The first thing that stands out about the Apple iPhone 3GS is how quickly it can launch applications. Web pages render in a fraction of the time, and viewing email attachments is faster than ever before. Improved performance and updated 3D graphics deliver an incredible gaming experience too. In fact, everything on the iPhone 3G S is up to 2x faster and more responsive than the iPhone 3G. After all, they call it the iPhone 3G S for a reason. The ‘S’ stands for speed, and everything on the new iPhone is clearly a great deal faster. This includes opening apps, surfing the Web, e-mails, and more. The iPhone 3G S also supports 7.2 Mbps HSDPA.

Another useful new feature is an upgraded 3 megapixel autofocus camera compared to the originals standard 2 megapixels. There is also a unique tap to focus tool whereby photos can be accessed, then by tapping the display on a specific object, focused in on any selected object. To supplement this, the iPhone 3G S boasts an auto macro mode, so when the handset is too close to an object the function will automatically kick in.

Not forgetting that the new camera can now capture video, a feature which was widely sought after and that the original failed to provide. It can record 30 fps footage at VGA resolution. Not only can it edit footage, altered media can then be shared on MobileMe or YouTube and via MMS (assuming your network supports it).

The Sony Ericsson W302i features a premium style design with a sleek look and feel. This small, pocket sized hand phone. Those who have had concerns about the quality of this phone will not be disappointed with the result. The W302i features the basics that any standard-quality class Sony Ericsson series would feature without any significant ups or downs. However, there have been reports that the earpiece of the W302i is not as good as it could have been – sound quality is good when on low volume, but when turned up high releases static and makes an unpleasant sound.

This phone can be purchased on the average salary wage. The alert and ring tone of the W302i is not particularly strong and some may feel that the vibration is not necessary for a phone, especially in crowded public places.

Features of the Sony Ericsson W302i include a 2.0 megapixel camera, FM radio, and a included 512MB Memory Stick Micro card to store data. The camera can be used to take pictures and then sent to a personal blog via an option on the phone for quick publications. The W302i is a recommended buy for those who are looking for a decent walkman phone, but may not be suitable for those who prefer top notch quality over anything else.

The Head of Music Category at Sony Ericsson, Ben Padley has confirmed this statement calling the Sony Ericsson W302i ‘our most affordable walkman phone to date, without compromising on the premium feel and design that customers expect’.

The Sony Ericsson J132a is a soon to be released phone announced on 17 Jun 2008. The design of the new Sony Ericsson release is a standard , lightweight phone weighing some 75g. The phone will run on the GSM network and further updates on the release of the J132a will be announced. This prototype will feature a 1.5 inch display screen under GTN technology, supporting 65,356 colours and a resolution of 128 x 160 pixels.

The estimated talk time is 9 hours with an average of 5, and standby time of 300+ hours or approximately 12 or more days. A FM radio is available to connect to the latest stations. The FM ready feature will allow users to listen to radio stations with good quality. The starting memory of the phone is very poor however, with only 4MB for starters. A hands-free speaker mode is supported.

The phone itself holds no special features. The basic functions include everything essential to a mobile phone including a phone book, SMS messaging, easy navigation, basic keypad and overall a candy-bar look. The phone holds its ground against competitors in terms of design – however, accessibility to high-tech applications are limited and therefore the Ericsson J132a is may only be a good choice for consumers who wish to buy a decent phone that focuses solely on performance.

The J132a itself is very simple and is designed for quick and easy use. Some may prefer the simplicity of the design system within the J132a, while others may be looking for a phone with more functions such as an MP3 player, which the J132a lacks.

The Palm Treo Pro boasts an elegant design, slightly alerting from the standard hard edged phones and replacing it with a smoother rounded one. The Palm Treo utilizes a QWERTY keyboard, which is a big benefit to any businessman for ease and convenience when typing. Each letter is set out on a different key, and overall is easy to understand. The only problem may be that the keys are too small for accuracy when typing at fast speeds. However, this problem can be overcome with experience and familiarization with the phone.

The Treo Pro features Windows 6.1-running, is 3G-ready and also a touchscreen smartphone. The Treo Pro, when compared to the iPhone 3G is just slightly larger and acts as a close competitor. This phone may be one of Palm’s best looking release yet.

The phone comes at a price range of around $500 +. This does not include subscription services, so the cost may be more for internet usage and phone credit. The PalmOS system that the Treo runs on is highly flexible, allowing a wide range of applications to be manually installed after purchase. The SIM card can be easily switched and activated when travelling to different countries, so you don’t have to worry about technical difficulties.

A 400 Mhz processor running on 256MB ram handles all the core functions of the Treo Pro effortlessly. This windows based mobile phone handles itself well in terms of performance and useability when compared to its price and should definitely be held in high regard.