Top 10 business phones of 2008

LG KC910

Although the KC910 concentrates on multimedia, there are a number of handy apps for business too. An email wizard ensures you're up and running quickly, plus the browser makes surfing the net seamless. You can even view your documents up close and personal.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

The Xperia X1 is the first of Sony Ericsson's business-targeted mobiles. It runs on Windows Mobile to ensure you have push email, plus software for reading and editing important documents. It will sync to your PC, plus there's a QWERTY keyboard so you can type efficiently.

Samsung Omnia

The Omnia is Samsung's first handset to run on Windows Mobile, and with that the Korean manufacturer has crammed in a whole package of business apps and functionality. There may not be a QWERTY keyboard, but the virtual typewriter does a good job when writing long emails or documents.

BlackBerry Curve 8900

Quite simply, the BlackBerry Curve 8900 is the most impressive business and multimedia BlackBerry to date. The fully-featured device includes Wi-Fi and GPS, a super-responsive Qwerty keyboard and an ultra-impressive battery life of two days, even when used frequently. One minor disappointment is a lack of 3G connectivity which may cause grief for some, but this can be overlooked when you have a decent email service and browser.

And last, but not least...

T-Mobile G1

The launch of the Android-based T-Mobile G1 just added to the open operating system phenomenon that hit in 2008. The G1 features a slide out QWERTY keyboard and touchscreen. Although there's no exchange connectivity as you'll find on BlackBerrys, there is support for IMAP and POP email. If the G1 doesn't come with all the apps you want or need preloaded, just take a look at the extensive Android Market for anything and everything.

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.