Windows Mobile 6.5 is now available. HTC is stepping up in the biggest way, with the HTC Pure, HTC Imagio, HTC Ozone, and HTC Tilt 2 . Samsung's also warming to WinMo with the Samsung Intrepid. If you believe that the operating system is the heart and soul of any smartphone, you're probably more interested in Windows Mobile 6.5 itself than the hardware it's on. Microsoft's mobile platform is decidedly less flashy than the iPhone or Palm's WebOS, but it'll get you through the work day with its eye towards productivity.

Sure, the reviews are pretty dismal so far, calling it a mostly cosmetic update that isn't worth an upgrade to a new phone, but we know some of you don't care what the critics say: It's WinMo or bust, and only the newest version will do.

All those WinMo enthusiasts--we know you're out there somewhere--have some choices to make. So here's our gallery of the five latest Windows Mobile 6.5 phones, looking all slick in their marketing photos. As with any phone, choose wisely.

(IMAGE: Ballmer speaks at a press conference during the 2009 Mobile World Congress. Compliments of Microsoft)