Top 5 handhelds for January

Though most of the usual suspects were in the list of top handhelds for January 2009, we noticed one particular model moving up the ranks. While the Samsung Omnia still retained the top spot, Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1 notably jumped three places to second. Looks like the design factor has been working in the Japanese-Swedish manufacturer's favor as the X1 certainly puts a fresh approach to this space dominated by a few brands.

The HTC Touch 3G was the new entrant for January, booting its higher-end sibling, the Touch Diamond, off the list. We weren't too surprised. Aside from the fact that its screen is relatively low resolution at 320 x 240, the Touch 3G is a competent Windows Mobile PDA-phone with lots of features and a snappy interface to boot. Read our full review of this handheld here.

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.	Samsung Omnia SGH-i900 (8GB)   CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Full range of wireless features; haptic feedback; improved text input methods; navigation software included; attractive design; excellent battery life; Opera 9.5 browser included. The bad: Some apps may not work properly; finger scrolling not consistently implemented; use of microSD slot requires battery removal; no stylus slot. The bottom line: The Omnia is a good alternative to the HTC Touch Diamond with a competitive price and a truckload of features, though Samsung does need to work on the interface to improve its consistency and usefulness. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Sony Ericsson Xperia X1   CNET Asia rating: 8.4 out of 10 The good: 3.5mm audio jack; full set of connectivity features; GPS; good 3.2-megapixel camera; excellent WVGA display; nice design. The bad: Panel interface can be slow; camera interface and focusing slow; average battery life; optical joystick not particularly useful. The bottom line: Sony Ericsson's first attempt at a Windows Mobile phone is a good one which will satisfy productivity and entertainment needs. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	HTC Touch HD   CNET Asia rating: 8.3 out of 10 The good: Huge 3.8-inch WVGA display; 3.5mm audio jack; improvements made to TouchFLO 3D; 5-megapixel camera; nice design. The bad: Lacks a directional pad; short battery life; no LED for camera; orientation sensor doesn't work in some applications. The bottom line: While it probably won't strike a chord with the average iPhone user, the Touch HD is a great effort from HTC, demonstrating that it can still put more into its already formidable range of high-end handsets. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	BlackBerry Bold   CNET Asia rating: 8.8 out of 10 The good: HSDPA; Wi-Fi; GPS; QWERTY keypad; bright screen. The bad: Camera could be better. The bottom line: Unlike Palm, RIM has built up an impressive product portfolio that is made even better by the addition of the Bold. Aside from offering a plethora of features, the Bold's screen is one of the best we've ever seen. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	HTC Touch 3G   CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: TouchFLO interface; responsive; attractive and compact design; 192MB RAM; useful custom text input methods; HSDPA connectivity; GPS built-in. The bad: Opera Mobile browser quirky with mobile pages; no dedicated audio jack; camera is rudimentary; no accelerometer. The bottom line: One of the most responsive Windows Mobile PDA-phones we have used, the Touch 3G is a must-have for those who loved the original but wish to upgrade to a 3G device. Review | See full specs | Rate this