Get smart for under £250

You can expect to pay upwards of £400 for the latest and greatest smartphones, and they are arguably well worth the money when you consider the amount of use they get through. However, if you are on a lower budget or simply don’t wish to spend this amount of money there are many excellent smartphone options now available to keep you organised every day. Let’s take a look at some of the best mobile devices available for under £250-

BlackBerry Curve 8520 (£188.60)

I have used all of the available BlackBerry phones and the 8520 is the fastest by far. It has the (currently) unique optical trackpad which is a joy to use and which of course does away with the trackballs that have a tendency to get stuck. A good keyboard, bright screen in all conditions and a pleasing design make this a huge bargain for anyone who needs a reliable and quick smartphone that is more practical than most.

Data Input:  QWERTY hardware keyboard
3G: No
Wi-Fi: Yes
GPS: No
Battery: 9/10
Value: 9/10

HP Data Messenger (£205.85)

The Data Messenger is packed with specifications and was well priced at launch, but the recent reductions make it one of the best value Windows Mobile phones on the market. Nothing is missing and only the rather bulky design and slightly quirky keyboard detract from what is otherwise an excellent choice for the mobile user who needs to accomplish lots on the go. Definitely a workhorse for the masses.

Data Input: QWERTY hardware keyboard
3G: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
GPS: Yes
Battery: 7/10
Overall: 8/10

Also consider the HP Voice Messenger for £159.85

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic (£247.25)

The Nokia 5800 has sold by the lorry load since launch and packs a lot into a small space. At launch the 5th Edition software was not quite as smooth as we would have liked, but recent updates have raised it to a level where you can work and play in equal measure. Voice quality is excellent and the inclusion of a 3.2MP camera adds to an impressively build phone that will last you for at least a couple of years.

Data Input: Touchscreen
3G: Yes
Wi-Fi: Yes
GPS: Yes
Battery: 8/10
Overall: 8/10

Acer beTouch E100 (£241.50)

The beTouch E100 is a large screened Windows Mobile 6.5 device which pack copious amounts of memory alongside GPS, HSPA, a 3.2” screen all in a 12mm body. Only Wi-Fi is missing from an otherwise complete feature set which together makes for one of the more stylish and practical Windows Mobile smartphones.
Data Input: Touchscreen
3G: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
GPS: Yes
Battery: 7/10
Overall: 7/10

Psion Revo Plus (£143.75)

OK, bear with me here. This is not exactly a smartphone, but I could write for hours about the greatness of Psion PDAs and couldn’t resist including a Psion Revo. Clove sells remanufactured units with a 6 month warranty and also includes the software and docking cradle. Some would say that they are not practical in 2009, but if having the best mobile calendar ever, one of the best keyboards and a battery life that lasts for days and days and days is not practical, I don’t know what is. Still brilliant!

Data Input: QWERTY hardware keyboard / Stylus
3G: No
Wi-Fi: No
GPS: No
Battery: 10/10
Overall: 8/10