Therefore, anyone considering purchasing a new PDA, either for the first time or as a replacement for an existing unit, would be well-served to look into a smartphone as an alternative to a dedicated PDA. But as PDAs differ widely, so do smartphones. We looked at three smartphones that take three different approaches to the category.

The Kyocera 7135 (see top image), available on the Verizon network, is a Palm-based device that uses that platform's familiar stylus-based interface.

The Motorola MPx200 is an extremely compact unit from AT&T Wireless that's built on the Smartphone Edition of Windows Mobile 2002, eschewing a touch screen/stylus interface but providing a suite of personal information management applications based on the desktop version of Microsoft Outlook.


Motorola MPx200

Last but not least is the Danger Hiptop. Better known as the T-Mobile Sidekick, the Hiptop is a rather unconventional device, especially when compared to phone-centric handsets. With its custom OS and interface, large color screen and full keyboard, the unit is arguably the "coolest" of the group, but it's more suited as a lifestyle enhancement appliance than as a business productivity tool.


Danger Hiptop

-- Kyocera 7135

-- Motorola MPx200

-- Danger Hiptop/T-Mobile Sidekick


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