The HTC Touch line is one of the hottest in the Windows Mobile world, and it’s great to see the carriers coming out with their versions of the HTC Touch Pro, now including the AT&T Fuze. Again, this device has the popular TouchFlo 3D interface and a slideout keyboard. This week we’ll also mention the HTC HD and Pharos phone/GPS devices.

My T-Mobile G1 that runs Android arrived at my house several weeks ago, missing something that has shipped with every single Windows Mobile device I have ever owned, a CDROM. The missing CD may not seem significant in this day of the Internet where you can easily download and install ActiveSync from a web site than use a CD, but the significance of its exclusion to me is for what it represents.

One sign of a good game is that it has appeal several years after it has been released. Such is the case with Zuma from Astraware, a mobile version of the popular action / puzzle game from Popcap Games. Addictive game play, intense challenge and a cool atmosphere make this an oldie but goodie that should be in your collection if it’s not already there.

A distinct advantage that Palm, and Windows Mobile have over other mobile OS flavors (at least for now) is the proliferation of mucho third-party hardware/software that greatly enhance the usability of the device. Some of it is interesting if only for the coolness factor. USBInput is that kind of software, but undoubtedly useful as well.

At last, I was able to afford an iPhone 3G without an expensive data / phone plan (meaning a much higher starting price). Of course, I've been playing with the device since then. See my review HERE.

I enjoy keeping tabs on the latest and greatest, and this week we’ll note a new Windows Mobile phone, the T*Omnia, which includes a satellite TV receiver. I’ll also point you to reviews of some of the most popular new devices — including the new Samsung Epix from AT&T

In the category of Action Games, I had a tie for first place.  The other game that I thought deserved the spot of #1 action game was Anthelion 2 from PDAMill.  This was actually a bit of an odd choice for me, because I don't normally care for first person flight sim / combat games.  However, this one caught my attention, so keep reading to find out why...

Wow, a lot of news recently regarding your choices for new devices. AT&T has released the Samsung Epix, HP has come out with the iPAQ Voice Messenger and the iPAQ Data Traveller, and Sprint has released the HTC Touch Pro.

AT&T Epix

AT&T’s new Samsung Epix has a Treo-like form factor with a front-facing QWERTY keyboard. It’s sometimes called the BlackJack III, but unlike that device it has a touch screen.

AT&T is releasing the Samsung i907 Epix beginning today. The Epix runs Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional and uses a BlackJack II form factor. Being a professional device, the Epix utilizes a touch screen for its 2.55" display.

The Epix is feature packed with 3G speeds, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, video share calling, Voice Command, aGPS, and a 2 megapixel camera with video capture. The Epix will retail for $199.99 with a two-year contract.

Primary Specifications:

Again, the about-to-be-released T-Mobile G1 isn’t a Windows Mobile phone; rather, it uses Google’s Android software. But in this week's column I want to point you to some of the initial reviews, since it’s an exciting device and another strong indicator of things to come. Bottom line: powerful device, Android software is impressive, but needs fine tuning.