to access many features. The device weighs only 4 ounces and is slim enough at half-an-inch that you can slip it comfortably in your pocket.

Reviewers also like the HTC Touch's multimedia capability. The phone offers Sprint TV as part of the package, and you can access channels like CNN or listen to Sirius radio programs. There's also exclusive Sprint entertainment that's available, notes CNet reviewer Bonnie Cha, with 99-cent songs available for download from the Sprint network. However, when Cha tested the HTC smartphone, she found that the speakers were sub-par and pictures were sometimes out of sync. On the plus side, call quality was good.

Among less-expensive smartphones, the updated Blackjack II (*est. $100 with AT&T service contract) hits all the bases, say experts, with added goodies like GPS, a 2-megapixel camera and a full QWERTY keyboard. The result is that Laptop Magazine says the Blackjack II "is still one of the best value-priced smart phones." The keyboard layout, which some critics found difficult to use in its predecessor, has been retooled. Though Laptop magazine reviewer Mark Spoonauer complains that features such as Wi-Fi are lacking, he adds that you won't find a better smartphone for the price.

The BlackJack II uses AT&T's HSDPA data network. Spoonauer says that HSDPA is much speedier than EDGE, with websites beginning to load within 15 seconds. One drawback to HSDPA is that it is available in only a limited number of markets; in other areas, the phone defaults to the EDGE network.

In addition to HSDPA support, the BlackJack II is feature-loaded. Unlike some other smartphones, an Organizer application with a built-in notepad for editing documents is included. There's also a converter tool for dealing with currency, weights, temperature and other conversions. The phone is compatible with AT&T Music -- for an extra charge, you can stream XM radio. AT&T Video is also supported, so you can stream video clips from a number of content providers (including HBO, for an additional fee). Spoonauer says that the video looks good when using the HSDPA network, but slows to a slideshow-like quality when roaming into EDGE areas. There's also a 2.0-megapixel camera, Windows Mobile 6 Standard Edition and real-time e-mail. Call quality is said to be good.

Don't forget the data service

Data service prices vary widely, and some carriers offer a somewhat confusing array of plans. Costs for this vary considerably from phone to phone, so choosing the right one can be as much of a challenge as selecting the phone itself.

For example, Sprint offers two different mobile broadband service plans (*est. $40 to $60 monthly) designed for business or personal use, and two separate plans for BlackBerry users (*est. $40 to $50 monthly). AT&T, on the other hand, offers two plans for BlackBerry users (*est. $35 to $65), and similarly priced data plans for everyone else except iPhone owners. Verizon Wireless charges the same rate (*est. $80 to $240) for bundled voice/data plans for BlackBerry and other data subscribers.

Sprint and AT&T require data subscribers to also subscribe to a separate voice plan or purchase a voice/data bundle. Verizon sells its data plans as part of a bundle with voice service. T-Mobile, on the other hand, offers standalone unlimited data plans. BlackBerry plans (*est. $40 to $90) are available with and without free minutes, while Internet-only plans (*est. $40 to $50) have no free-minute options. Keep in mind that these plans all vary by region.

There are three main data network protocols out there. According to reviews, the EVDO network (Verizon and Sprint) is speedy, with data-transfer rates that are many times higher than EDGE (AT&T and T-Mobile). AT&T is also rolling out the HSDPA data network, though it is currently available in fewer metro areas than either EVDO or EDGE and can't be used by all smartphones. According to initial reviews, HSDPA is faster than the EVDO network, and AT&T is working to expand both its reach and its speed.

Don't forget to also consider the cell phone side of things; reviews say that there's a considerable spread between the best and the worst cell phone carriers. In addition, many cellphone providers are adding cameras, Bluetooth, FM radio and much more to their phones. For more information, see our separate report on cell phone plans .

Important Features: Smartphones

• Consider the wireless provider. Buying a smartphone is as much about service as it is the unit itself. If you are already locked into a service contract, you'll probably want to either stick with your provider to avoid heavy cancellation fees, or wait awhile until your current contract expires. If you aren't locked into a contract, you have a lot more freedom to choose a smartphone first and a service second. For more on wireless service, see the separate ConsumerSearch report on cell phone plans .

• You'll also need a data service. Unlimited data plans start at $35 per month. Most carriers also require you to purchase voice service separately or as part of a data/voice bundle. One carrier (T-Mobile) offers standalone data service.

• Consider the data network. If you want a high-speed connection and live in a metropolitan area, consider a phone that uses the EVDO (Verizon and Sprint), EDGE (AT&T and T-Mobile) or HSDPA (AT&T) data networks. Reviews say that HSDPA is the fastest data network, while EDGE is the slowest. However, EVDO is much more widely available than HSDPA at present, and it's faster than EDGE. A Wi-Fi enabled phone, which can connect to the Internet at hot spots or wirelessly to a home or office network, is another high-speed data-transfer alternative.

• Not all smartphones sync with Mac computers. Smartphones based on the Windows Mobile or Symbian operating systems sync with PC computers, but need third-party software such as PocketMac (*est. $30) in order to use Mac's iSync software. However, Palm smartphones such as the Palm Centro can sync with both Mac and PC computers out of the box. The Apple iPhone is compatible with both Mac and PC computers.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

# of Picks	Model (with retailer links)	Carriers	Details from Amazon.com
5	Apple iPhone (*est. $400, plus AT&T service contract)	AT&T	-
4	T-Mobile Wing (*est. $300 with T-Mobile service contract)	T-Mobile	details
4	AT&T Tilt (*est. $400 with AT&T service contract)	AT&T	details
4	RIM BlackBerry Curve (*est. $250 with T-Mobile service contract)	T-Mobile	details
4	Samsung SCH-i760 (*est. $350 with Verizon service contract)	Verizon	details
2	Palm Centro (*est. $100 with Sprint service contract)	Sprint	details
3	Samsung BlackJack (*est. $100 with AT&T service contract)	AT&T	-
2	RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8130: (*est. $130 with Sprint service contract) (*est. $150 with Verizon service contract)	Sprint, Verizon	details
2	Sprint HTC Touch (*est. $250 with 2-year Sprint contract)	Sprint	details
1 each	BlackBerry 8730, Palm Treo 700p, Palm Treo 755p , Palm Treo 750 , Nokia N95 , Sony Ericsson P990i , T-Mobile Dash

The Apple iPhone is slick and does a great job delivering multimedia content, but it might not be the best choice for business users. Instead, experts recommend the AT&T Tilt for that carrier's business users. For T-Mobile subscribers, the T-Mobile Wing is stylish and powerful. The BlackBerry Curve 8320 adds Wi-Fi to what was already a powerful business-centric phone. Samsung SCH-i760 is called Verizon's best smartphone, with a great form factor and lots of power. The Palm Centro breaks little new ground -- except for price -- which, when coupled with its impressive lineup of features, makes it a great first smartphone.

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