Which Sexy Smart Phone Is for You?

With more people interested in checking their email, sending text messages, listening to music, and surfing the web on their handsets, it's no surprise that new and sexy smart phones aimed at the mass market are suddenly everywhere.

The past four months alone have seen the launch (or imminent launch) of several user-friendly PDA/smart phones aimed at people who want a little phone style with their phone substance (though power users can definitely benefit from these models as well). Here's a rundown of four of the biggest models that also have built-in QWERTY or demi-QWERTY keyboards.

Phone: Motorola Q

Carrier: Verizon Wireless

Best For: Hipsters and aesthetes who do a lot of talking.

What's Good: It's got superb sound quality on calls, a comfortable keyboard, and a RAZR-thin design that is unobtrusive in pockets, even if you're wearing tight pants. Plus, you get fast surfing (most of the time) over Verizon Wireless's EVDO network. Also: The big, colorful screen is great for pictures, either uploaded via MicroSD or taken with the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera.

What's Bad: The slimmed-down version of Windows Mobile available on this phone is just as sluggish, glitchy, and unpredictable as the full version—a real deal breaker if you absolutely, positively need to get on a site or check your email. And the battery life is horrendous (I couldn't even get a day out of it). Lastly, though you can read Office documents on it, you can't edit them.

Bottom line: Despite its sexy looks and nice price (with a contract), this phone is a real disappointment. If you're mostly using it as a phone with a good address book, calendar, and user-friendly text messaging, go for it, but anyone who needs serious surfing or email capabilities should take a pass.

Phone: RIM BlackBerry Pearl

Carrier: T-Mobile

Who it's for: Email addicts who don't want to look like dorks.

What's good: It's as small as a cell phone—that is, literally candy bar-sized—and yet still has many of the BlackBerry's signature features, including spot-on SureType predictive text, a surprisingly quick and easy-to-maneuver mini-keyboard, and BlackBerry push email for personal or work accounts. Unlike other BlackBerry devices, this one has a 1.3-megapixel camera, a video viewer, and an MP3 player. And it's sexy. See my earlier posts on this phone.

What's bad: The keyboard can be too small for some, and you'll either love or hate the trackball (versus the side trackwheel of other BlackBerry models). It doesn't have a camcorder. Despite looks, the outside body feels cheap. T-Mobile is the only carrier (for now).

Bottom line: This is my favorite sexy smart phone of the bunch. No other device can even touch it in terms of compact size and functionality. And by functionality I mean two things: 1) It can perform many functions; 2) it actually functions (unlike some of the other mobile operating systems—you know who you are). And anyone who doesn't feel like switching to T-Mobile can rest easy: The Pearl is due out from Cingular any day now (though I don't know if it will be EDGE- or HDSPA-enabled). You can read more of my thoughts on the BlackBerry Pearl here.

Phone: Palm Treo 680

Carrier: To be announced, though it's rumored to be Cingular Wireless (the device will also be available this month in an unlocked version directly from Palm)

Who it's for: Anyone who wants full PDA functionality with a touch (and that's just a touch) of style.

What's good: It's slimmer, lighter, and smaller than previous Treo models and does away with the outside antenna. You'll find all the usual Palm goodies, including calendar/address book/to-do functions, MP3 and video player (and streaming audio), the ability to edit Office documents, and compatibility with the hundreds of downloadable Palm apps. Besides excellent text and multimedia messaging features, the 680 has new extras like Google Maps and a free trial subscription to Yahoo! Music.

What's bad: Despite the size reduction, the 680 is still too bulky. And the new colors don't do that much to make it truly cool-looking. Besides, if you get the unlocked version, it'll most likely cost you an arm and a leg.

Bottom line: If you want a full QWERTY keyboard, this is the sexy smart phone to get because, in my book, Palm OS trumps Windows Mobile OS for reliability and user-friendliness. Check out my earlier post on the Treo 680.

Phone: T-Mobile Dash

Carrier: T-Mobile

Who it's for: Business types who want some bulge-subtlety in the pocket area; PC users.

What's good: It's got a solid rubbery body, built-in Wi-Fi, and a slim form factor that's almost as unobtrusive in your pocket as the Q. It syncs easily with office mail and Microsoft Exchange, so you can get your office's IT department to configure it without a problem or just sync it up with the info your desktop. Plus, you get all the music and video capability of Windows Mobile devices (and a 1.3-megapixel camera). Much better battery life than the Q.

What's bad: It's Windows Mobile, and the stripped-down Windows Mobile Smartphone edition at that, so again, like the Q, it just doesn't work sometimes. I particularly had problems getting my email when I really needed to (deal breaker). And you can't use it to edit documents (you can only read them). Also, give me the more ubiquitous 3G over Wi-Fi any day. Lastly, there's no cursor, if that's your persuasion.

Bottom line: If you're committed to Windows Mobile, this is probably the best of the sexy smart phones. But if it's style and consistency you're after, go for the Pearl. For more info on the Dash, read the post I wrote on the day it was released.

I didn't include the sexy Cingular 3125 because it doesn't have a QWERTY keyboard, but look for a post later on it. Also, check out my post on cool, new unlocked import smart phones that'll really make you the coolest and earliest adopter on the block.

Any non-smart phone users out there who are ready to make the switch? If so, which of the above phones do you like best?