The Samsung SCH-i760 is a pocket PC, which is counted amongst the well-built smart phone from Samsung. It has a unique design with both a numeric keypad and full QWERTY keyboard on it. Professionals will find the phone to meet their needs, as it can simplify net surfing and running many applications at the same time.

Build & Design

The Samsung SCH-i760 has a sturdy build. It is durable and you will get a God feel, when you have taken it in your hand. It is not sleek in design, but thinner than the most pocket PCs. The phone is a sliding one and when slides a QWERTY keyboard is exposed. However, it is on the heavier side and has a large touch screen. SCH-i760 is simple in design with a business look and has a 1.3-megapixel built-in camera with a 1280 x 960 resolution that allow you to take images anywhere you want.

Keypad

The Samsung SCH-i760 is a smart phone with both built in keyboard and a number pad. Number pad, soft keys and directional pad is at the front and keyboard is revealed when the phone slides off. Already mentioned, it has a QWERTY keyboard. The buttons on it are made of soft rubber, which will make you feel good to type or press on. This results in better speed of input, as you can press them without any strain and slipping. However, you might find it problematic to use the keyboard to enter text one handed.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Wi-Fi connectivity in Samsung SCH-i760 performs well and is quite fast at data transfer. The battery performance is quite is good it gives 5 hours of talk time. However, the voice quality is not decent. It features a Wi-Fi, which will enable you to make free VOIP phone calls and browse the web. Samsung is very quickly making its positions and demand in the world of smart phone. Samsung SCH-i760 is an all-in-one phone for the business professional, as it has all features one wants and fit well into your pocket.

Specifications of Samsung SCH-i760:

General: It is 3G enabled handset and has powerful processor

Size and weight: 4.5″ x 2.3″ x 0.77″ and weighs 5.3-ounce

Display: 2.8 inch, touch screen LCD

Resolution: 240 x 320 pixels,

Camera: 1.3 MP

Features: EVDO, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Warranty: It comes with a one year of limited warranty

Pros of Samsung SCH-i760: A well built, simple in design, durable and strong smartphone

Cons of Samsung SCH-i760: To navigate one hand in portrait mode is not that easy

Price: $499 (base price)

RIM BlackBerry Storm 9530 was the first product from blackberry with a touch screen. It is a dual mode phone and even capable of worldwide roaming. It can switch automatically from CDMA to GSM network and gives a nice alternative for iPhone with all functionality.

Build & Design

RIM BlackBerry Storm 9530 is simple in design and sturdy in construction. It is a bit heavy and big than what you may think of with a weight of 5.6 ounces. The edges is rounded and a soft touch finish, which gives us a good grip. The display is 3.25-inch touch screen with a resolution of 480×360 pixels. The font, size and lights of the Storm can also be adjusted. The accelerometer available with the phone helps in changing the orientation of the screen from one mode to the other when you rotate the phone to different angles and positions.

Keypad

RIM BlackBerry Storm 9530 has a software keyboard with a perceptible feel. It has a Sure Type Keyboard and full QWERTY keyboard in portrait and landscape mode. To select an item on the keyboard, only a simple finger touch is enough. The keys are small and you may make an error, if you are not accustomed to using it. Four keys are present below the display: Talk, End/Power buttons, a Menu key & a clear button.

Performance & Benchmarks

The calling quality of the RIM BlackBerry Storm 9530 is quite good. It has a great performance in multimedia with an excellent screen display and a resolution of 480×360 pixels. The phone features a 3.2-megapixel camera with an auto focus option, but unfortunately the quality of images are on average. It has no Wi-Fi but 3G data system and GPS is excellent. The screen orientation can be changed without a delay as accelerometer is improved. Performance is enhanced by the update of firmware but there are some bugs. The battery life is decent for use on daily basis.

Specifications of RIM BlackBerry Storm 9530:

General: It is 3G enabled and has a touch screen

Size and weight: 2.4″ x 0.6″ x 4.4″ and weighs 5.6=ounce

Display: 3.25-inch touch screen 480×360 pixels

Resolution: 65K colors

Camera: 3.2-megapixel auto-focus still and video camera

Features: GPS, VZ navigator, UMTS/HSDPA support

Warranty: One year of limited warranty

Pros of RIM BlackBerry Storm 9530: Touch screen is great, software QWERTY keyboard

Cons of RIM BlackBerry Storm 9530: It has no Wi-Fi connectivity, device is slow

Price: $200 - $250

The Palm Treo 800w is the first smart phone, which has Microsoft’s mobile operating system as a platform, to have a resolution of 320X320-pixel touch screen. It is a first one from Palm with features like Wi-Fi and GPS. The Treo 800w is a good one for the business users, but the battery life may not be liked by individuals looking forward to spend long hours on their phone.

Build & Design

The Palm Treo 800w is slim in design, smaller in size and can easily fit in your pocket. The display is quite big 2.4-inch with a resolution of 320X320-pixel. The stylus, which is present, is made up of thin plastic that is quite fragile and can easily break. One caution to the outer design is the plastic cover for the microSD expansion card slot. It is attached to the phone by a thin bit of plastic that may not hold after fixing with it a few dozen time. Overall, the design and the buildup are quite strong and attractive.

Keypad

The Palm Treo 800w has a QWERTY keyboard. However, it has been given a new look from its predecessor. Below the display, you have two soft keys with no backlight as all the other keys and application button feel quite good. The keyboard is spacious, but the keys are not very spaced so you may initially find them a bit uncomfortable.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Palm Treo 800w operates on Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, which is easy to use. All basic activities can be carried out on this platform without any difficulties. The call quality experienced is good. The images taken by a 2 megapixel are mediocre and video played are also so-so. The battery doesn’t last very long so it’s not suited for long calls.

Even though the performance of Palm Treo 800w is good, but a bit more improvement will really make it shine in the market.

Specifications of Palm Treo 800w:

General: It operates on Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system and has Wi-Fi

Size and weight: 4.4″ X 2.3″ X 0.73″; 5 ounces

Display: 2.4 inch, 320 by 320 pixel touch screen LCD

Resolution: 65k color

Camera: 2.0 mega pixel with no flash

Features: Internal GPS receiver, Bluetooth, and an infrared port.

Warranty: It comes with two year limited warranty

Pros of Palm Treo 800w: Internet speed is good due to Rev EVDO, price is reasonable

Cons of Palm Treo 800w: The battery life is not decent for long calls

Price: $99.99

Apple iPod touch is yet another top-notch smart phone from the leaders in the field. It has a great music playback, beautiful display and easy to use interface. This phone is perfect for user, who wants a responsive music player, which was also easy to operate. It is very much inexpensive and you can have one for yourself any day.

Build & Design

The new Apple iPod touch is sleek in design with a 2.4-inch display, which is also very smooth. It has changed considerably from the standard design used by the makers. The new iPod is curved with a stainless steel back around the border. A 3.5-inch touch screen makes its display look great. A finger impression easily appears on the back and the front this print can be removed by using a bundled polished cloth. This new phone has been improved with regards to hardware. The build quality is strong and good, the screen is free from scratch with its glass surface and the metal body prevents any bending. All these features make it a must have for everyone.

Keypad

The Apple iPod Touch is equipped with two keyboards. The speed of both the keyboards is quite nice, but it is less than the standard keyboard. A new user will initially have a bit problem while using. You will have to see the screen before tapping anything with your fingers. Once you get used to it, you will surely have no trouble with it. A Pogo stick, which is not a stylus but almost similar to it, with soft ends has been designed to touch the display.

Performance & Benchmarks

The performance of Apple iPod Touch is improved as the hardware is improved. A Wi-Fi wireless networking is possible with this new smartphone. You also get a great App store available with it. Again, it also gives you the opportunity of downloading music directly from iTunes. Playing video at 3.5-inch is also a unique experience and a new one to the iPod. The pages can easily be browsed and it has the smoothest scrolling features till date. The battery life has been improved in the iPod Touch and its cost is also lowered. At $265.99, Apple iPod Touch is a must have for everyone.

Specifications of Apple iPod touch:

General: It has multi touch interface, 3G and Wi-Fi enabled and many features with improved hardware

Size and weight: 4.3 in by 2.4 in by 0.33 in and weighs 4.1-ounce

Display: 3.5-inch, Multitouch-capable LCD with 480×320 pixels

Resolution: 16M

Camera: 2-megapixel

Features: Multi-touch interface, music can be downloaded directly from iTunes

Warranty: one year limited warranty

Pros of Apple iPod Touch: It has a beautiful display, great music playback

Cons of Apple iPod Touch: Still lacks Bluetooth, back portion gets scratched after some days

Price: $265.99

The Nokia E71 is amongst those cell phones that have been provided with innovative looks and features. It features a QWERTY keyboard rather than the traditional number pad.

Build & Design

The Nokia E71 a nice handset with a sturdy construction, stylish look, shiny metallic and a good black plastic, which makes it attractive. It is thinner as compared to Nokia E66 and is not light in weight, but that is overlooked with the features it offers. The rear of the handset gets a bit stained only with finger prints else it stays with striking appearance all the day. At the front, you have 2.36-inch QVGA non-touch display screen, which performs well even in the sunlight. The screen is smaller, but the images and text are quite brightly displayed.

Keypad

The Nokia E71 has a navigation array below the display. With E71, you get two soft keys, green/red call button, four way toggle key and a key at center. The four short cut keys are present for a quick access to messages, contacts, home screen and calendar. It has a QWERTY keyboard, which is a bit smaller. As a result, keys are very close to each other and you may make an error while typing. However, once you get used to it, you will have no problem. USB port and a micro Sd slot is provided on the left spine of the phone.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Nokia E71 is a handset mainly for users, who do lot of messaging and net surfing such as emailing on their handset. As it fits easily in a pocket, you do not have to compromise any multimedia features even and can use QWERTY keyboard. It has a 3.2-megapixel but the quality of images are not that good. The performance is good, call quality is good and web browsing is easy. A multimedia music playback needs some up gradation. It is an expensive one, but the feature it offers at this range is quite good.

Specifications of Nokia E71

General: It is 3G enabled and has all the features of a multimedia handset

Size and weight: 114 x 57 x 10 mm and weighs 4.4 oz

Display: 2.36 in TFT; 320 x 240 pixels

Resolution: 16-million-color output

Camera: 3.2 megapixels

Features: Wi-Fi, US 3G, Bluetooth, GPS

Warranty: One year limited warranty

Pros of Nokia E71: The battery life is very good; Great Wi-Fi functions

Cons of Nokia E71: Camera quality is weak; It is an expensive smart phone

Price: $369.99-$459.99

The Samsung Saga is one of the few dual-mode phones provided by Verzion Wireless. It is a world phone, which allows the network available on it to be used abroad. The phone offers Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, mouse and Wi-Fi connectivity amongst a galore of impressive features.

Build & Design

The Samsung Saga is stylish to look and has an appealing design. It is sleek and bit tall, but light in weight as the phone is entirely made up of plastic. It is quite comfortable to hold in hand, as there is no bend and creak. The display touch screen is 2.55-inch and you can select the items and just view it by tapping the screen smoothly. The images on the screen look bright and sharp with a resolution of 320×320-pixel.

Keypad

The QWERTY keypad of Saga is quite nice. Even though the keys are small, but they have been spaced in such a manner that you will have no problem in accessing them. The keys are soft and you do not have problem while typing as fingers are not sprained. The emails and messages can be typed with minimum amount of error. The keyboard has a backlight, which enables it to be used even in dark places. The numbers can be easily be identified in keyboard, as they are highlighted in bold white color. The shortcut keys for music, messaging are present at the last row of keys.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Samsung Saga performance overall is good complemented by an excellent call quality. Windows Mobile helps you in making your schedule. The phone features a 2-megapixel camera. However, images taken by it are average, as sometimes the photos are underexposed, whereas overexposed in other cases due to bright lightning. The battery life is decent, but it cannot be charged by a USB. The Samsung Saga is the best in its kind with a portable workstation and delivering performance adequate for power users.

Specifications of Samsung Saga

General: A worldphone with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and worldwide roaming capabilities

Size and weight: 4.88″ (H) x 2.44″ (W) x 0.53″ (D) and weighs 4.6 ounces

Display: 2.55-inch TFT with a resolution of 320×320 pixels

Resolution: 64K color

Camera: 2.0 megapixel w/NightShot mode, digital zoom and video capture

Features: Bluetooth, CDMA, EVDO, GSM, Wi-Fi

Warranty: It comes with a limited two-year limited warranty

Pros of Samsung Saga: It is thin, portable with a nice keyboard

Cons of Samsung Saga: Battery life is not decent and screen is small, which makes browsing email a bit hard

Price: $199.99

The Lenovo ThinkStation S10 is a smart addition to the world of desktops. The desktop is an excellent product for business users, as it has been configured in such a manner that it can last long and perform heavy tasks.

Build & Design

The Lenovo ThinkStation S10, though simple in design, is very attractive. There are two exposed bays and one floppy bay, which make it give a look to the machine of a tower. We can even say that it has a standard tower design. A large carrying handle is present at the top, which is so strong enough that we can carry a whole PC with this handle. Handle is optional and can be removed if you do not like it. PC is kept secured by the strong lock at the side of the panel. Front panel is honeycomb perforated for ventilation and is black polished fully.

Keyboard & Mouse

The Lenovo ThinkStation S10 has a keyboard and mouse simple in design. Its USB keyboard has no multimedia or fancy features. The volume and mute keys are even absent, but it is not a big issue as the user can purchase a separate keyboard, if they wish to. The keys are smooth and effortless, but bit springiness and as a result, it becomes quite difficult to type fast. The optical scroll mouse with usual three standard buttons is present in this desktop. If the mouse would be placed in larger Teflon pads, then it would be easy and smooth for you to slide even on desk surface.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Lenovo ThinkStation S10 is excellently built, with excellent features and unique looking workstation. Many ports are available and you will require no screwdriver or tool to replace or upgrade any component. The power consumption by this system is high, which results in high-energy output and fans are required to keep the system cool.

Specifications of Lenovo ThinkStation S10

Processor: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 Processor with clock frequency3GHz

Operating System: Windows Vista Business (64-bit)

RAM: 2 GB (1 x 2 GB) ECC SDRAM DDR3 (upgrade to maximum 4GB is possible)

Hard drive: 1 TB RAID 0 (2 x 500 GB)

Keyboard: USB keyboard

Mouse: Optical scroll USB mouse

Audio: Optical Audio Out, Line-In, Line-Out, 5.1 Speakers Out

Added technology: Workstation CDS System type,10 USB ports

Dimensions: 11.8″ x 9.4″ x 3.2″

Pros of the Lenovo ThinkStation S10: It has a workstation type of CDS System

Cons of the Lenovo ThinkStation S10: The ThinkStation S10 is a remarkable product for the business user, as it can perform heavy tasks and last long. Still, It is a bit expensive

Price: $3,370.50 (base price)

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M57 Eco is amongst the only ones till date to receive a GREENGUARD certification. The name M57 Eco itself suggests that it is very eco-friendly designed desktop. It is smaller in size, made up of recyclable material and noise pollution is reduced. It is a great desktop for the corporate users.

Build & Design

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M57 Eco is built up keeping environment in mind. It is made up of recyclable material and with low noise pollution. It is an eco-friendly desktop made up of durable plastic outer shell. The interior is made up of steel frame, which can withstand a great deal of weight of the desktop while bending. A large internal power supply with cooling fans is no more present in this desktop, which reduces the noise to a great deal. The case of the system is strongly built, easily slides off and gives an easy access to the internal components without trouble.

Keyboard & Mouse

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M57 Eco keyboard and mouse is simple in design for office use. It is equipped with an USB keyboard and no multimedia keys. It lacks even the volume and mute keys, but you may buy another keyboard and replace the one available. It has a USB optical scroll mouse with usual three buttons left, right and a scroll button. The performance of the mouse can be improved by the use of a larger Teflon pad, which will make you slide the mouse comfortably.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Lenovo ThinkCentre M57 Eco a diminutive desktop built up with respect to environment and office user. It is a low power design desktop and efficient, as it saves power and energy. Expansion points are limited and it is a bit expensive. The price will not be factor for corporate user, as it meets up the green need, which is desired by most nowadays.

Specifications of Lenovo ThinkCentre M57 Eco:

Processor: Intel Core2Duo Processor E8400 with a clock frequency of 3GHz

Operating System: Windows Vista Business (32-bit)

RAM: 2GB DDR2 PC2-5300 SDRAM (expandable up to 4GB)

Hard drive: 160GB 7200rpm

Keyboard: USB keyboard

Mouse: USB optical scroll mouse

Added technology: VGA and DVI, DVD Burner

Dimensions: 11.8″ x 9.4″ x 3.2″

Pros of Lenovo ThinkCentre M57Eco: It is an eco friendly desktop and the system is quite as most of the noise making equipments is eliminated

Cons of Lenovo ThinkCentre M57Eco: It is expandable within limit and it is a bit pricey

Price: $1,134 (base price)

The Gateway GT5670 is a budget PC and quite preferred by home user. It is possibly the first one to use AMD Phenom 8400, which has three processors core. To expand the configuration of Gateway GT5670 is very easy for the user.

Build & Design

The Gateway GT5670 comes in a very simple design, since it is budget PC. The design is very user friendly and easily accessible, as all the features in the front are clearly labeled. It is made up of plastic and thinly stamped metal. A lot of bend is seen while connecting and disconnecting cables to the rear motherboard. The build and design of Gateway GT5670 is very basic and anyone will be able to handle the desktop without problem.

Keyboard & Mouse

The keyboard of Gateway GT5670 is of PS/2 standard with few short cut keys, volume key, sleep button and media control. You can type for an hour on the keyboard without discomfort, as the keyboard has a padded palm rest where we can place our wrist and continue typing for long without pain. The mouse of GT5670 is USB optical scrollable, it is tall and gives comfort to one, who handles it. It has two buttons (left and right) and one clickable scroll wheel.

Performance & Benchmarks

The Gateway GT5670 is power driven by AMD Phenom 8400 Triple-Core Processor, with good storage facility (3GB memory). The start up and shut down time for the desktop is pretty less and ones doesn’t have to wait for long. The lack of dedicated graphics card brings the performance of the Gateway on lower, but this can be overcome, as it is cheap and easy to upgrade the system. As you install the graphics card, the system enables us to play modern games. The performance of the Gateway GT5670 is quite sufficient for the home user with regards to its price.

Specifications of Gateway GT5670:

Processor: AMD Phenom 8400 Triple-Core Processor 2.1GHz

Operating System: Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit, SP1)

RAM: 3GB DDR2 Memory

Hard drive: 320GB 7200rpm Western Digital Hard Drive

Keyboard: Keyboard with PS/2

Mouse: Optical USB scroll mouse

Audio: High Definition Audio with 7.1 channel surround

Added technology: USB Powered Stereo Speakers, 15 in 1 Media Card Reader

Dimensions:  15.6″ x 7.2″ x 16.10″

Pros of Gateway GT5670: It has 3 GB of RAM and a three-core processor for better multitasking.

Cons of Gateway GT5670: The biggest thing that it lacks is a fire wire port and lack of dedicated graphics card. You can include this and upgrade the system at a reasonable price

Price: $549 (base price)

The HP Compaq dc5850 from HP is an ideal desktop for the business users. It is power driven by Athlon X2, which makes the desktop very fast and reliable. The desktop comes with a standard dual-monitor capability, which increases the computing power and productivity of the desktop.

Build & Design

The HP Compaq dc5850 has a solid and strong construction. All of its sides except one are made of metal, which give it an attractive appearance. It is simple in design with a professional look and can easily be accommodated in any office environment. The case slide of the right panel can be taken of with ease, as it works by simple loosening of a screw. The wiring inside the machine box is not messy and very roomy for necessary expansions. The cooling fans are placed in the machine, which keeps the machine overall very cool.

Keyboard & Mouse

The keyboard and mouse of HP Compaq dc5850 both comes with PS/2 standard i.e. 6pin mini DIN. Without this standard, it would rather be difficult for this business to get connected with the keyboard and mouse. They both come with a typical generic OEM peripherals and are not extraordinary. However, they are strong and easy to use.

Performance & Benchmarks

The HP Compaq dc5850 is mainly a desktop for office productivity tasks. It comes with a processor and a low power chip set, which helps you to save energy and results in low price but it doesn’t mean that it compromises its computing power. The benchmark of the PC performance is prime which helps one to compute mathematical calculation recursively. It has a dual display capability, large expandability and a good quality of graphics card. It is a nice product from HP at low price. However, hardcore gamers will be disappointed with the HP Compaq dc5850, as they will not be able to play high-end graphics games.

Specifications of HP Compaq dc5850

Processor: Athlon X2 5000B with a clock frequency of 2.6GHz

Operating System: Windows XP Professional

RAM: 2GB DDR2 RAM

Hard drive: 80 GB SATA 7200RPM

Keyboard: PS/2 keyboard

Mouse: optical scroll mouse with PS/2 standard

Audio: Sound max HD Audio with built-in front speaker

Added technology: Security lock slot

Dimensions:  6.95″(W) x 16.85″(D) x 14.85″(H)

Pros of HP Compaq dc5850: It has a good display and dual monitor capability

Cons of HP Compaq dc5850: It is expensive; Presence of more ports in the front would have been good

Price: $865.00 (base price)