S60 dominates many markets, and now that BB is beginning to truly flex its muscles, WM sorely needs both a cosmetic and functional update.

I agree with you man…

The iPhone of course has a stellar multi-touch UI and a great browser interface. The touch UI is easily more than a year ahead of any other touch interface. Unfortunately both the 2.5G and the 3G models are crippled in numerous other ways, such as Bluetooth, which is limited to headset/handsfree modes only, no Stereo A2DP, no wireless file exchange, no compatibility to HID devices like bluetooth keyboards, etc.

Although the iphone’s safari web browser is great, the lack of Flash and Java browsing noticeably limits the browsing experience and the lack of simple cut/copy and paste can make things excruciating. Even things like the simple lack of MMS, which IMO should have been corrected on the 3G release, prevents the easy sharing of multimedia and the easy posting of microblogs.

As for the E61 it was a pretty solid device. Although the S60 is easily one of the best non-touch OS in the market, the version I tried at least definitely showed its signs of age, at least in terms of intuitive layout. Yes you can do many things on an S60 interface, but there’s a definite learning curve you have to go though in order to optimally get to and to do the things you do regularly. I eventually returned the E61 because of the sheer wrist-cramping weight of the device. Aside from the lack of intuitive interface however, the S60 device shined in terms of functionality.

I thought the Touch Cruise would be a nice balance between a full featured smartphone/PPC and a friendly touch interface thanks to HTC Touch Flo. Although HTC’s touch enhancements are welcome, even with the enhancements, the d-pad, jog dial and my personal optimizations with home screen shortcuts and personalized hard button configuration, the need for the stylus almost always one or two navigation screens away. Not that I don’t appreciate the pinpoint accuracy of the stylus, but I shouldn’t have to need it for simple navigation and frequently used tasks. There is enough of these nuances to make the Windows Mobile Pro 6.1 interface, even with HTC’s Touch Flo enhancements seem outdated, especially in comparison to the iPhone’s interface which is already a year old and counting.

Although there are enough things to keep me interested in the Touch Cruise and Win Mo for now, such as the near flawless turn-by-turn w/ TomTom Navigator, and the ability to tweak the UI using programs like SPB Mobile Shell and Winterface, I still find myself tempted to lock myself in to another 2 year contract with AT&T for an iPhone 3G. I’m maintaining my resolve for now though.

I’m hoping Windows Mobile 7, Google Android or even the newly established Symbian Foundation, can step up their game and make me excited about smartphones again, so I don’t have to put up with the snazzy albeit crippled-in-functionality iPhone 3G.

@Bazza: there’s a difference between patience and desire, I think – you can of course desire something whilst being happy to wait for it. And yes, there are those who are just impatient. But what I think lots of WinMO-owning people are finding is that other smart devices, O/Ss, and feature devices are literally surging ahead. Whilst you don’t need all the latest features, a smattering that do serve up real benefits are definitely worthwhile. We’ve just got to see some WinMo devices pull those out the bag!

Its a shame really, especially coming from so called experts, but to all his own.