(Nov 20, 2009)
Bonnie Cha
Senior Associate Editor
You're intelligent enough to know that carrying around a cell phone and a PDA is inefficient. Lighten your load by picking up an all-in-one device. Whether you use it as an organizer, an e-mail device, a cell phone, or all of the above, getting a smartphone is a smart move. Here are our top five picks for these phone-PDA hybrids; we've picked one for each major carrier, as well as one unlocked smartphone. This list will be updated regularly, so sign up for our Mobile Weekly newsletter. To find ringtones and accessories for these phones, plus advice and tips on how to use them, check out our cell phone ringtones, accessories, and help page.
Apple iPhone 3G S
The iPhone 3GS doesn't make the same grand leap that the iPhone 3G made from the first-generation model, but the latest Apple handset is still a compelling upgrade for some users. The iPhone 3GS is faster and we appreciate the new features and extended battery life, but call quality and 3G reception still need improvement.
Price: $299.00 - $299.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 17, 2009
Excellent
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Motorola Droid
Despite some design issues and a couple of missing features, the Motorola Droid is the most powerful and fastest Google Android device to date. It fully embraces the openness of the Android platform and offers Verizon customers a smartphone that certainly rivals the other touch-screen devices on the market.
Price: $199.99 - $599.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 28, 2009
Excellent
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HTC Touch Pro2
Though hefty in size and price, the HTC Touch Pro2 offers T-Mobile's business customers a powerful smartphone with robust messaging, voice capabilities, and a slick user interface.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Aug 11, 2009
Excellent
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RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700
The RIM BlackBerry Bold 9700 brings T-Mobile its first 3G BlackBerry and improves on its predecessor with a sleeker design and more power. We only wish it had a better browser to complete the package.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Nov 4, 2009
Excellent
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Palm Pre
Despite some missing features and performance issues that make it less than ideal for on-the-go professionals, the Palm Pre offers gadget lovers and consumers well-integrated features and unparalleled multitasking capabilities. The hardware could be better, but more importantly, Palm has developed a solid OS that not only rivals the competition but also sets a new standard in the way smartphones handle tasks and manage information.
Price: $149.99 - $749.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jun 3, 2009
Very good
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