2003 Tech Buying Guide

Market Report

Hybrids look like typical handhelds, but tout the added value of a built-in phone. Some have their microphones and earpieces cleverly concealed — just use the on-screen dial pad and hold the unit up to your ear as you would with a regular cell; others use a detachable earbud. Downsides to this seemingly perfect marriage? For one, you may not want to invite your relatively bulky handheld out with you on a Saturday night. Also, your current or preferred phone ser-vice might not offer the unit you’d like. Our advice: Because phone-service quality varies widely depending on region, go with a provider you know is solid and choose your device from there.

STAY THE COURSE
Those who’ve never taken to Graffiti can follow the lead of our case-study subject, who speaks highly of his Handspring Treo 270 [Cingular, T-Mobile; plan prices vary]. The QWERTY-style keypad on this 4 x 3 x 1-inch unit isn’t as roomy as you’ll find on a BlackBerry or a T-Mobile Sidekick, but it has a good tactile response.

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