Today you can choose between several different Blackberry models, Nokia, HTC and Samsung to name a few.  Not forgetting the latest Apple iPhone 4.  But what does a Smartphone allow you to do over a plain old mobile phone, and what should you be looking out for when making your choice?

A Smartphone allows you to do much more than simply send and receive phone calls and text messages.  It is rather like having a mini computer in your pocket.  Whether you need a phone for business or personal use smartphones offer advanced functionality including internet services and can run software programs known as Apps.

For the busy business person who is always on call and available 24/7, the Smartphone has become an essential ever handy tool that gives you email on the move, to view files such as spreadsheets, presentations and PDF files; while for the personal user it allows you to stream films, store and play music files; and with the growth of free or cheap Apps business and personal users can find a use for Apps covering the London Underground Tube Map, train timetables and keeping up to date with the latest news from around the world.

There’s no doubt that the introduction of the Apple iPhone was as responsible for the growth in smartphones for personal use as the Blackberry was for business users.  But now, more so than before it seems there is less of a distinction between which market smartphones are aimed at, as companies  look to grow in a busy marketplace.  But one of the most important things to consider when choosing a Smartphone is which platform or operating system it uses.

There are six operating systems to choose from for UK mobile phones.  You need to consider not only how good is the platform and how efficient it runs, but how popular it is among software developers who will migrate to new operating systems if there is a market to do so.

Android OS
Android OS is Google’s Operating System, and not surprisingly comes with an excellent web browser as well as integrating online tools effectively.

The Android software is regularly updated and as it becomes more popular is becoming a serious alternative to the iPhone OS as far as software developers are concerned.  The Android OS is ‘open source’ which gives developers free range over application building, unlike the restrictive practises of Apple Apps.  The Android platform can handle a vast array of different programs, including some comprehensive media bundles.

Windows Phone OS
No prizes for guessing the Windows Phone Operating System is owned by Microsoft.  In the past it has been called Windows Mobile & WinMo.

Microsoft’s Windows Phone OS is designed to mirror the desktop version of Windows in both design and functionality. As you’d expect, it is simple to sync your mobile Smartphone to your PC computer and share contacts and emails with the Exchange server.  Microsoft Office programs and the Windows Media player also come as part of the Windows Phone OS.

The Microsoft application store is aptly named Windows Marketplace where users can update and download an assortment of application software.  Microsoft has strict control over which Apps are available in the Windows Marketplace.

iPhone OS
The iPhone Operating System was developed by Apple for their own Smartphone.  The iPhone has taken the world by storm and as a late entry into the Smartphone arena, has been able to capitalise on incorporating the best of previous mobile phone technology. The iPhone range has regular software updates; and though Apple has a strict control over licensing Apps it is by far the most popular operating system for developers.  The result is the Apple App Store is currently blessed with the largest selection of Apps of all operating systems.

Blackberry OS
The BlackBerry Operating System has been developed by mobile phone manufacturer Research in Motion for its own BlackBerry Smartphones. The original bias of the Blackberry was towards business users with its stylish looks and excellent office applications, internet and email functionality.

The email management software allows you to simply sync your phone with your PC with the BlackBerry Desktop Manager software. Blackberry’s work well with business Apps such as Microsoft Office and the BlackBerry App World has a wide range of applications. Some models now come with a touch screen which has coincided with a growth in personal user popularity.

Symbian OS
The Symbian Operating System is Nokia’s own software, though it is used by other mobile phone manufacturers, too. The Symbian user interface is regularly updated and improved, making it a very easy system to navigate.

A number of different email servers are supported from Microsoft Exchange to BlackBerry Enterprise which makes using the Symbian operation system easy to use when syncing your mobile phone to your desktop email client.  Like Android, Symbian OS is open source making it easier for developers to create and share applications.  Nokia’s own App Store is called the Ovi Store but there are also other websites that offer Apps for the Symbian OS.

Bada OS
The Bada Operating System is owned by Samsung who are promoting their Smartphone range to all users.  Samsung are a relatively late-comer to the Smartphone party but appear to be gaining ground with their latest range of Smartphone models.  Applications and Apps for the Bada OS can be downloaded from the Samsung Apps store.

So, if you are looking for a Smartphone we recommend three steps:

1.    Make a prioritised list of the functionality you are looking for and whether it is for business, personal use or both
2.   Find out which operating system it uses
3.    Look online & in magazines at independent reviews

Do all three steps before you enter a shop or call a mobile phone company to find out about the best mobile phone deals.

On Christmas Day, tens of thousands of mobile hand sets were activated by Tesco Mobile with the Apple iPhone proving the most popular gift for customers.

The new products and services offered by the company ensured double digit airtime growth in every quarter of 2010, showing that Tesco are listening to what people want from their mobile and making it available.

It is still the only network to offer the iPhone on a 12 month contract for consumers and now has a comprehensive selection of smartphones in its range including the iPhone 4 and newest Blackberry models.

Customer numbers grew by 25% in 2010 as Tesco Mobile saw the network move into the contract market bringing more choice for consumers with the launch of 12 month contracts as well as market leading 24 month options.

Tesco Mobile continues to innovate in the mobile tariff space, recently launching two new deals aimed at the youth market, offering low cost monthly contracts with a high end handset and unlimited social networking.

The mobile operator is a joint venture between Tesco and O2 which utilises the O2 network and therefore provides first class national coverage for both voice and data, a choice factor for consumers which is becoming increasingly more vital as the uptake of mobile data rapidly increases.

Growth of the Tesco Mobile network has also been fuelled by the roll out of Tesco Phone Shops and there are now almost 200 Phone Shops across the UK providing Tesco shoppers with convenient access to a comprehensive range of Tesco Mobile phones, mobiles for other major networks, accessories, broadband services, landlines, top up and Tesco international calling card.

The retailer has just launched its first standalone Phone Shop in Bristol allowing customers on the high street to benefit from Tesco Phone Shop value and have access to the Tesco Mobile brand.Tesco Phone Shops have also seen growth internationally across the Tesco estate and there are now Phone Shops in Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Turkey and South Korea.

Lance Batchelor, Chief Executive Officer of Tesco Mobile and Tesco Telecoms said;

“Tesco Mobile is well on its way to becoming the number one MVNO in the UK.  It is continuing to grow its Pay as you go and Pay Monthly base in a declining market space which highlights the network’s appeal to our mobile savvy nation.

We have a unique position in the mobile market place because we are able to reward customers in hundreds of ways through Clubcard.  We’re focused on giving consumers real and valuable rewards that encourage their loyalty and help them get the best value from their provider.

The rapid expansion of the network of Tesco Phone Shops in 2010 has enabled us to deliver service and value through telecoms retailing to millions of Tesco Shoppers and has brought Tesco Mobile as a network to the attention of consumers.”

Fair to say that we would be disappointed if it were otherwise, and learning new stuff every time you upgrade your mobile phone does seem to be part of the pleasure of new ownership.

I am constantly in wonderment at the latest offerings in the market, often confused or bemused at the endless list of new technology included on new devices and am often left wondering how I managed with last years product without all the glitz and glam of the newest must have toy.

Smartphones have changed our lives totally, they are more than just a mobile phone, indeed I actually have a device that has never had a SIM card inserted into it, and use it solely as a media centre.

It stores a substantial amount of mp3s and personal photos and can be easily attached to hi fi and televisions around the house although it has limited use outside of that environment other than as a personal mp3 player or radio and camera and video.

It does serve as a communication tool through the wi-fi connection however, where it makes and receives calls via the Skype app with amazing clarity and excellent reception.

It is unusual to use a mobile device in this way I suspect, but it suits my needs and I have a cheap Nokia handset that I put to good use as it was intended, as a mobile phone.

As smartphones go it was the Blackberry that first caught the attention of mainly business users, anxious to keep in touch with their e-mail accounts on the go as well having a mobile phone facility.

Their product led the way from 2002 until the emergence of the new kid on the block in the form of Apple’s iconic iPhone in 2007.

Having captured the mp3 player market with the iPod back in 2001, Apple found an army of fans keen to sign up for their latest mobile technology and the iPhone became the mobile device of choice around the world.

Nokia who had led the way in the original rush for truly mobile phones, suffered at the hands of the iPhone in the same way as Blackberry, but both manufacturers have hauled themselves back into the game with their most recent products.

The latest versions of the Blackberry Curve 8520 and Bold 9700 feature processors of 512MHz and full qwerty keyboard, features that have again endeared the product to new users, while the much hyped Nokia N8 is on target to become the best selling mobile device this Christmas.

The HTC Desire is currently topping many sales charts and wish lists and it is worth looking at the many cheap mobile phones online if you are in the market for a new phone for Christmas.

It is possible to kill two birds with one stone by choosing the phone that suits you with a free gift of an Xbox or similar for little Johnny.

They can certainly target the younger market in some confidence. The vast percentage of those who embrace new technology tend to come from the younger age range, but there is also a vast market of older users who may have different needs.

They may not be interested that the latest phone can download music, run an app to tell them how to bake a goat’s cheese and lemon terrine or that they can now access the Internet while they are pruning their hedges at the bottom of the garden.

Many of these users, as strange as it may seem to many of the younger folk, would just like a mobile phone that is simple, easy to understand and performs the seemingly forgotten art of actually calling someone to speak to them. Fortunately, this is where a website like www.phones4u.co.uk is so beneficial.

This autumn, many new students will be heading into colleges and universities across the UK. Parents can give them a head start by taking a look at the fantastic ‘student saviour’ deals on offer on the website at present. These are the best mobile phone contract/laptop package deals and the value to be had is truly astonishing.

Take the popular Samsung Tocco Lite, a fantastic little mobile phone using touch screen technology. For just £30 a month with 02, you receive this great little handset on a 24-month contract but for that you get unlimited texts over the two-year period (which will be invaluable when little Jonny forgets the power of speech while at University and decides to communicate only via SMS!), 600 talk time minutes a month (which will no doubt keep him from running up a huge phone bill ordering Chinese takeaway).

A great deal, but it gets even better when you learn that he will also get completely free a fantastic Dell Inspiron 11Z laptop on which to do his vital University work, or more likely, spend the day on YouTube watching videos of skateboarders fall clumsily to the ground.

If you are a techno-lover then you will no doubt want the latest technology and Phones4u once again delivers. They offer the full range of fantastic new smartphone packages, including the superb new Samsung Wave S8500 and the astonishing Samsung Galaxy S.

They also offer a comprehensive range of Blackberry handsets, the stylish new offerings from the likes of HTC, Nokia, LG, Sony Ericsson and of course Apple.

Yes, fans of the iPhone 4 will be understandably feverish with the news that Phones4u have some of the best deals available on this latest Steve Jobs creation.

For instance, the stylish Apple iPhone 4 16GB is available under contract from Vodafone for 24 months. For that you receive 1GB a month mobile Internet browsing and 900 free minutes and 3000 texts messages a month.

All for just £40 a month and a one off initial payment of just £89. Alternatively, if you are going to be using your brand new iPhone 4 online a great deal, you could opt for Orange’s similar deal, which is exactly the same price, £89 initially and £40 a month, with the same number of texts and minutes free each month, but which comes with unlimited browsing and WiFi included!

If you aren’t an Apple fan, then don’t worry. There are still plenty of great contract phones on offer to you, at a vast range of prices and on a suitable tariff to match your budget. Many also come with a fantastic free gift to sweeten the deal further.

This gift is often delivered the same day as your phone, no needlessly sorting vouchers, having to send them off to some obscure address in the remote Orkneys and then waiting three months for delivery with Phones4u! If you order a phone with a free gift then, pending satisfactory credit checks, they should be with you the next day!

For instance, let’s imagine that a customer wants the stylish Blackberry Curve 8520. Once they have logged in, checked the specifications of the phone and read the all-important customer reviews of the phone on the site, they then decide that they want to order the phone.

The choices available to the customer are frankly astonishing. If he wants a cheaper monthly package, he can take the 18-month 02 woo contract, which offers a quality phone free of charge, for just £20 a month. Plus the customer would receive 100 call time minutes and 3000 texts free each month!

However, if the customer wants a little more then they will surely be delighted to find that they receive a lot more for their money! If they opt for the Blackberry Curve 8520 on the Vodafone Blackberry your plan Text £30 contract, for his £30 a month he would get 300 minutes of talk time and 3000 text messages. A great deal, but one made even better when you consider he would get delivered, free of charge usually within 24 hours, a brand new slimline 120GB Playstation 3!

A quick browse of the offers for your choice of phone will highlight the myriad of free gifts, from games consoles, televisions to laptops, cashback and iPods, all of which are offered alongside some of the best deals available anywhere in the UK.

Pay as you go customers are not left behind either. Whether you don’t want to be tied down to a monthly contract and want a stylish, modern feature-laden phone, such as the new Samsung Monte or Sony Ericsson W995, then they are available on fantastic, affordable pay as you go deals.

At the other end of the scale, if you just want an emergency back-up phone to keep in the car, or a phone so simple even your mildly eccentric granny could use it, then you can spend the princely sum of £2.95 to get a rather elegant Nokia 1661 – when you buy £10 airtime with Virgin to credit the account with.

With mobile broadband deals, laptop packages, special offers by the dozen, phone reviews and all the latest mobile technology news, the Phones4u website isn’t just about buying phones, but enhancing your life with them. Best of all, that applies if you are a techno-wizard who wants the most expensive gadget and gizmo money can buy, or whether you are of a more venerable age and want the simplest of phones to contact your family.

The name says Phones4u, but really they have phones, gifts, features and advice that is perfect for everybody.

nokia to sue apple

The World’s biggest phone maker, Nokia say that they are suing Apple for infringements of patents on mobile phone technology used to develop the iPhone. Nokia claim that unlike other manufacturers who use Nokia technology through a signed contractual agreement, Apple have never actually signed up.

Nokia say that they have agreements in place with around forty companies allowing them to use Nokia technology, mostly hand set manufacturers, but Apple have not signed an agreement.

According to Nokia the iPhone infringes ten patents including wireless data, speech coding, security and encryption, with breaches dating back to the launch of the iPhone in 2007.

Nokia said:

“The basic principle in the mobile industry is that those companies who contribute in technology development to establish standards create intellectual property, which others then need to compensate for, Apple is also expected to follow this principle.”

Over £36bn has been spent on research and development over the last two years by Nokia, but the recent financial crisis has seen a fall in sales resulting in the company posting their first quarterly loss in ten years.

Critics believe that poor sales are down to people switching from Nokia hand sets to iPhone and Blackberry devices, which may have prompted the alleged law suit.

After having ridiculous problems downloading and installing previous versions of to my iPhone 3G mobile phone, it was with a heaped spoon of trepidation that I reluctantly to download ate latest version of iTunes.  So why download the iTunes update if you have had a history of problems, you may ask.  The answer is my business pays for four iPhones on a 24 month contract.  If there is an updated version to the mobile phone software then I think it’s entirely reasonable to expect to be able to download it.  But downloading software updates from Blackberry and Nokia has never been a problem in the past.

As before, the downloaded started and appeared to be 90% complete before I am greeted by, one has become the most annoying popup window of the most frustrating software I have used in the past 12 years as an I.T. professional.  It reads:

“iTunes has detected an iPhone in recovery mode.  You must restore this iPhone before it can be used with iTunes.”

For those yet to be enticed by the superb iPhone marketing machine, your time will come; and for those already owning an iPhone, I am sure you have encountered this ridiculous problem.

The problem being that if your iPhone fails to download the software update successfully, instead of simply failing to update, your mobile phone becomes locked in a state of uselessness, and the only option is to ‘restore’ your mobile phone to the original factory settings.  Great!  So I lose all my contacts, calendar dates, notes, photos, music, apps and other personal data.  This is very irritating and time-consuming for personal use, but totally unreasonable and useless if, like me, you are running a small business and your mobile phone is the centre of all your business communications.

I have found the best way to tackle this problem, which unfortunately is only a solution to saving your data but can do nothing for the amount of time you will spend installing the latest version of iTunes on each iPhone mobile device.

Firstly, always make sure you save a backup from your iPhone before you consider updating the iTunes software. At this stage, make a list of the Apps on your iPhone as these will not automatically be reloaded.  Then disconnect your iPhone from your computer and download and install the latest version of iTunes on your computer.

Restart your computer before connecting your iPhone again.  This confirms that the latest version of iTunes software has been successfully installed.  Only then should you attempt to update your iPhone.  Once your iPhone updates successfully (and this still may take several hours or more) iTunes will ask if you want to create a new iPhone account or add the latest backup of whatever you have named your iPhone.  Choosing the latest backup will restore your contacts, email account settings and mail, texts and music. For some reason it doesn’t restore any downloaded Apps or a passcode.  These will have to be downloaded and installed manually.

Today I spent over two-and-a-half hours attempting to retrieve my iPhone from cyber limbo, and in the process missed three important business calls and in the process of restoring my data, lost one voicemail and 2 text messages.  And just in case you think this is something to do with me, my computer or a poor internet connect, I have spoken to many iPhone users over the past two months and all of them have experienced the same problem.  Furthermore, I have encountered the iTunes problems on several computers on several good quality home broadband services, none of which have problems with any other software.

So, in conclusion, after three months of using an iPhone I can confidently say it is a good phone and the Apps make it great fun for personal use.  But the iTunes issue means I will be returning to a Blackberry for business use, unless Apple can offer a more reliable solution to the iTunes download problem.

Nokia N97 Mobile Phone

This month, the highly anticipated Nokia N97, Nokia’s flagship mobile computer, will begin selling in June in more than 75 countries. This is Nokia’s direct competitor to the Apple iPhone and Blackberry Storm.

Along with a tilting 3.5″ touch display, QWERTY keyboard and a fully customisable home screen, the Nokia N97 will offer instant access to the full range of Ovi services.

The Nokia N97 is Nokia’s first device to feature a personalisable home screen, which can be customised with a range of widgets to bring real-time information directly to your mobile device in the form of ‘widgets’.

These widgets include key social networking destinations like Facebook, news services like the Associated Press, Bloomberg and Reuters, as well as shopping and weather information. The Nokia N97 is the first device to ship with the Ovi Store, which offers easy access to applications, games, videos, podcasts, productivity tools, web and location-based services, and much more. Ovi Store includes both paid and free content from a range of global and local content providers and developers, including Paramount Pictures, Facebook and Qik, as well as a selection of Twitter applications.

“The Nokia N97 is an important step towards our vision of delivering a highly personalized Internet experience,” said Jonas Geust, Vice President and head of Nokia Nseries. “Fuelled by a multitude of music, maps, games, media and applications via Ovi, the Nokia N97 transforms the Internet into an experience that’s completely tailored to the tastes and interests of its owner.”

The Nokia N97 is like a computer

Taking your Nokia N97 out of the box is just the beginning. As with any computer, you can constantly improve and refresh the Nokia N97 with new features, functions and fixes so you can do more with this device than any other Nokia mobile phone.

Mobile Entertainment

The Nokia N97 also has direct access to the huge catalogue of music in the Nokia Music Store. With multiple high-speed connectivity options and 32GB of storage (up to 48GB using a microSD card) it is possible to directly download and store tens of thousands of songs on the handset. And you can listen to your favourite music on the Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-905, which Nokia also launched today.

The headset brings crystal clear sound, eliminates background noise, and is the ideal accessory for listening to music and making calls on the Nokia N97, as well as being compatible with a diverse range of other mobile and music devices.

High-quality images and video clips at 30 frames per second (fps) can be captured using the 5 megapixel camera with integrated Carl Zeiss optics. Images can also be geo-tagged to specific locations and shared instantly with friends or uploaded online via Ovi Share, Twitter or Flickr.

Whereas the iPhone appeals more to personla consumers,  I believe the Nokia N97 is going to appeal more to business customers and looks set to be one of this year’s biggest selling mobile phones.

Smartphones are primarily aimed at business users, and the market is packed with great phones which offer a wide variety of functionality, so much so that it can be hard to choose between the phones on offer. Let`s look at some of the top smartphones for business users that are available today.

Blackberry Bold – The Blackberry brand has become synonymous with the business smartphone, and even the new president of the USA has been known to carry one around with him. The Bold is the latest evolution of the 8800 series and aims to bridge the gap between the casual and business smartphone markets. Of course the Bold has a full QWERTY keypad which makes it unrivalled in terms of email functionality, so if you`re out of the office a lot but still want to keep tabs on your inbox then the Bold is ideal. It`s also got HSDPA connectivity for high speed mobile internet and downloads so you won`t have to wait for the latest business news. The Bold also adds GPS navigation, a feature that many business smart phones are now integrating, as well as the latest Bluetooth technology for hands free chatting and conference calling.

HTC Touch Diamond2 – Following on from the success of the original the Diamond2 brings style to the business smart phone market as well as a touchy feely interface. Running Windows Mobile 6.1 means that the Diamond2 is compatible with loads of useful mobile business applications like Excel, Word and Internet Explorer, and it essentially puts a PC in your pocket. Then there`s the large 3.2 inch screen which can recognise handwriting amongst other things, and a decent 5 mega pixel camera. This means that this is a smartphone that will hit the business and media hotspots with great all round functionality.

Nokia N96 – The Nokia N96 is not only a very popular handset, it is also one of the most feature rich smart phones on the market. Firstly it has a market leading 16GB of internal storage space which means it will eat up documents and large folders with ease. Then there`s the 5 mega pixel camera that sits on the back and the smaller one which perches on the front for video calling and MMS messaging. The Nokia N96 also has all of the connectivity options that you would expect from a modern smartphone for business users, including 3G and HSDPA for mobile internet, Wi-Fi connectivity for free web browsing and connecting your phone to the office network, Bluetooth 2.0, and of course GPS so you`ll never loose your way again.

A beta version will be available in May for the BlackBerry Bold™ and BlackBerry Curve™ smartphones, with support for other BlackBerry smartphones to be confirmed.

The lite version of Skype delivers core Skype capabilities to BlackBerry smartphones, including:

• Make Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world
• Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups
• Make Skype calls at low rates to people on landline or mobile phones
• Receive calls to your online number on Skype
• See when your Skype contacts are online/available to chat

BlackBerry users who download Skype can save money on business and personal calls to landlines and mobiles. The application works wherever your mobile phone works, without needing a Wi-Fi connection. It uses local air time and a mobile Internet connection to sign in to Skype, update your contact list and presence and to send/receive calls or messages. As a result, you must have both a calling plan and a data plan to use the lite version of Skype.

“With Skype on BlackBerry smartphones, we are making Skype available in the briefcases and purses of BlackBerry users around the world,” said Scott Durchslag, COO of Skype. “We have heard loud and clear that our users want Skype on whichever smartphone they choose to use. This fulfills our promise of making Skype available on the major smartphones so consumers and mobile professionals can connect to Skype whenever, wherever and however they choose.”

The lite version of Skype will be available to BlackBerry users worldwide. The ability to make calls will be available in 10 countries: Australia, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro & Sao Paulo), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, the United States and the UK. English will be supported first, with additional languages to follow. Those who download the beta version will be able to provide feedback on the application via an online survey.

The Costs for using the lite version of Skype:

You will be charged by your mobile operator for local air time and data usage based on the type of calling service and data plan you have purchased. Since the lite version of Skype uses a mobile data connection to sign in to Skype, update your contact list, update presence and send/receive messages, you will be charged by your mobile operator for data usage. You will not incur charges from Skype when you make Skype-to-Skype calls or send instant messages to friends on Skype; however national calling rates apply from your mobile operator due to the use of local air time. Skype will charge its regular very low Skype rates when you call landlines and mobiles using Skype or when you receive calls on your mobile handset from other Skype users or people calling your personal online number. We highly recommend getting an unlimited data plan for use with the lite version of Skype. The longer you remain signed in, the more Skype contacts you have, or the more you send and receive instant messages, the more data you will use.

About Skype

Founded in 2003, Skype is revolutionizing the way people communicate around the world. Skype has more than 405 million registered users globally who use Skype software to communicate for free through voice and video calls as well as instant messages. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings, such as calls made to and from landlines and mobiles, voicemail, call forwarding, and SMS.

Skype is used in almost every country on Earth, and people have made more than 100 billion minutes worth of free Skype-to-Skype calls. Conversations over Skype can take place on computers, mobile devices and Skype Certified™ hardware.

Skype certifies and sells hundreds of hardware products from more than 50 partners, and works with hundreds of third-party developers who have created plug-ins to extend Skype’s functionality.

Blackberry Storm 3G Touch Screen Mobile Phone

The Blackberry Storm will be launched in the UK on 11th November

The latest Blackberry mobile phone is about to be launched in the UK.  Latest reports suggest the Blackberry Storm will be available on 11th November.  The newest touch screen 3G mobile phone will be available exclusively from Vodafone.

Reviews have been very favourable and suggest it is the first “serious” competition to the Apple’s iPhone, which was launched in 2007.

The new Blackberry Storm has been given the thumbs up in positive reviews from The Guardian, The Times , Wired and PC Magazine to name a few.

Vodafone Blackberry Storm tariffs may stop it being the #1 mobile to be seen with this Christmas. The Blackberry Storm is FREE with a 24 month, £35 per month contract, which includes 600 minutes of calls and unlimited text messages.

I’m still waiting to get my hands on a Blackberry Storm, but the reviews have certainly whetted my appetite.

Nick Read, the chief executive of Vodafone UK, told The Telegraph:

“Our customers tell us that they want a single phone that can also give them the most secure, reliable email and messaging experience possible combined with all the desirable smartphone features, and they want it at a price that’s affordable” [and] “The BlackBerry Storm delivers all of this and more.”

The Blackberry Storm is the first touch-screen BlackBerry, and as with all previous Blackberry mobile phones it offers a full Qwerty keyboard.

It also has a 3.2 megapixel camera, 3G internet access and satellite navigation.

The mobile phone also has up to 16GB of storage for music or video files.

Since the successful launch of the Apple iPhone, there has been several mobile phone touch screen contenders including the Nokia 5800, Google’s G1 and Samsung’s good looking Tocco.  But none have quite matched the cool ‘must-have’ and exceptional functionality of the iPhone…until now!