A new Microsoft smart phone is coming to market soon with a twist - it has a keyboard. Unlike the Treo phones, which have fixed keyboards, the Sierra keyboard folds out. It would seem that this would create a balance problem when using the keyboard. Keyboards on devices such the Treo line of phones and the RIM devices offer keyboards that are centered on each respective device.

Pros:

accepts SD cards, plays MP3s

Cons:

Microsoft smart phone technology is young compared to the Palm implementation, phone not available yet.

Microsoft’s push into the smart or phone convergence space is positive. It will drive innovation and help to reduce prices over the long-term. Over the short-term early adopters will suffer the pangs of this new technology.

Check out the PC Magazine preview.