Windows Mobile phone-enabled devices without touch screens were first introduced in 2002. Since then, the OS and software suite have gone through significant changes and have improved markedly.
The smartphones reviewed and discussed in this section use the Windows Mobile 6 Standard or the previous Windows Mobile 5 for Smartphone OS (Operating System). They have the functionality of a PDA (e-mail, appointments, contacts, etc.) and an iPod (music, videos) together, and let you stay in touch with your office and check your e-mail on the go.
The driving concept behind the Windows Mobile Standard smartphone platform was to create a device that was a "phone first" to ease the adoption process for consumers migrating from traditional "dumb" phones. Due to the lack of a touch screen, lower spec requirements, and other reasons, the form factor of the smartphone is typically smaller and lighter than competing touch screen devices.
As with Windows Mobile touch screen devices, the platform is open, allowing the development of third-party software solutions to enhance the functionality of these devices. Many games and applications have been released for these devices, and many more are being developed for them.
The At a Glance section provides a feature-by-feature comparison of the devices mentioned below. Here are some pros and cons common to all Windows Mobile smartphone (Standard) devices:
Pricing and availability
The pros, cons, and comments below are based on reviews of those non-touch screen smartphones available on the market as of October 26, 2007. Prices are either from the wireless carriers selling the devices or third-party vendors such as Simoncells.com, OnTheGoSolutions.com, or MobilePlanet.com. Note that prices from wireless carriers typically require the purchase of a two-year service contract and that the prices listed may involve an online discount and/or rebate.
Editors' Choice
A number of these devices receive our "Editors' Choice" award, and one existing and one yet to be released device receive "Editors' Top Choice."
Non-Touch Screen Smartphones
AT&T
wireless.att.com
AT&T Duo (by Pantech) (Editor's Choice)
The Duo is a quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE smartphone with dual-band UMTS/HSDPA US 3G data capability. It was named the "Duo" because of its unique dual keyboards. A QWERTY keyboard slides out of the side and a 12-key numeric keypad slides out of the bottom.
Pros
- Diminutive form factor–one of the smallest Windows Mobile smartphones available
- Under-the-hood improvements make device more robust
- Powerful processor yields snappy performance
Cons
- Build quality
- Keyboard and buttons don't depress deeply and aren't tactile enough
- 1.3 MP camera is also a little low quality for a new smartphone
- Proprietary connector for sync/connectivity cable
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