Top smartphones for newbies

The rise of the smartphone has been so sharp and sudden that it would be very easy to feel like you're being left behind with your old talk-and-text model, while the rest of the world is zipping past you with the entire internet in their pockets.

(Credit: Apple/CBSi)

Using a smartphone, like using a new computer, will take some getting used to. Like computers, smartphones run on unique operating systems, and these systems each have different strengths and weaknesses, as well as quirks that may make them more difficult to understand initially. If you don't consider yourself particularly tech savvy, we recommend checking out the iPhone or one of the new Windows Phone 7 handsets by Nokia. The systems used by these phones are the most straightforward of those currently available.

If you're new to the wonderful world of smartphones, and you're looking for a gentle introduction to these powerful new devices, we've put together a list of our favourite phones that should make the transition somewhat easier. We've identified some of the cheapest smartphones, as well; phones that put their dumb-phone equivalents to shame, but are inexpensive enough to pass on to a friend or family member if you find them too difficult to use.