All systems go

These days, a truly great smartphone is the one that runs the software and apps best suited to their daily needs. Here’s your guide to the best offerings of the holiday season

HOLIDAY | Timothy R. Schulte

Do you remember the last time you used your phone to actually make or take a call? All kidding aside, the truth of the matter is that today we rely on our phones more and more for web browsing, e-mailing, GPS, shooting photos and video, tweeting or doing any number of things that there’s an app for. But not to fear, device manufacturers and software developers are responding to our growing number of mobile needs with devices, operating systems and apps that are faster and more powerful than ever. If you’re giving the gift of communication this year, read on to find the right device for everyone on your list.

Android smartphones

Android phones are tailor-made for the Google devotee. The operating system, which is developed by the web giant, features an arsenal of built-in Google services, including Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps (with Place and Navigation), YouTube, Google Talk and Google Earth. Android is the leading OS on the market, accounting for one-third of all smartphones sold in the U.S. market, according to NPD Group, a market research company. The Android Market currently features more than 70,000 apps.

Sprint

HTC Evo (Sprint) The first 4G phone, the EVO is a monster, touting a 4.3-inch 480x800-pixel display. There’s a 1.3-megapixel front-facing camera

for video chat or, for the Facebook-prone, selfshot profile pics, and the backside camera captures both 8-megapixel photos and 720p highdef video, which you can play right to your TV via the Evo’s HDMI out port. A 1GHz processor provides speedy browsing and e- mailing on either 4G, 3G or Wi-Fi networks. The microSD slot comes standard with 8GB chip, and memory can be expanded to 32GB. The Evo can be turned into a hotspot to support other wireless devices, and it even features a kickstand for viewing high-def media in widescreen mode. Price: $199.99 with two-year contract

Samsung Epic Like the Evo, the Epic is a 3G/4G phone that doubles as a Wi-Fi hotspot (supporting up to five devices). The 4-inch Super AMOLED screen features a virtual Swype keyboard and also slides out to unveil a full QWERTY keyboard for those who prefer actual buttons to text and e-mail. The 5-megapixel camera/camcorder features autofocus, a Power LED flash and a 3x digital zoom for capturing 720p high-def video at 30fps; a front-facing VGA camera allows for video chat. The 1GHz processor powers apps and browsing, and the Epic comes with a 16GB microSD chip standard, expandable to 32GB.

Price: $249.99 with two-year contract