Apple iPhone 4

The Apple iPhone 4 is an obvious choice for this roundup. The device features a design that consumers love, an operating system in iOS that works exceedingly well and a starting price of $199 with a two-year contract that consumers on a budget are pleased with. In many ways, the iPhone 4 is the complete package.

On the tablet side, it’s hard to find a nicer Android-based slate than the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1. The tablet features a big, 10.1-inch screen and runs Android 3.1, the latest and greatest version of Google’s tablet-ready OS. Though the Galaxy Tab 10.1’s sales don’t match the iPad 2’s, at $499, the device’s starting price is right where it needs to be.

T-Mobile customers can’t buy an iPhone 4. So, they need to find something else. If those folks want to be happy with their next smartphone purchase, they should consider buying the HTC Sensation 4G. That device boasts an outstanding design and runs Android, which is a top mobile operating system choice around the world. The Sensation can also connect to the Web via 4G. At $199.99 with a two-year agreement, it’s priced evenly against Apple’s iPhone 4.

Although the T-Mobile G-Slate doesn’t get the same kind of attention in the marketplace as the iPad, the device is a fine choice for those who don’t want to get caught up with Apple’s tablet. The G-Slate runs Android 3.0 and has a respectable 8.9-inch HD, 3D display. However, its trump card is 4G connectivity, making it a better choice than Apple’s iPad for those who want ultra-high-speed connectivity. And at $399.99 with a two-year agreement, it’s nicely affordable.

The Apple MacBook Air is the most expensive mobile device in this roundup, starting at $999 for the 11-inch model. However, what consumers lose in money savings they make up for in a full-fledged, desktop operating system, Mac OS X. The MacBook Air also features a solid-state drive and a design that makes all other lightweight notebooks look rather bulky in comparison. If top-notch mobility and ample power is what a customer is after, the MacBook Air is a good bet.

The Amazon Kindle DX is arguably the best e-reader on the market. The device offers access to the Kindle ebook store, which features any title for any desire. Combine that with its big, 9.7-inch screen and the ability for corporate users to access PDFs from it, and the Kindle DX immediately becomes a top pick for folks who want to read while on the go. Not bad for $379.

The HTC Evo 3D might just be the best Android-based smartphone on the market right now. The device, which is available to Sprint customers, features a 4.3-inch qHD display, offering near-Retina-Display quality. Plus, users can capture photos and videos in 3D and view them on the device without the need for special glasses. With a design like that, it’s hard to find fault with the device. The HTC Evo 3D retails for $199 with a two-year commitment.

Seeing the RIM BlackBerry PlayBook on this list might surprise some industry observers who haven’t been so pleased with the device’s functionality. But when it comes to enterprise customers especially, the tablet seems like an ideal choice. It features a slim, lightweight body and an ample 7-inch display. Most importantly for enterprise users, it allows for access to BlackBerry Enterprise Server. The only issue is that at $499, it’s a little overpriced.

The Samsung Galaxy S II smartphone is the full package when it comes to Android-based devices. It has an outstanding design, runs Android, features a dual-core processor and delivers a level of quality that few other handset makers have been able to muster. And its 4.3-inch screen is a welcome addition. When the device finally hits North American shores soon, expect it to be considered the best Android smartphone on the market, if not the best of any type.

Apple’s iPad 2 is undoubtedly the best tablet on the market right now, if sales are the only measure of success. The device comes with a 9.7-inch screen and the customer’s choice of a black or white finish. The tablet, which could be replaced in the coming months according to reports, runs Apple’s iOS platform and comes with storage of between 16GB and 64GB. With a starting price of $499, it’s a fine choice for those on a budget.