The answer to this question is really a personal matter. Everyone likes, wants and needs will be different. Now … How do you decide what is right for you?

In all honesty it is better not "smartphone" just one more currently available for your needs. For 5 different use cases, there are 5 different "best" options, so I can only imagine how to use case.

There is a particular carrier you have to use?

Moreover, there are many different definitions of "smartphone". For me it means a smartphone I can hold my own applications on it. You can get my e-mails, contacts and appointments over the air from an MS Exchange server. And he has a way to input text significant to answer e-mail.

There are some great phones that do not meet my definition (iPhone does not have an official way to load their own applications, Sidekick will not charge applications, Nokia N95 has a high volume of input method text, etc. ..). There is plenty of room for experienced users disagree with me on that definition, so be warned.

The Windows Mobile OS (current version is 6) is used in the series Motorola Q, Blackjack I / II, Palm Treo 750 and many of the HTC phones.

The RIM's operating system is used in all the blackberries.

There are other OS out there (OSX for the iPhone, Palm Treo 755/Centro, Symbian for several of Nokia phones, etc. ..). But only the operating system MS has a universal form of synchronization more air a corporate Exchange Server. All others require an additional piece of middleware. These solutions, the RIM BlackBerry Enterprise Server is by far the most popular. Then, if I have to guess for you, I will confine myself to these two OS's.

RIM operating system is very easy to use, reliable and straightforward. He does what he intends to use as well. Is why for non-technical users, almost always recommend a phone-based RIM. May not have all the bells and whistles, but it a workhorse for sending and receiving e-mail.

In Blackberries you basically have the choice of a full-size keyboard (Blackberry 8800 or "Curve style") or you have a simplified keypad (8100 or "Pearl" style). The curves are much better if you have to write a lot of e-mail. The pearl is better if you need a smaller form factor, and are reading more e-mail you are writing.

The Windows OS there are many different shapes and sizes. I I prefer units with a full keyboard like the Motorola Qm or Blackjack II. Slider phones like the Wave, Wing, etc. .. You need to try a few to choose the form factor that you like, but they will all be similar, since they are based on the same OS. In general, the windows based phones can do more, but are more awkward and less reliable. It is not unusual for phones based on some windows occasionally crash and User must remove the battery to restart the phone (insert your favorite anti-Microsoft joke here).

Once you got a carrier, OS, and form factor, here are some criteria to look at the end …..

Removable battery is an obligation (breach of another business with the iPhone). There is an option for a bigger battery if you do not mind a bit thicker.

How do I charge? A standard mini USB will make it easy to carry in a variety of circumstances and save money on boots.

Will support the latest / fastest wireless data for your carrier? EVDO Rev A for Sprint and Verizon, HSDPA for AT & T.

Does it have a removable media slot (micro SD, etc. ..).

Does he have a GPS chip? Is the wireless off the chip so that you are not allowed to use it? It is the high sensitivity chipset (a good thing) Sirf III chip?

Do you need a camera? 2 Meg is a nice bump over 1.3, since which has a resolution good enough to actually take pictures of business cards and then have the software converts the image to contact data.

Do you need Wi-Fi?

If I answer all the above, for me, no phone exisits that has it all.

If I had to guess for you with more … I would go with a Blackberry 8800.

Michael is the owner of FreedomFire Communications….including DS3-Bandwidth.com and Business-VoIP-Solution.com. Michael also authors Broadband Nation where you’re always welcome to drop in and catch up on the latest BroadBand news, tips, insights, and ramblings for the masses.

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