Smart/Cell Phones
July 26, 2008
Get the PCWorld Widget
Gifts on the Go!
Expert Cell Phone Advice From Our Editors
Apple's iPhone may be generating a lot of buzz, but it's certainly not the only smart phone around. These days, nearly all cell phones do more than simply make calls: they let you check e-mail, surf the Web, play MP3s, and--in some cases--edit documents.
When shopping for a phone, consider what you'll be using it for. Looking for an easy way to access your e-mail while on the go? BlackBerry phones are excellent messaging machines. Looking to get some work done away from the office? Smart phones that run the Windows Mobile operating system (like the new AT&T Tilt) generally include productivity applications. Even a basic, cheap (or free) phone that you get for signing a contract with a cellular carrier will offer some bells and whistles. So you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot.
Top Ranked Cell Phones
This well-designed multimedia phone focuses on user satisfaction, though its keys are a bit sticky.
The enV isn't the slimmest cell phone around, but it offers excellent messaging features and great multimedia options.
This phone features an innovative dual-hinge clamshell design with a QWERTY keyboard that makes for easy typing.
This handset offers excellent music playback features and works well as a phone, too.
With an innovative design and great features, the Ocean would be a favorite if it had better call quality.
Top Ranked Cell/Smart Phones
Sleek Pearl lets consumers use Wi-Fi to boost call quality where cell signals falter.
E-mail-friendly handset boasts strong multimedia features, including a camera and media player.
An impressive contender for people seeking a smart phone with strong e-mail and multimedia features.
Voice-over-Wi-Fi feature makes an excellent phone even better.
This sleek cell phone adds a serviceable camera and multimedia features to BlackBerry's already terrific e-mail capabilities.
Shop for Cell Phone/Smart Phones
Latest Cellphone and Handheld News
A combination could happen in 3 to 6 months; Android, Symbian groups mum. 25-Jul-2008
BlackBerry users can now easily sync music from iTunes libraries with their smartphones' media players thanks to a new, free piece of software from Research In Motion (RIM), aptly named BlackBerry Media Sync. 25-Jul-2008
With the iPhone 3G available in more than 20 countries, it's little surprise that Apple has announced that it sold a million... 25-Jul-2008
You can't miss the slogan--it's plastered everywhere. "Twice as fast. Half the price." Just this morning, in fact, Apple... 24-Jul-2008
U.K. college wants the dope on your BlackBerry addiction. 24-Jul-2008
We know you BlackBerry lovers can never get enough software for your RIM smartphones--especially free downloads. So we assembled another handful of BlackBerry applications you don't want to miss. Grab all five of 'em right here, gratis. 24-Jul-2008
Geek sacrilege? Not if these are your IT priorities. 23-Jul-2008
I spent most of last week in Los Angeles on business. It was almost my first full week with my new iPhone 3G, which actually... 22-Jul-2008
Find Your Cell Phone or PDA Manual
Enter the make and model name here to find the manual you need.
Latest Cell Phones / Smart Phone Videos
Cell Phones/Smart Phones
New products and reviews of mobile technology.
What's new, what's good and what's coming in mobile technology.
Cell phones and wireless technologies
A whole parallel Web universe is out there just for phone and PDA users. Here are a few of our favorite sites designed for mobile phones. Some require membership to use fully, and three are iPhone-only.
Now that we've had some time to live with the iPhone, we've found a few tricks that help us get the most out of it.
We evaluate battery life, keyboards, software and more to determine which handsets are the best.
Buying Guide




















