Samsung Jack smart phone on the AT&T network. (Click to enlarge.) [ Photo courtesy of AT&T ]

We've just added two new, and competent, smart phones to our Ratings, available to subscribers. Meanwhile, the Palm Pre, which remains among our recommended smart phones (available to subscribers), will be available from Verizon in the new year, a development that would-be owners might want to consider before buying now from Sprint.

Samsung Jack ($100) AT&T. The Jack is the "low end" update to the popular and high-scoring Blackjack II smart phone. (The other is the $180 Epix, which scores well in our Ratings.) We like the Blackjack family for their combination scroll wheel and jog dial, which provides quick, easy access to the phone's applications and home-screen icons. The Jack adds Wi-Fi and upgrades the 1.9 megapixel camera of the Blackjack II to 3.2 megapixels, and adds a 2X zoom.

T-Mobile Sidekick LX 3G ($250). This pricey smart phone is slightly thinner than the LX model it replaces, which isn't saying much since the Sidekicks are some of the bulkiest phones in our Ratings. But at least it adds 3G capability, a bigger display, and a higher-megapixel camera. It has a relatively large 3.1-in. display that swings open to reveal a well-spaced QWERTY keyboard that’s among the best we've seen.

Both phones are exclusively available from the indicated carriers. Controversy over such deals rose in recent months, in part over demand for the Palm Pre, which is exclusively available from Sprint—the lowest-scoring carrier in our Ratings of cell-service, available to subscribers.

This week, following months of rumors to that effect, Verizon confirmed that it too, would offer the Pre, beginning in early 2010. Details of Verizon pricing and plans have not been announced. But given that Verizon has perennially been among the best carriers in our Ratings, you might want to hold off on a Pre purchase, at least until more details are forthcoming about a Verizon Pre. —Mike Gikas