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Technology
Six of the best smartphones
by Trevor Clawson

They're sleek, stylish and versatile... Trevor Clawson tests six of the latest smartphones

G1
The outer-casing is unassuming, but Google's much-trumpeted G1 handset has plenty going on beneath the bonnet. With 3G connectivity and a highly responsive touch-operated screen, accessing the internet and scrolling around the Web is a pleasure. Add a range of traveller-friendly features such as Google Maps, plus GPS functionality, and you have a useful device for anyone on the move.
www.t-mobile.co.uk, free with T-Mobile contract

BlackBerry Storm
The Storm is a radical design departure for BlackBerry. Out go physical keypads, replaced by an internet-friendly, touch-sensitive screen that provides the main control system. For travellers, the Storm has Maps and Sat Nav. In email mode, you can enter text via a virtual Qwerty keypad and the device is compatible with Outlook and Microsoft Exchange. It also has full Media Player functionality and will sync with iTunes.
www.vodafone.co.uk, free with Vodafone contract

Nokia E71
With a full Qwerty keypad and a larger than average screen, Nokia's E71 has been designed for those who want to compose emails quickly and read incoming messages without the risk of eye strain. But there are compromises. The keys are small and the device itself is wider than the average handset. Nevertheless, it is slim enough to fit snugly in palm and pockets. Works with IMAP, POP3 and SMPT and also offers WiFi connectivity.
www.nokia.com, free with contract on various networks

Sony Ericcson X1 Experia
The X1 offers both a touch-sensitive screen and a small but perfectly formed Qwerty keyboard that slides out from the body of the handset. The keypad may not be that practical for those with large fingers and most users will probably choose to access the business, communications and entertainment features via the touch-control screen. In addition to 3G connectivity, the X1 can also take advantage of WiFi hotspots. www.sonyericsson.com, free with contract on various networks

Palm Treo Pro
Pitched squarely at the business market, the Palm Treo Pro boasts a Qwerty keyboard and touch screen and comes complete with mobile versions of Windows, Word, Excel and PowerPoint, plus an Adobe viewer. You can download email attachments and with support for Microsoft Exchange, the device can be connected to corporate email systems. The Palm Treo Pro also has 3G and WiFi connectivity.
www.palm.com, £250

Nokia N96
Arriving with 16gb of memory and a touch-screen interface, the Nokia N96 provides email, internet and an entertainment hub for those
on the move. In addition to 3G and GPRS network connectivity, the handset offers DVB-H-enabled television and WiFi. Maps and GPS are also included. And there's exclusive video content, including news feeds and access to Nokia's music store. A good device if you spend a lot of time travelling home late from the office.
www.nokia.com, free with contract on various networks

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