Tech: Dual-screen smartphones fall short

The good: Of its two displays, the smaller ticker window is a great tool for quickly accessing information and multitasking. The smartphone also has a 1GHz processor and a 5-megapixel camera with HD video capture. It offers full wireless options.

The bad: The smaller screen makes for cramped typing. Ticker display isn't available for third-party apps. Runs Android 2.1. You can't uninstall preloaded apps and services.

The cost: $529.99

The bottom line: The secondary display is a useful multitasking tool, but its constant flow of information might not appeal to everyone.

3.5 stars

The good: Its one-of-kind design offers two screens and the ability to use two applications at once. Call quality is acceptable and the smartphone is quick and responsive.

The bad: The design entails some usability quirks and we're concerned about long-term durability. The feature set is pretty average, it lacks 4G, and you'll have to wait for an upgrade beyond Froyo.

The bottom line: The design offers some unique advantages, but its appeal is hampered by usability quirks and a lackluster feature set.

3.5 stars

The good: It has a vibrant display, a 1GHz Qualcomm Scorpion processor, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, DLNA support, Wi-Fi calling, mobile hot-spot support, full Webkit browser with Adobe Flash, support for T-Mobile's 4G/HSPA+ network, a 5-megapixel camera with 720p HD video capture, and great call quality.

The bad: Its dual screen and split keyboard design is strange. It's a bulky handset. Poor battery life.

The cost: $150

3.5 stars

The good: Sturdily built and appealing to the eyes, it has a refreshing design with two screens, a comfortable QWERTY keyboard, and a flip-open design. Call quality was good.

The bad: The biggest problem is that it runs Android 2.2 Froyo instead of the more current Gingerbread. Its more petite touch screen and pink accent colors won't appeal to everyone, and the camera quality is middling.

The cost: $0.01 to $449.99

The bottom line: The design-savvy will appreciate its petite hinging face with two screens and comfortable keyboard. But the lower-end specs and outdated Android OS do the phone no favors.