(Nov 13, 2008)
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 On Call 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.
RIM BlackBerry Bold (AT&T)
For those who waited, the RIM BlackBerry Bold won't disappoint. The Bold impresses with its brilliant display, enhanced productivity tools, and excellent multimedia performance to deliver a more powerful and well-rounded smartphone to mobile professionals.
Price: $299.99 - $659.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 30, 2008
Excellent
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HTC Touch Diamond (Sprint)
The HTC Touch Diamond for Sprint brings some nice additions and improvements over the unlocked GSM version--most notably to performance. It's best suited for first-time smartphone buyers or light users, while business customers should wait for the Touch Pro.
Price: $249.99 (check prices)
Review date: Sep 12, 2008
Very good
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Nokia E71 - gray (unlocked)
Mobile professionals who need a powerful but sleek messaging-centric smartphone will be well-served by the Nokia E71; just be prepared to pay a price.
Price: $408.73 - $459.99 (check prices)
Review date: Jul 3, 2008
Excellent
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Samsung SCH-i760 (Verizon Wireless)
The Samsung SCH-i760 goes big (literally), delivering a solid set of features and good performance to Verizon customers looking for a business-centric smartphone.
Price: Sorry, pricing not available
Review date: Oct 18, 2007
Excellent
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Palm Centro - red (Sprint)
The Palm Centro isn't the innovative product we were looking for from the company, but with its slimmer size, ease of use, and affordable price tag, the Centro is a good option for those looking for their first smartphone.
Price: $49.99 (check prices)
Review date: Oct 11, 2007
Very good
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