Looking for a new cell phone?  This hub tells you the best and most popular cell phones of 2009.

1. iPhone 3GS

On the outside, the iPhone 3GS ($299 for 32GB, or $199 for 16GB, with a two-year AT&T contract, as of 6/22/09) looks and feels virtually identical to the existing iPhone 3G (now $99 for 8GB with a two-year AT&T contract). This phone comes in black or white gloss.

But inside, the iPhone 3GS has been fully redesigns, with new core components (CPU, memory, integrated compass, video recorder) in different locations, no less. And together with the iPhone OS 3.0 upgrade (which makes many compelling features available to existing iPhone customers), the iPhone 3GS stands tall. After pounding on it, I can say that at the full-subsidy prices, the 3GS is a surprisingly worthy upgrade for heavy users of the phone's Web and gaming capabilities, and for general-use apps--even if you're only jumping from the iPhone 3G.

2. T-Mobile Mytouch 3G

The T-Mobile MyTouch 3G is T-Mobile's second smartphone running Google's Android mobile operating system. And while the MyTouch 3G ($200 as of July 22, 2009) has much going for it-- a lightweight design, a gorgeous screen, and the 1.5 update to the android operating system, it's not without its flaws -- the on-screen keyboard is far from perfect

3. T-Mobile G1

At first glance, the T-mobile G1 ($179 with a two-year contract) doesn't seem to merit much attention. It looks like just another bland, HTC-manufactured phone. But use the G1--the first phone to run Google's Android Operating System--for 5 minutes, and you'll start to see why it's one of the best-designed phones you can buy. Not only is the G1 intuitive to use, but its customization options (via Android) makes it a tweaker's delight.

4. Palm PRE

The Palm Pre Smart Phone ($200 with a two-year contract from Sprintas of 6/4/09), along with the company's much-anticipated webOS operating system, has had quite the buzz building up since its splashy launch in January. While the Pre isn't perfect, it definitely does not disappoint: I found the WebOS interface clean, engaging, and intuitive. My main issues were with the hardware itself.

• Hardware
• webOS
  
• Social Networking Synergy
  

• Multi Media

5. RIM Blackberry Bold

The BlackBerry Bold 9000, Research in Motion's formidable contender in the 3G market, has finally arrived. And though the Bold boasts a sleek design, a sharp display, and high-speed connectivity, it fails to impress in other areas--particularly, its call quality and its camera's image quality. As enticing as this phone is, its faults may prevent the Bold from justifying its steep price tag (the phone costs $300 with a two-year AT&T contract, and $680 with no contract).