$50 - $100 Smartphones

The Bottom Line: While not as powerful as the Pre, the Palm Pixi offers first-time smartphone buyers a decent set of features in a sleek little package. However, to be really competitive, we think it needs to come down in price just a touch.

Specs: 3.5 oz

The Bottom Line: Though its performance wasn't completely top-notch and we would prefer a more recent Android OS version, the HTC Droid Eris is a satisfying Android device that offers a nice contrast to the Motorola Droid. And you can't beat the price.

Specs: CDMA2000 1X 1900/800, Up to 214 min, With digital camera, 4.2 oz

The Bottom Line: The HTC Snap for Sprint offers snappy performance and good messaging features, but the smartphone's plastic build and lack of Wi-Fi don't justify the price.

Specs: WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900, Up to 510 min, With digital camera / digital player, 4.2 oz

The Bottom Line: As the successor to the BlackJack series, the Samsung Jack brings a fresh look and some nice feature upgrades to make it one of AT&T's more solid and affordable messaging smartphones. However, we tend to favor the Nokia E71x's design.

Specs: WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 420 min, 4 oz

The Bottom Line: Slow and expensive; you can find better touch-screen alternatives to the Verizon HTC Touch Diamond.

Specs: WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 900/1800/1900, Up to 300 min, With digital camera / digital player, 3.9 oz

The Bottom Line: The Samsung Propel Pro is a capable Windows Mobile device, but its bulky design makes it less appealing than AT&T's other messaging smartphones.

Specs: WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 390 min, With digital camera / digital player, 4.8 oz

The Bottom Line: The T-Mobile Shadow isn't a particularly impressive upgrade over its predecessor, but it's a good starter device for anyone making the jump from a regular cell phone to a smartphone.

Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband), Up to 420 min, 5.3 oz

The Bottom Line: Though we weren't pleased with LG Incite's design quirks, we think that overall, it's a very good first entry in the U.S. smartphone market.

Specs: WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900, Up to 520 min, 4.2 oz

The Bottom Line: The iPhone 3G delivers on its promises by adding critical features and sharper call quality. The iTunes App Store is pretty amazing, and the 3G support is more than welcome. Critical features still are missing, and the battery depletes quickly under heavy use, but the iPhone 3G is a big improvement over the original model.

Specs: WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900, Up to 600 min, With digital camera / digital player, 4.7 oz

The Bottom Line: T-Mobile customers looking to upgrade their BlackBerry Pearl or get their first smartphone will find a good choice in the RIM BlackBerry Pearl 8120. It's also compatible with T-Mobile's HotSpot@Home service and $50 cheaper than AT&T's model.

Specs: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 (Quadband), 240 min, 3.2 oz