Strategy Analytics published a landmark converged device benchmark report comparing the newly released Nokia 900, the PalmTreo 700W and Rim's Blackberry 8700C smartphones. The Nokia 9300 beat its peers in three of five broad categories. Motorola's new Q is also mentioned as the upcoming competitor.

Nokia shows strength in navigation and application availability:

• "The Nokia 9300 excelled in the ease of use of its applications, as well as having the most user-friendly menu and simplest means of input," commented Paul Brown, a Wireless Analyst at Strategy Analytics. "Having a large keyboard is a clear advantage of the 9300 - but this detracts from its style appeal, with the consumer still favoring a small and compact device." The Treo 700w was rated the most stylish device.

Motorola's Q is a healthy competitor especially given its iconic status:

• "The release of the Motorola Q has been much anticipated," added David Kerr, Director of the Global Wireless Practice at Strategy Analytics. "The Q is another stylish iconic design from Motorola, but the question remains whether it can match the performance of the Nokia 9300 and the still wildly popular Treo."

Some interesting conclustions from the benchmark:

• Palm Treo 700W was rated highest for style and design.
• Cingular 8125 placed second for ease of input, applications utility and menu/user interface behind the Nokia 9300.
• The Blackberry 8700c scored particularly well in terms of handset size and weight, as well as receiving favorable marks for visual appeal; but the learning curve for new users remains a significant barrier.

So a little bit of healthy competition in the converged devices arena. I can completely see Nokia winning out in interface and applications although I am curious about Q. With several of Mo's phones topping the sales charts their devices are certainly in a strong marketing position. If anything Palm should feel threatened as their competitors keep pushing devices that tend to replicate many features traditionally associated with Palm.

Via Tekrati and  Strategy Analystics

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