If it weren't for the you-know-what-Phone, Sony Ericsson's latest would be the music mobile to beat. Though not as graphically inspiring as its sleek rival, the music player functions very well and even outdoes Apple's device thanks to its FM radio, stereo widening, and much louder speaker. A pedometer plus fitness software for measuring distance, calories burned, and lap times make it the perfect exercise buddy. Only major flaw is its undersize keypad, which seems to have been designed for baby Smurfs.
WIRED: Half-inch thin. Super light (3.3 ounces). Browser provides easy Gmail and Google Maps access. 256-MB memory card in box. Unique extras like TrackID, mini music sequencer, and video editor.
TIRED: No camera flash. Sorta pointless shuffle feature requires you to press a button, then shake.
$129 with two-year contract, sonyericsson.com
