Windows Mobile Smartphone vs Phone Edition

A friend of mine recently asked me for advice on choosing between a Windows Mobile Smartphone vs. Phone Edition device.

After some thought, here is where I arrived at:

The answer is largely determined by 1) whether you are attached to using the stylus or not, and 2) screen size preference. The two are related if you have a preference for using the stylus.

If, like me, you use applications that rely on screen real estate or writing(e.g., email, viewing websites, spreadsheets or powerpoint documents or using Transcriber to take notes or to brainstorm) then the smaller, non-interactive screen will likely be an obstacle to usability. I have found that a keyboard reduces my need to use the screen for note taking, but I still prefer to write vs type during brainstorming so I need a touch screen. Also, after playing with the Sprint EVDO capable PPC-6700 (touch screen) I found the smaller screen problematic confirming that a smaller screen won't work for me.

If, on the other hand, you are using it predominantly for phone, reference (RSS, appointments, contact list, etc.) or music then the Smart Phone is probably ideal and the smaller size is a bonus. You can have your contacts, schedules, short notes, phone, music, reference apps, etc on one small device with little compromise.

If I were going with a Smartphone, I would go with one made by Audiovox since they have been the most successful and have never produced a dud (like Motorola).

Audiovox Smartphone

The Audiovos 5600 is a fine unit. However, the SP5m from iMate (manufactured by HTC - the world's most prolific pocket PC manufacturer) is currently the best Smartphone in my opinion.

A balanced review can be found here. Despite some noted issues, the SP5m still received a 4.5 out 5. Given all its features and HTC lineage this is the Smart Phone I would buy if I were in the market for one!