Top 5 handhelds for January '08

We have been expecting it, and it's finally happened--a BlackBerry Curve in our monthly Top 5 list. The Curve 8320 is one of RIM's latest models and comes with Wi-Fi for connecting at hotspots. The 8707 is also in the list, most likely because since its 2006 launch, it's still the only model from the company with 3G.

The rest of the handhelds are all HTC models. The TyTN II remains at number one, while the Touch Dual keeps its fifth position.

The Xda Atom Life just missed fifth position and so O2 is completely off the list. MWg (O2 Asia's new name) will be updating us soon regarding the status of its new handhelds, so that might change things a little in the coming months.

Note: Results are based on readership as well as data collected from retail outlets (Mobile Square and WhyMobile) and the major mobile operators in Singapore including:

MobileOne

SingTel

StarHub

	1.	HTC TyTN II   CNET Asia rating: 7.9 out of 10 The good: A host of data connectivity options including HSDPA; GPS with bundled maps; good battery life; 3-megapixel autofocus camera. The bad: Heavy and bulky; still QVGA display; no camera light; no audio mini-jack. The bottom line: It may not be a quantum leap compared with the 838 Pro, but the TyTN II maintains what power users loved in the previous iteration--with a few extras. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	HTC Touch (2nd generation)   CNET Asia rating: 7 out of 10 The good: Very compact design; Windows Mobile 6 Professional; TouchFLO interface; attractive modified Home screen; 128MB RAM makes interface snappy. The bad: Lacks 3G; poor SIM card and microSD slot design. The bottom line: With more color choices and much better performance due to the increased RAM, the enhanced Touch is what the original should have been to begin with. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	BlackBerry Curve 8320   CNET Asia rating: 8.3 out of 10 The good: Offers integrated Wi-Fi; nice, sleek design; spacious QWERTY keyboard; 2-megapixel camera; good call quality. The bad: Camera can't record videos; no 3G support; Web browser isn't quite as sophisticated as those on competing smart phones. The bottom line: The RIM BlackBerry Curve 8320 is the best BlackBerry we've seen to date as it offers Wi-Fi, best-of-breed design, and excellent performance. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	BlackBerry 8707v / 8707v   Form factor Pad Connectivity options 3G, Bluetooth, GPRS/GSM, USB Operating system Others Monochrome or color Color RAM 64 MB Rated battery life 5 hours See full specs | Rate this
	5.	HTC Touch Dual   CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: HSDPA connectivity; numeric keypad for one-hand texting, excellent tweaks to the UI through TouchFLO; slim and attractive design; intuitive modified Home screen; snappy performance. The bad: No Wi-Fi; no GPS; keypad lacks an OK key; no dedicated audio connector. The bottom line: If the lack of Wi-Fi is not a big issue for you, the Touch Dual, with its great design and improved UI, is an excellent choice for both newcomers and experienced Windows Mobile users. Review | See full specs | Rate this