5 affordable touchscreen-only phones

Mobile phones with touchscreen displays and no physical keypads used to be reserved for high-end handsets. These would usually come with some form of smartphone operating system, Windows Mobile being one of the most popular. Things have changed a lot since the iPhone. Though it's not the first touchscreen-only phone, Apple's handset has spurred manufacturers to make more devices, and at lower prices, too. We round up five of these inexpensive models, some of which even come free with a mobile contract from operators.

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	1.	Apple iPhone 3G       CNET Asia rating: 8.3 out of 10 The good: Offers critical new features including support for high-speed 3G networks, third-party applications, and expanded email; improved call quality is improved; continues to deliver an excellent music and video experience. The bad: Continues to lack some basic features that are available on even the simplest cell phone; also, we prefer the original iPhone's design. The bottom line: The iPhone 3G delivers on its promises by adding critical features and sharper performance. The iTunes Apps Store is pretty amazing, and the 3G support is more than welcome. We still have a few gripes, but the iPhone 3G is a big improvement over the original model. Cost factor: With the launch of the iPhone 3GS, the 8GB iPhone 3G has become quite affordable, even costing nothing with some mobile contracts. It's good value for money if you need a smartphone with lots of great apps and if the lack of multitasking doesn't bother you. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	2.	Samsung Jet       CNET Asia rating: 8 out of 10 The good: Snappy performance; HSDPA; Wi-Fi; 3.5mm audio jack; supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync; priced affordably; high-resolution 800 x 480-pixel touchscreen. The bad: Fingerprint magnet; no bundled memory card and mapping software; limited apps. The bottom line: The Samsung Jet is an excellent touchscreen device that's priced competitively, yet packs a heap of features that would keep most people entertained for some time. Cost factor: Even at launch, the Jet was priced at S$698 without strings attached. This goes down by up to S$300-S$400 when a two-year mobile plan is factored in. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	3.	LG Arena KM900   CNET Asia rating: 6.7 out of 10 The good: Compact design; raft of connectivity features. The bad: Tiny alphanumeric keypad makes it a pain to type on; occasional laggy interface; slow shutter lag. The bottom line: The Arena trounces the iPhone 3G in terms of features, but can't beat the latter when it comes to usability. Cost factor: Though it was launched at S$798, the price pressure from the Jet has driven the cost of this handset down. It can be had at similar prices with the Jet from most operators. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	4.	Nokia 5800 XpressMusic   CNET Asia rating: 8.1 out of 10 The good: Good set of connectivity features; unlimited music download with Comes With Music; hard-to-match price for features. The bad: Inconsistent user interface; not many apps optimized for the screen resolution and touch UI. The bottom line: Nokia's first outing with the S60 5th Edition platform and unlimited music download service proves to be very compelling. It just needs to address the inconsistencies in the user interface. Cost factor: Not only is this Symbian-powered smartphone inexpensive at less than S$400 with some mid-tier mobile plans, that price even includes Nokia's Comes With Music for one year of unlimited music downloads. Review | See full specs | Rate this
	5.	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. Cost factor: This Windows Mobile smartphone started out as an expensive premium handset. But with the new Omnia smartphones imminent, this original Omnia can be found for under S$300 with some mid-tier mobile phone plans. Review | See full specs | Rate this