With the recent press explosion of iPhone 3.0, there must be something in the water for the mobile OS. The list gets longer – iPhone OS, Android, webOS, Windows Mobile, BlackBerry, S60 but what do you choose when you actually want to buy a phone!?

There are a number of factors that need to be taken into account when considering a phone. Basic factors like the kernel type (the operating system) and the maturity of it, the wireless technology, user interface, screen options (to touch or not to touch), core functionality, third party options like applications etc – the list goes on! Other factors too include which one is going to make you look cooler around your friends… So, which one wins.

• From a basic point of view, Android, S60, webOS and Windows Mobile have excellent platform adaptability although against each other, the ages are very different. This can be a deciding factor if you do not just want to jump on the bandwagon of a new product just because it has the better marketing campaign. As it may not mean much to some whether a phone is running off Linux or Windows or Java. The only factor is whether it looks cool.
• Wireless technology differs from phone to phone although also from network and continent. So regardless of what the phone offers, if you are not in a supportive country the decision is made for you.
• For the look and screen, the emergence of capacitive touchscreens in mobile devices is the ‘in’ thing. Screen gestures are not the best from a S60 or Windows phone although both have more input methods (other than using the screen alone). The ability to ’skin’ the interface isn’t an option for the iPhone although is for other models, if that is your thing.
• Through the core, iPhone 3.0 has annoying notifications although now has a lot more features like bluetooth and MMS (finally) yet still has dramas multitasking.
• Integration management depends on the OS such as Android using Google, BlackBerry using BES and BIS, Palm with Synergy etc.
• The iPhone does measure up in the field of third-party options with a store and management, although all this is only worthy information if you want to use your ‘phone’ as a gaming device or have applications you need to have on the go past your email, calendar and maybe the default game the phone came with. All other models either have or will have stores soon making this even more competitive.

So what do you choose. Here was it all for me I went with a BlackBerry (and at the time had nothing to do with OS) because:

• I wanted a phone that made calls, SMS, MMS, took the odd photo if I spotted a random celebrity, get my email and if I’m not asleep, play a game on the train.
• Although capable, I try not to use it for the Internet although do have a habit of using the Google Maps while driving (even though it tells me not to, but that’s cause I’m a Rebel).
• The plan was very competitive (and included wireless broadband for my laptop).
• I like pressing buttons, feeling what you are doing on a device.
• It fit in my jeans pocket, an iPhone for example doesn’t.
• I didn’t go with an iPhone as everyone else had one (see: Rebel). As well as after playing with a few, as I have longer nails and like the idea of feeling the buttons and I honestly got sick to death of upper management whipping out their iPhones in Lightsaber mode and attempting to slash clients. (It’s funny only the first 73 times)…
• The BlackBerry has great contact management.
• Applications I have installed are only maps, facebook, myspace.
• I removed much of the default apps and I just never use them.
• Interesting point: I got my BlackBerry in Australia and much of the native applications are based for the US. This was a royal pain setting up and changing.

Overall, iPhone is one to watch however there a still a few kinks in the system. Android is looking to take over the world. Selecting a phone based on OS is one for the individual past any restrictions of the country you live. It can depend on things outside the box such as cost, plans, whether your parents will let you have one or if you are one that is likely to loose / break / flush / mistake it for a chocolate bar.

I believe it is good to know the facts about the phone you are about to invest. Know what you want to do with it first, then seek out your options. I can only say that stand to your guns if you walk into a mobile phone store and they try to over sell you (this can be based of which model earns them more commission). Know that what ever you choose, there is support and assistance available, when getting a new phone be patient.

Highly recommended reading is available through EngadgetMobile across the subject.