iPhone G4, Droid Incredible, HTC Evo

The iPhone G4 marks the advent of a sea change.

Of course, we could argue that the Droid did that, too. And the HTC Evo 4G (a real guy's device, if you ask me!). In fact, the new Droid (Incredible) release has features and functions that, within the smartphone universe, make it a pretty exciting choice, as well).

So what's new and highly desirable?

For my money:

1. HD video camera
2. Large (I mean, LARGE) storage capacity
3. Flash for the still camera
4. The ability to run Flash when browsing
5. Tethering capability
6. A reasonable cost-per-month
7. Size
8. Battery life
9. Number of apps

So, let's compare these three devices - they certainly seem to be the front runners.

1. HD video camera: Yes to all three
2. Storage: Onboard, the iPhone is the winner, if you opt for the 32 gig version. The other two have SD cards, and can ultimately store up to 32 gigabytes, as well.
3. Flash for still camera: both the Droid and the HTC have dual flash, and the iPhone only single. all three have auto-focus, and both the Droid and the Evo will shoot 8 megapixel stills (the iPhone is a paltry 5).
4. Run Flash? Yes (Flash Lite) for both Droid and Evo. IPhone - nope!
5. Tethering capability: This is really a provider issue more than the phone itself. All the phones are capable, but you'll have to check out the carriers restrictions and costs for your plan.
6. A reasonable cost-per-month: Again, this one is going to depend on what services you want, and also, frankly, on coverage. Even if you have a great plan and you're getting dropped all the time, what good is it? Another $10 a month to stay connected seems reasonably cheap!
7. Size: here's another "it depends." The Evo is clearly the largest with a 4.3 inch screen (480x800 pixels). The Droid comes in at 3.7", and the iPhone at 3.5. For some, the larger the better, both for visibility and ease of typing (all are on-screen keyboards). For others, carrying around a big "brick" is not desirable. So test each in your hand and see which one feels the most friendly. I honestly didn't think I was going to like the iPhone's keyboard, or size. But I quickly adjusted and now I'd never go back to the teeny cell phone.
8. Battery life: The iPhone, with its internal battery, is hands-down the winner with an anticipated battery life of about 300 hours standby time. Both the other phones advertise 146 hours standby.
9. Number of apps: this is a tricky one, as there is a big difference between "apps" and "useful apps." However, the iPhone, with over 200K apps, clearly pummels both of the other phones (with about 70K apiece).  That said, find out which apps each one offers, and make your decision according to the ones you'd actually use, not just play with once or twice and never look at again.

There is one feature of the iPhone G4, however, that I think would make me go for that one over the others, and the one that I think will make all the difference in time to come: onboard video editing.

Not only is this cool, fun, and useful, but the possibilities in terms of news coverage and vblogging are truly monumental.

Just the idea that ordinary "folks" can be on the scene of just about any event, can capture it in HD video, edit the event on the fly, and submit a fully finished "story" to a media outlet - or even post it to a website immediately, linked to Twitter for "instant" access - well, that's nothing short of incredible, and game-changing.

I'll be very interested to see what comes of this, and I hope it's not just more and better home movies of your cute cat.

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