which smartphone to choose?

I may be looking for something that does not exist yet... but maybe y'all can help me out!

I'm currently using an ancient 3 year old sony ericsson T610 which, honestly, I totally love except that its starting to crap out a little and I'd like to upgrade. I love the OS on the sony as well as the UI and the SIZE is great.

My desired device would primarily serve as a phone and be form-fitting. That said, I am a bit of a tech junkie (think power user, but not someone who flashes their phone all the time with new stuff) and would like a phone that can cater to my nerd-ness. I really want something that browses the broadest range of sites. This would include (if possible) data input sites, including full java and "form" submitting functionality (think: i'm on etrade and am trying to place a trade). I'd also like SOLID (downloadable) game choices (love RPGs and Strategy), email, video and photo.

Must haves, in order of importance:
- Phone reception and phone features (speaker phone, voice features)
- Internet connectivity
- Games
- Camera
- Video playback
- Email and contact (pda-type) stuff.

(I do not use outlook and all that ... most of my stuff is going to be web-based)

I know the answer to the "features" is going to be a full on - pda-esque phone like a treo, etc. However, what you have to understand is that I never carry a bag, hate belt-clips and am annoyed by bulky items in my pocket. Therefore, I've been spying the Pearl and the Blackjack the most... but I feel there must be a Nokia option I have not yet considered.... what am I missing? What best fits my list?

From what I've seen on the blackjack, it is VERY versatile... but the battery deal scares me. I'm away from home/plugs for extended time. Could be an issue. Plus, I'm not necessarily thrilled with the thought of a MS OS. The Pearl also seems great, but I'm afraid the BB OS will be too "proprietary" for me?

Thanks all and great site you have here!

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Nokia N73

thanks for the response pery. I haven't really looked at the N73 yet... thus why I am asking these questions! I know there must be other options out there to consider. Does the browser on the N73 allow for "input-type" websites? i.e. stuff like e-trade, whatifsports.com, most web-mail apps? what about office compatibility...can i at least view word/excel files?

i'm going to go to the nokia store at lunch and play with an N73... we'll see how that goes.


i still worry that what i'm looking for is still 12-24 months away

checked out the N73... wow that phone has GREAT looks and the screen is great! love the size etc.

however the nokia store doesn't have their phones hooked up to a service, so i couldn't test the browser. also i couldn't find any games on the phone etc etc. otherwise it is VERY VERY slick.

You could download/install apps from sites like Handango for the stuff that you are asking for. But in terms of technology, NA is really slow on catching up. Japan's cell phones are WAY more advanced than that of here.

thanks pery.

not familiar with handango, but checking it out now!

I had a feeling the NA phones were behind... and i'm betting we can't get phones from JPN since they wont work with our carriers here?

so in another forum someone suggested a cingular 3125 (HTC STRTrk)... they indicated that it has windows mobile 5 and IE mobile - which provides FULL internet web site usage (not including flash sites).... is this true?

also they indicated that sites likes Handango could provide "outlook capatibility" etc...

anyone agree that the 3125 is probably the best slim smartphone out there with power features?