Overview

Another year, another iPhone launch from Apple. The 3rd generation iPhone is still exclusive to AT&T in the US and it's still the hottest phone on the planet in terms of user interest (err, obsession?) and hype. Even the recently released Palm Pre (an excellent touch screen smartphone) can't seem to keep up with Apple's latest hotness. The iPhone 3GS looks and feels like the iPhone 3G, which Apple and AT&T are still selling but at a lower price. Like the 3G iPhone, it's available in black and white and in two storage capacities, upgraded from the 3G to 16 and 32 gigs. The white is available in both sizes this time around. The iPhone 3GS 16 gig sells for $199 and the 32 gig is $299 with a 2 year contract. AT&T charges $200 if your contract isn't yet up for renewal, and you can buy it at retail price ($599 and $699) if you don't want to extend your contract. The outgoing iPhone 3G 8 gig isn't going out just yet: AT&T and Apple are selling it for an incredibly cheap $99 with contract.

Specs

Display: 3.5" color display, 480 x 320 pixels, 163 ppi. Touch screen, gesture-aware and multi-touch aware. Your finger's flesh must contact the glass, a stylus, gloved finger or fingernail won't work.

Battery: Lithium Ion rechargeable. Battery is NOT user replaceable. It must be sent to Apple for replacement or taken to an Apple store. Estimated battery life according to Apple: 300 to 400 full charge cycles. Claimed talk time: up to 5 hours in 3G mode, 12 hours in GSM mode. Claimed standby: up to 300 hours. Claimed Internet use time on 3G is 5 hours (9 hours on WiFi), claimed video playback is up to 10 hours and claimed music playback is 30 hours. Supports USB charging.

Performance: 600MHz ARM CPU (Samsung S5PC100, Cortex A8 platform), 256 megs RAM. 16 and 32 gig capacities available. Has flash memory, not a hard disk.

Size: 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.48 inches. Weight: 4.8 ounces.

Phone: GSM quad band 850/900/1800/1900MHz world phone with EDGE for data. Triband 3G HSDPA 850/1900/2100MHz. Locked to AT&T, you can't use other carriers SIM cards with the iPhone unless someone finds a way to unlock it.

GPS: Yes, integrated GPS with a customized version of Google Maps.

Camera: 3 megapixel camera with autofocus lens. Shoots photos at 1536 x 2048 resolution and video with audio at VGA 640 x 480 resolution at 30fps. Supports geotagging (GPS location is embedded in photo data).

Audio: Built in speaker, mic and 3.5mm standard stereo headphone jack. Stereo earbud headset with inline mic included (frequency response 20Hz-20KHz, 32 ohms impedance). Full iPod capabilities, including video playback. Audio specs for iPhone: frequency response: 20Hz to 20,000Hz. Audio formats supported: AAC, Protected AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 1, 2, and 3), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV.

Video: Plays all iTunes videos (TV shows, movies and etc.). Video formats supported: Video formats supported: H.264 video, up to 1.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Low-Complexity version of the H.264 Baseline Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; H.264 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Baseline Profile up to Level 3.0 with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats; MPEG-4 video, up to 2.5 Mbps, 640 by 480 pixels, 30 frames per second, Simple Profile with AAC-LC audio up to 160 Kbps, 48kHz, stereo audio in .m4v, .mp4, and .mov file formats.

Networking: Integrated WiFi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR.

Software: iPhone OS 3.0 (customized version of Mac OS X operating system). Safari web browser, e-mail client (POP3, IMAP, MobileMe and Exchange), RSS reader, calendar, contacts, Google Maps, iPod music and video player, voice recorder, calculator, alarm clock, timer and more. Compatible with Mac OS X computers running 10.4.11 and later as well as Windows XP and Vista. Uses iTunes 8.2 or later to sync music, video and PIM information.

Memory Expansion Slot: None.

Connector: 30 pin iPod dock connector.

In the box: iPhone, USB cable, charger, stereo headset, documentation, cleaning cloth, SIM eject tool.

Overview

The AT&T Touch Pro 2 is the ultimate connected mobile device with Wi-Fi. Send and receive email and multimedia messages easily on the slideout QWERTY keypad. View messages, photos, and videos on a large color touchscreen that swivels and tilts upward. Explore the Internet, watch streaming video, listen to satellite radio, or download your own tunes - all at broadband speeds. Talk and send data simultaneously and combine up to six Bluetooth® wireless pairings at once. The Touch Pro 2 is loaded with features including a 3 MP camera, music player, Telenav GPS Navigator(TM) support, and integrated Wi-Fi. Get the latest Windows® Mobile 6 Professional device with a next generation processor for 3G fast wireless broadband connectivity and speed.

Thoughts

The touch pro 2 is one of the most advanced phones available today. Browse the internet with broadband speeds, downloading pictures and video in a snap. You also have the ability to teather with your device with the applicaton called "Internet Sharing" with ease, giving you the same features as having an internal wireless broadband card built into your laptop! With Windows Mobile 6 you can sync your phone with your Microsoft Exhange server so you can have your email, calander, and contacts anywhere you go. Open all of your Word, Excel, and even Power Point docuemnts with this Windows Mobile 6 device as well! While having every feature you could ever want, you have a downside; a slow phone. If you get frustrated waiting for applications to open, this will not be your favorite phone. In the end, this was my top pick.

Specs

Display: 65K color TFT color touch screen with haptic feedback and accelerometer. Screen size diagonally: 3.6". Resolution: 800 x 480, portrait mode with support for landscape mode. Supports TV out with optional cable.

Battery: 1500 mAh Lithium Ion rechargeable. Battery is user replaceable.

Performance: 528MHz Qualcomm MSM7200A processor. 288 megs RAM, 512 megs flash ROM.

Size: 4.57 X 2.33 X 0.68 inches. 6.61 ounces (187.5g).

Phone: Unlocked GSM quad band world phone 850/900/1800/1900MHz bands with EDGE. HSDPA 3G on the Euro 900/2100MHz bands (not compatible with US 3G).

Camera: 3.2 megapixel with autofocus lens. LED flash. 2048 x 1536 max photo resolution. Up to VGA resolution at 15fps for video. Video capture formats: H.263, 3GPP2 and MPEG4.

Audio: Built in speaker, mic and HTC ExtUSB stereo headphone jack (stereo headset included). Voice Recorder and Windows Mobile Media Player 10 included. Supported audio formats: AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR-NB, AMR-WB, QCP, MP3, WMA, WAV, MIDI, M4A. Straight Talk speaker phone.

Networking: Integrated WiFi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth 2.1 +EDR with headset, handsfree, serial port, FTP, PAN, phone book access, A2DP and AVRC profiles.

GPS: Yes. Google Maps included.

Software: Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. TouchFLO 3D user interface. Opera 9.5 mobile web browser, HTC's photo viewer, YouTube player, RRS Hub, Adobe Reader, Comm Manager, JBlend Java VM, Jetcet Presenter 5, Streaming Media player, Windows Media Player Mobile, WorldCard Mobile, Teeter, Zip manager, Streaming Media Player. Standard MS mobile software suite: Office Mobile (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote Mobile), Internet Explorer Mobile, Email (POP3/IMAP/MS Exchange), File Manager, PIM suite (contacts, calendar, notes and tasks), SMS/MMS client, Remote Desktop client, BubbleBreaker and Solitaire.

Expansion slot: SDHC microSD card slot.

In the box: World charger, USB cable, stereo headset, software CD and carrying case.

Overview

The next-generation Curve has arrived, now with built-in support for Telenav® Maps and Telenav® GPS navigator! The BlackBerry Curve 8310 is the smallest, lightest BlackBerry ever with a QWERTY keyboard. It features clean lines, curved edges, and easy-to-use trackball navigation. The sleek design balances both personal and work needs with the perfect blend of performance and usability. The Curve is the first BlackBerry to support AT&T Mobile Music, an enhanced media player, and stereo Bluetooth® headset capabilities. Snap crisp photos on the 2 MP camera with 5x zoom and flash. Need more storage? It has a microSD(TM) expandable memory slot to store music, videos and more. The Curve comes with BlackBerry's first email spellchecker, TeleNav Maps, and the AT&T Mall to shop for ringtones and downloads. Go global, the Curve has everything you ever needed or wanted in a BlackBerry.

Thoughts

With blackberrys newest technology you can have GPS, a phone, a camera, and a PDA all in one slim device! Although the keyboard is very compressed I was able to get used to it and type quickly. The operating system is snappy, theres no waiting here. The greatest feature for this device is the ability to sync with Blackberry Enterprise Server(BES). Similar to microsoft's exchange, but BES gives the ability to create rules for the client phones. Each phone can sync with BES to provide email, contacts, and your calendar. The BES admin can limit the websites which can be viewed through the device, and many other features, including shutting the device off. I found that this is a great phone yet the service plan was a little more pricey than those for the windows mobile phones.

Included Features

• BlackBerry email, messaging, and organizer in one sleek design
• The smallest, lightest full QWERTY BlackBerry available
• Easy-to-use intuitive trackball navigation
• Automatic wireless delivery of enterprise or personal email
• BlackBerry Enterprise Server® & BlackBerry Internet Service® email
• Large adjustable brightness light sensing screen
• 2.0 Megapixel camera with flash and 5x digital zoom
• Bluetooth® Wireless 2.0 with stereo headset support
• AT&T Mobile Music - streaming music, music ID and more
• Instant Messaging - Yahoo!®, AOL®, & Windows Live (via download)
• Enhanced media player for music, videos, and photos
• MicroSD(TM) expansion card slot - add up to 2 GB memory
• PIM integration for contacts, tasks, and calendar
• New! BlackBerry email spell checker
• Integrated speakerphone, conference calling, and voice dialing
• Extended battery life - 4 hrs talk time; 17 days of standby
• Push to Talk - "Walkie-Talkie" style communication
• Global voice and data roaming in over 135 countries
• AT&T Mall - Shop for ringtones, games, and graphics
• Built-in support for Telenav® Maps and Telenav® GPS navigator
• Fast HTML browser to surf the web
• Text and Picture Messaging
• Rated for Hearing Aids: M3, T3

Overview

Thoughts

Another one of my favorite phones, made for Verizon Wireless. This phone has the same operating system as the Tilt, and nearly the same features. Windows Mobile 6 allows for great expanability, you can install some of the thousnads of applications made for this phone, from business utilities to games, they have it all.

Included Features

Overview

Thoughts

This blackberry world phone allows for you to travel around the world and still have the ability to check your email, and make phone calls.

Included Features

Overview

The Wing(TM) is the ultimate connected mobile device. Send and receive email and multimedia messages easily on the slideout QWERTY keypad. View messages, photos, and videos on a large color touchscreen that swivels and tilts upward. Explore the Internet, watch streaming video, listen to satellite radio, or download your own tunes - all at broadband speeds. Talk and send data simultaneously and combine up to six Bluetooth® wireless pairings at once. The Wing(TM) is loaded with features including a 2 MP camera, music player. Get the latest Windows® Mobile 6 device with a next generation processor for wireless broadband connectivity and speed.

Thoughts

Another great Windows Mobile 6 device. With a lower price tag than the Tilt, this phone will also perform the same core operations, minus the gadgets that come with the tilt.

Included Features

Overview

Included Features

• BlackBerry email, messaging, and organizer in one sleek design
• The smallest, lightest full QWERTY BlackBerry available
• Easy-to-use intuitive trackball navigation
• Automatic wireless delivery of enterprise or personal email
• BlackBerry Enterprise Server® & BlackBerry Internet Service® email
• Large adjustable brightness light sensing screen
• 2.0 Megapixel camera with flash and 5x digital zoom
• Bluetooth® Wireless 2.0 with stereo headset support
• Instant Messaging - Yahoo!®, AOL®, & Windows Live (via download)
• Enhanced media player for music, videos, and photos
• MicroSD(TM) expansion card slot - add up to 2 GB memory
• PIM integration for contacts, tasks, and calendar
• New! BlackBerry email spell checker
• Integrated speakerphone, conference calling, and voice dialing
• Extended battery life - 4 hrs talk time; 17 days of standby
• Global voice and data roaming in over 135 countries
• Built-in support for Telenav® Maps and Telenav® GPS navigator
• Fast HTML browser to surf the web
• Text and Picture Messaging
• Rated for Hearing Aids: M3, T3

Overview

Included Features

Windows Mobile 6 Software

Great productivity tools for mobile professionals, Windows Mobile 6 provides several features allowing you to stay connected to your business and personal data on the go. Windows Mobile 6 supports many forms of email, Mobile versions of Microsoft Applications including editing capabilities, and the ability to easily transfer your digital multimedia from your Windows-based PC to your device. It also supports HTML based emails, and includes popular services such as Windows Live Search.

Wireless High–Speed Data Capable

Where coverage is available, experience broadband–like download speeds using EV-DO technology. The average download speeds range from 400 to 700 Kbps with peak rates up to 2 Mbps. EV-DO Rev. A upgradeable for even faster speeds.

Integrated QWERTY Keyboard

The sliding keyboard provides a familiar interface and allows for quick and efficient input of information. The slide-to-hide form factor eliminates bulkiness for a sleek and stylish design.

2.0 Megapixel Camera and Camcorder

Shoot digital pictures with the embedded 2.0 megapixel camera with built-in flash and 8x digital zoom lens; use the built-in camcorder to record 30 second video clips and play them on the LCD screen.

Bluetooth Wireless Technology Enabled

Built-in radio technology for short-range wireless communication. When used with your Sprint PCS Smart Device and select accessories (headset, car kit, etc), Bluetooth allows fast, secure transmission without cables or wires, even though the two devices are not in line-of-sight. Bluetooth wireless accessories sold separately.

Sprint Music StoreSM Enabled

Download stereo-quality, digital tracks instantly to your phone. Choose from hundreds of thousands of full-length songs from virtually every genre. Select songs directly from your wireless phone and listen to them wherever you go, even download them to your PC.

Large, Full-Color Touchscreen, Thumb Wheel and Integrated Antenna

Featuring a vivid 2.8" 64k color touch screen, a thumbwheel for one handed navigation, and an integrated antenna resulting in a sleek design.

External MicroSD Card Slot, Plus 512MB Memory Card

Included with the device is a 512MB MicroSD memory card. Add memory and selected peripherals or load additional games, applications, and music or video clips.

Java Support

Enables users to view Java based websites.

Built-In Wi-Fi Capability

High-speed data connection between the device and nearby Wi-Fi access points for the ultimate in mobile connectivity.

Attachment Viewing

Microsoft® Office PowerPoint® Mobile application enables viewing of presentations while on-the-go, while Microsoft® Office Excel® Mobile™ now offers chart support that improves the email attachment viewing experience.

Two-Way SMS Messaging

Instantly send and receive SMS Text Messages across the room or across the country. It's the coolest way to talk, without the talk.

Microsoft ActiveSync®

Updated ActiveSync® technology (version 4.0) offers one of the best PC to mobile device sync experiences, making it easier to configure with faster data transfer and sync accuracy.

Phone As Modem Compatibility

Use the included USB cable or Bluetooth with a Phone As Modem Service Plan to connect your PC to the Internet.

Downloadable Applications

Includes an on-device link to the Sprint PCS Software Store provided by Handango™. Customers can find, download and buy software, games, ringtones, graphics and other Windows Mobile Pocket PC applications simply and securely. Additional software titles are available from your desktop PC at Built-in">http://softwarestore.sprint.com.

Built-in Speakerphone

Hands-free operation of your phone is made easy with the built-in speakerphone, allowing you to take a conference call virtually anywhere!

Stereo Headset

Stereo Headset jack for handsfree operation and music enjoyment.

Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC)

This handset has been certified as Hearing Aid Compatible in accordance with applicable industry standards. This handset has a HAC rating of M4 for hearing aids operating in the acoustic mode. This handset has a HAC rating of T4 for hearing aids operating in the telecoil mode.

Overview

Included Features

Unlocked SIM Device

Use in market carrier SIM cards while traveling abroad

Dual Network Capability

The BlackBerry 8830 offers the ability to use one device both in the U.S. and while traveling outside of North America. This phone supports both CDMA and GPRS/GSM networks

External Memory

With a microSD card, you’ve got the room you need for larger work files – presentation, reports, documents or fun files like ringtones and music. Purchase an optional memory card and increase memory by up to 2GB.

Full QWERTY keyboard

QWERTY keyboard makes sending emails and editing documents quick and easy.

GPS capable

Allows you to view your geographic location and works with BlackBerry maps as well as other location-based services.

Media Player

Features a media player with stereo headset jack, so you can play video and music files you’ve downloaded.

Phone as Modem Capable

Use the included USB cable to make your 8830 a wireless modem and extend fast network speeds to your laptop

Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

Built-in radio for technology for short-range wireless communication which allows fast, secure transmission without cables or wires.

Sprint Software Store

The BlackBerry 8830 is certified digital media powered by Handmark.

Next generation RIM Multi-Media capabilities

Roxio Media Manager with BlackBerry device Software for optimized video and music experience.

TrackBall navigation design

The TrackBall is in the center of the device for easier one handed operation

Voice Activated Dialing

Dial without touching the device.

Speakerphone

Hands free operation is made easy with built-in speakerphone.

BlackBerry Maps

View maps, get text driving directions, find local businesses.

Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC)

This handset has been certified as Hearing Aid Compatible in accordance with applicable industry standards. This handset has a HAC rating of M4 for hearing aids operating in the acoustic mode. This handset has a HAC rating of T4 for hearing aids operating in the telecoil mode.

1. Standard Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Battery
2. AC Travel Charger
3. Holster
4. 128K SIM Card
5. USB Data Cable