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Hottest Mobile Devices of 2010
By Leah Gabriel Nurik on 2010-12-20



There is no denying that 2010 was the year of the mobile device – from the launch of the iPad to Android’s huge uptick in adoption and popularity. New devices in different form factors running on faster networks were brought to market one right after the other. It used to be slim pickings for workaholics who had to opt for a BlackBerry. Those days are gone, and the manufacturers and carriers are duking it out to see who will win by offering more options for the individual wants and user characteristics of the purchaser. Here’s a round-up of some of the hottest and coolest phones (and tablets) of the year.
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Samsung Fascinate (Verizon)

This lightweight device is fast. With a 4-inch WVGA screen running Android 2.1, users also get 3G, Wi-Fi, GPSD, HD video playback and a 5MP camera.Retail: $579. Less with a contract and/or rebates.

Apple iPhone 4 (AT&T)

New features in the latest iteration of the iPhone include a higher resolution display and a 5MP camera with HD video capture, building on the features of the iPhone 3GS like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS.Retail $299 with contract.

Motorola Droid X (Verizon)

This thin and pricey Android smartphone gives a high-end camera (8 MP) with HD video capture and GPS. The display is massive for a smartphone and perfect for fat fingers and media mavens.Retail: $569. Less with contract and/or rebates.

Motorola Flipside (AT&T)

This Android 2.1 phone has a 3.1” touchscreen and a QWERTY slider, and it’s lighter than the original Droid.$429 to $349 retail. $99 with contract.

iPad

The iPad remains at the top of many wish lists. Get the basic version or one with an AT&T or Verizon data plan. Retail: starting at $499 on up.

HTC EVO 4G (Sprint)

This Android phone runs 4G and has a huge screen complete with a kickstand for video viewing. It also comes with an 8MP camera, HD video capture and can serve as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Unfortunately, you have to pay for the extra 4G and Wi-Fi hot spot services, which can add almost 50 bucks to your monthly bill.Retail: $199 with contract and rebate.

Blackberry Torch 9800 (AT&T)

This RIM smartphone combines touch screen with the familiar RIM slider that BB users adore. It runs BB OS 6 so users get social aggregation and a more robust browser.Retail: $499 or $99 with contract.

Samsung Galaxy Tab (T-Mobile, Verizon, Spring, U.S. Cellular and AT&T)

iPad alternative with a 7" multi-touch screen, light, camera, and powered by Android. Designed for entertainment, movies, TV, music, e-books and gaming.Retail: About $600 without a contract. Less with a contract.

LG Quantum (AT&T)

This Windows Phone Series 7 is a 3.5” landscape slider with a QWERTY keyboard. It offers 16GM of storage, a 5MP camera and, along with MSFT, LG is offering free apps!$549 or $179 with contract.

Blackberry Bold 9780 (T-Mobile and Verizon)

Running the new BlackBerry 6 OS, users get integrated social feeds, a more robust browser, GPS and other bells and whistles. And, it keeps the standard RIM QWERTY keyboard for loyal BB users. Retail at T-Mobile: $129 with contract.

Samsung (Smiley) (T-Mobile)

Taking a basic messaging phone to the next level, users get email and GPS capabilities. A low-grade 1.3 MP camera is a trade off for the large display.$19.99 with a two year contract.

Motorola Droid 2 (Verizon)

High-end and fast – users can use the device as a Wi-Fi hotspot making it a perfect fit for enterprise users. Also, the slide out Qwerty keyboard, embedded GPS and 5MP camera and video means this is a hit for the business user with a geeky side.$600 from Best Buy without a contract.

Motorola Bravo (AT&T)

For the social media addict, the Bravo comes with Blur’s social media app. With its large screen, embedded WiFi, streaming media and GPS, it’s top of the list for folks that prefer Android platforms. $129.99 with contract.

RIM Blackberry 9670 (Sprint)

RIM combined all the fixin’s in the 9670—it comes as a clamshell with a full QWERTY keyboard. However, those looking for touchscreen functionality are out of luck. Other cool, high-end features are the 5MP camera, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and upgraded email capabilities.$100 with rebate and contract.

Pantech Laser (AT&T)

Sleek, lightweight and perfect for folks with messaging addictions, this phone comes with a 3 megapixel camera, touch screen, slide-out Qwerty keyboard and the capability to share videos.$99 with service agreement and rebate.

HTC myTouch 4G (T-Mobile)

This Android phone has a higher resolution that its myTouch predecessor and its faster and thinner! Users get a front-facing camera, video chat, Wi-Fi calling and GPS.$199 after rebates and discounts.

Samsung Restore M570 (Sprint)

Messaging-focused, users get a slide-out keyboard, integration with social media apps like Facebook and Twitter, a 2MP camera and Bluetooth.Free if you buy it online with a contract.

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