So you want to buy a really hot smartphone? We'll these fit that description in both ways, they're
desirable and they spew radiation. Woo hoo!
We'll rank 'em based on their SAR or Specific Absorption Rate, which related watts of power absorbed
per kilogram of tissue. Gech. There's never been a clear connection made between SAR and dying, but
man I think I'd play it safe while they try to figure out if these things are killing us.
Anyway,
#5 is the T-Mobile Dash 3G, with a SAR of 1.47, starting us just a whisker away from U.S. government
SAR limit of 1.6. Nice keyboard, slick design, GPS, 2 MP camera and it's not on AT&T, so it's got that
going for it.
#4 the Palm Pixi Plus also at a toasty 1.47. One of the sleekest smartphone designs ever and running
the much loved Palm WebOS, but HP just bought Palm and CEO Mark Hurd made it clear, they didn't do
that to be in the phone business, so that's not a real good sign unless you like buying your phones on
eBay.
#3 is the Motorola Droid at a SAR rating of 1.49. No phone has done so much to propel the Android OS
into visibility as this squared-off little bacon fryer. Great touch screen, power to really run Android well
and access to the only collection of apps that causes Apple to lose any sleep at all. Just bring a foil
hat.
#2 is the Blackberry Bold 9000 with a SAR rating of 1.51. This guy revolutionized Blackberry display and
interface quality, supports fast HSDPA data connections and was the first Blackberry that could at least
pronounce "multimedia". The latest version, the 9700, loses he annoying little pearl ball that always gets
food stuck -- hmm, but that's sort of handy since you can cook it by making a call.
Before we get to the #1 dirtiest smartphone, what about the iPhone? Well, the SAR varies widely by the
iPhone model you have. The 3G is dirtiest at 1.38, the original iPhone, much cleaner at .97 and the 3GS
the best at .78. Steve wants you around to buy more apps.
At #1 is another Blackberry, the ubiquitous Curve 8330 at a SAR rating of 1.54. Guys, don't lay this one in
your lap if you like getting Father's Day cards. Curves are everywhere, with multiple carriers and constant
pricing promotions that have made this pocket Chernobyl arguably the most successful smartphone out
there. Everyone loves the keyboard and let's face it the company may make you carry one, but it's a
crappy web device and not a good choice unless you like you bacon crisp.
For a look at more of the dirtiest cell phones out there, check out David Carnoy�s slide show on CNET.
That's it for this edition of CNET Top 5. Use a headset. I'm B.C. See you next time.
