(pda in hands image by Brano Hudak, royalty free)
If you're looking to get organised digitally for the first time, and are a little bamboozled by what's out there, we've corralled together the best smartphones for first timers.
Firstly, a smartphone may not be what you're after. Loads of basic mobile phones come with calendar software and email clients pre-installed and this might be sufficient for those with simple organisational requirements. Owning a smartphone offers more than this, it gives you the option to install extra software later if you need it and it will sync with your computer, gathering your appointments, contacts and task lists from your desktop software, like Microsoft Outlook.
When putting this list together we've kept two criteria in mind. Firstly, we've tried to pick phones with systems that are as easy to use as possible, though this is obviously a subjective measure. So we've also picked the cheapest smartphones as well. That way if you struggle with the advanced features you won't have blown too much dough on basic phone features. The Nokia E63 and the HTC Touch 3G and Snap are the most complex in the list, but they're also the cheapest. The iPhone and the Magic we've included for the gentle learning curve associated with both. Their easy to understand menus and responsive touchscreen systems should help acclimatise those new to the additional features.
Nokia E63
Like its older brother, the E71, the E63 will make an excellent messaging phone, but is for people who need to be connected without the tech trimmings.
HTC Touch 3G
Amongst the numerous HTC handsets this year, the unassuming Touch 3G may not make the strongest impact, but it is certainly one of our favourites.
HTC Snap
The Snap will appeal to a specific segment of business-minded road warriors who need good messaging but don't want to pay for extras like media or social networking.
Apple iPhone 3GS (32GB)
The iPhone 3GS is faster and we appreciate the new features and extended battery life, but call quality and 3G reception still need improvement.
HTC Magic
Parts of the phone are as the name suggests, magic, but the absence of outstanding multimedia jeopardises the success of this latest Android.
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