Neonode N2

Even though touch-screen phones have existed long before the iPhone's release, it does seem like the Apple handset has caused a much wider acceptance of touch-screen cell phones. Still, there aren't too many touch-screen-only devices on the market, which is why we found the Neonode N2 so intriguing. Like the iPhone, the N2 relies almost entirely on its touch screen for navigation, but the N2 requires a lot more finger strokes--swiping across different parts of the screen will result in different functions, for example. Though the N2 is a compact device with plenty of multimedia features such as a megapixel camera and a music player, we just weren't thrilled with the interface in the end. If you want to see it for yourself, you'll have to purchase it unlocked at a rather steep price of about $860.

Design The Neonode N2 is unlike any cell phone we've ever seen. It even comes packaged in a small plastic case, making it look more like an MP3 player than a phone. Indeed, its size contributes to the illusion--it measures 2 inches long by 1.8 inch wide by 0.6 inch thick. The entire device is clad in a sturdy outer shell that feels as if it's made of hard rubber. The N2 has curved edges all around, and two capsule-size holes on either side of the navigation joystick. You can't quite see it, but there's a microphone inside the two capsule-size holes, and there's a speaker near the top of the screen. Holding the N2 up to the ear feels a bit awkward, and you'll have to rest your ear near the top edge of the phone, which can be slightly uncomfortable.