The iPhone is shipping and the wait , if not the hype , is over . So it ’s a expert time to together with take a deep breath , gather ourselves and ask : Is the iPhone for everybody ?

Most former reviews of the iPhone have been glowing ; it really is an innovative , extremely desirable mobile equipment . But the reviews also point out shortcomings . For instance , the iPhone supports only AT&T ’s slow EDGE cellular data internet , not its faster 3 thou internet . And it does n’t plow streaming video or multimedia messaging .

So it ’s not surprising that some people are immune to iPhone fever and are read thing like : “ I want a peregrine phone that plays medicine but that does n’t cost me my first born . Do I have any other option ? ”

Here , then , is a abbreviated sampler of three phones that will invoke to euphony fan , one each from AT&T ’s U.S. nationwide cellular competitors . None has the iPhone ’s singular interface , allow alone its nigh - mythical caché . Note that these are n’t the only music phones available from each carrier . Rather , they were selected as being distinctive of the available devices .

Each of these gimmick has some competitive advantage over the iPhone . For representative , two of these music phones work over 3 G cellular networks that are faster than AT&T ’s EDGE net . Plus , they ’re much less expensive than the iPhone . Even after adding the cost of tote up - on storage , which you ’ll demand since these devices come with an insignificant amount of progress - in memory board . And each of these phones is far less expensive than the iPhone .

True , iPhone fanboys and girls may think you ’re pond trash if you rip out any of these telephone set in their front . And these devices do n’t incorporate some of the iPhone ’s in advance technology , such as the multitouch user interface . But these phones make speech sound calls , roleplay music and browse the Web . Plus , they ’re all smaller and lighter than the iPhone . Is there really anything else you require ?

Samsung UpStage SPH - M620(Sprint )

The UpStage is an innovatively designed two - sided “ candy legal profession ” speech sound . You make song using one side and flip it over to use the gimmick as a music player . Although it has a small screen , the UpStage is Web ready and operates over Sprint ’s 1xEV - DO electronic internet , which is several times libertine than AT&T ’s EDGE web . you could also download medicine over the air from Sprint ’s music table service , and it handles streaming video , both feats the iPhone has n’t yet mastered .

LG Chocolate LG VX8550(Verizon Wireless )

This 2nd loop of LG ’s Chocolate is more or less slim and a fleck easier to sail than the strong - selling first version . Like the Samsung UpStage tender by Sprint , the LG Chocolate can download euphony over the airwave , display streaming telecasting and pasture the Web at full 3 chiliad speeds , which are typically in the image of 500Kbit / sec .

Nokia5300 XpressMusic(T - Mobile )

This luger sound has been around since last fall and has a hatful going for it . For one thing , while you’re able to bribe it directly from T - Mobile , you also can corrupt an unlatched version for use with any GSM cellular operator ( AT&T and T - Mobile in the U.S. ) . It has an FM radiocommunication and you’re able to sync it with your desktop personal information . It also shares one shortcoming with the iPhone : It works only over EDGE cellular data point networks .

David Haskin is a add editor in chief forComputerworldspecializing in nomadic and wireless issues . ]