Smartphones have always been big business, but now, they're bigger than ever, and three mobile phones in 2009 look set to increase their profile: the Nokia N97, the Toshiba TG01, and the incredible Palm Pre.
Nokia N97 - the Symbian contender
Symbian's always been one of the most popular smartphone OS-es in the mobile world, and the latest, touch-based incarnation carries on the fine tradition, in the shape of the Nokia N97. However, it's not just about touchscreens, as the Nokia N97 also comes with a full QWERTY keyboard, that makes messaging, chat and emails a breeze. In terms of other features, the Nokia N97 also impresses with its 5 megapixel camera, a brilliant multimedia player (including video playback that just has to be seen to be believed), a huge 32Gb of memory, and HSDPA internet access. Put simply, the Nokia N97 is one of the coolest (and yet also the hottest) phones out there.
Toshiba TG01 - Windows Mobile goes powerhouse
While Symbian has gone down the touch-based route, rivals Windows Mobile haven't been resting on their laurels, and the new fruit of their labours is the ultra-powerful Toshiba TG01. Not only does it have the biggest screen ever seen on a mobile phone, measuring in at 4.1 inches, but the Toshiba TG01 also has the most powerful processor put into a mobile phone. Called Snapdragon, the 1GHz, dual-core processor gives the Toshiba TG01 sheer grunt, and as that's what's needed to let Windows Mobile live up to its full potential, the Toshiba TG01 is arguably the best WinMo phone that's ever been announced.
Palm Pre - the new (and incredible) kid on the block
However, there's a new kind on the block, that aims to take the smartphone crown all for itself. The Nokia N97 and the Toshiba TG01 both go for raw power, but what the new Palm Pre goes for is sheer elegance. Using the brand new, never-before-seen WebOS at its core, the Palm Pre takes touch-friendly interfaces and innovative design to an entirely new level. Take, for example, the new Fandango app that should be available when the Palm Pre is launched. It's an online cinema booking service, that lets you buy tickets and watch trailers on the phone. But even the Nokia N97 will most likely be able to do that. The Palm Pre, however, will also put an automatic reminder in your calendar, and contact people who are going with you, to organise getting there. It's that kind of integration, and interplay between apps that makes the Palm Pre the real candidate for best in breed.
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Expert on mobile phones, having worked in the industry for over 7 years.