HTC Hero

OS: Android 1.6
U.S. carrier: Sprint Nextel
Price: $180 after mail-in rebate, with two-year contract
Availability: Now

What makes it cool: The device boasts a 5 Megapixel camera with video recording capabilities; it includes HTC Footprints, an application that lets users take notes and record audio clips about a favorite place while pinpointing the specific location using the included GPS. It also offers easy access to Exchange e-mail, as well as to Flickr, Facebook, and Twitter.

Where it may fall short: Some reviewers say the touch keyboard pales in comparison with that of the Apple iPhone.