In truth, it's getting hard to tell these two apart. The latest models, the Treo 650 and the BlackBerry 7290, sport similar blue-gray-on-silver color schemes. And both offer, at their core, wireless email, phone, and Internet access. Deciding on one comes down to what you're planning to use it for.
That said, the BlackBerry ($349.99 with T-Mobile service, www.blackberry.com) does email better, hands down. Its keypad feels softer to the touch than those of earlier models, and at a half-inch wider than the Treo, it's much easier on the fingers. The Treo's ($449.99 with Sprint PCS, www.palmone.com) raised buttons are easier to push than they look -- but when your thumb can cover nearly a third of the keys, it feels like you're typing on faith.
What's more, the BlackBerry's scroll wheel is terrific -- easily the most useful feature on either device. It makes navigating through applications intuitive and effortless. While the Treo's stylus isn't always necessary, using it gets bothersome when you're trying to hold it between your fingers while typing on that tiny keypad.
The newest BlackBerry adds a two-level backlight that makes the screen sharper and the keys a lot easier to see than in previous versions. But it's still no match for Treo's bright, crisp display, a clear winner for viewing Web pages and documents. (The Treo tries to take advantage of its great display with a camera that records both video and still images. The resolution, though, is nothing to write home about.)
Both devices offer decent phone reception, but the ergonomics aren't ideal. The BlackBerry, with its larger footprint, feels awkward to hold against your face, and the Treo, at 6.3 ounces, gets pretty heavy when you're trapped on a long call. Better to use the Bluetooth connections and a pair of headphones.
-- Michael A. Prospero
Apple's iPod goes anywhere -- but sometimes you want to play music files for all to hear using your existing tuner and speakers. You can do that with auxiliary jacks and cassette adapters, but that adds wires and bulk. If you're willing to compromise a bit on sound quality, there's a better way: Connect via FM transmitter.
I liked the $39.95 XtremeMac AirPlay (www.xtrememac.com), which sounded better than either Belkin's TuneCast II or Griffin's iTrip. It also was a snap to set up: Just plug the tiny unit into your iPod's headphone jack, then press a button to set the radio frequency.
Although clunkier and more expensive, Sonnet Technologies' $99.95 PodFreq (www.podfreq.com) produced the best sound of the transmitters we tested. (The difference: Sonnet uses the iPod's dock connector. It also relies on the volume control of your tuner instead of the iPod's.) Plus, the PodFreq's FireWire port lets you charge your iPod while in use.
None of these devices are perfect. They don't match the sound quality of the iPod on its own or with a cable. Even on the PodFreq, soft music comes out with a bit of static and a whistling sound. But lively tunes with lots of bass, like "Caught Up" by Usher and "Karma" by Alicia Keys, sounded great. (Note to self: Play more loud music.)
-- Brian T. Horowitz
Your iPod's glossy white surface scratches easily, and the thing cost $300. You need a case. The good news is, dozens of third-party offerings let you turn your generic, one-color-fits-all player into a personal fashion statement. Some of our favorites: the SportSuit Convertible from Marware ($39.95, www.marware.com), made of rugged neoprene with a hard (and detachable) cover, clip, armband, and a pocket for your earbuds; Timbuk2's sporty soft case of ballistic nylon, with plush lining, Velcro closures, and belt loop ($20, www.timbuk2.com); and Acme Made's new Wallet line, with glossy box leather on the outside and "cashmere finish" microsuede lining inside ($49.99, www.acmemade.com).
-- Keith H. Hammonds
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