Choosing a cell phone
Our tests of 70 standard and smart models show they're sharing many more features
The new G1 smart phone from
T-Mobile, the so-called Google phone, has landed with a splash. If you're choosing a cell phone, we're recommending it, along
with Apple's iPhone 3G, as our best choices in smart phones built more for play than work. Both phones have a 3-inch-plus
touch screen that allows you to easily use such multimedia functions as the Web browser and music and video players. With
a two-year contract, the G1 costs $180 after rebates, and the 3G costs $199.
Touch screens are also showing up on less-expensive standard phones, including the recommended Samsung Glyde, $80, and the Samsung Instinct, $130. Some standard models also have a full keyboard for easier texting.
Among the 49 standard phones in our Ratings (available to subscribers) are many inexpensive, easy-to-use models that offer fine performance.
Other notable news:
- Motorola has announced that it too will be making phones that run on the Google Android operating system used by the G1. Android is supposed to make it easier to create new applications and capabilities than other systems do.
- BlackBerry smart phones continue to diversify. Blackberry fans choosing a cell phone will want to note that among the models we'll be testing soon are the Pearl Flip from T-Mobile (the first folding BlackBerry) and the heavily advertised Storm from Verizon, with its large touch screen.
- Some cordless phones with Bluetooth technology let you make and take calls through your cell phone. (See A cordless phone that 'cells'.)
