Samsung released three new Windows Mobile devices in October and November, and each includes an optical touchpad mouse.  When I first heard of this feature in mid-2008, I poo-pooed it; a mouse on a Windows Mobile device?  No thanks.

But then I began my review of the Samsung Epix (and more recently the Samsung Saga), and saw that the inclusion of a mouse and pointer made a lot of sense for Windows Mobile, at least as it exists today. 

The reason is simple: in the face of touch friendly mobile operating systems from Apple, Google, and most recently RIM, Windows Mobile just can’t compete for those users who want a touch-centric, finger-friendly device.  The WinMo OS was and is designed to be used with a stylus, a keyboard and other hardware controls in addition to a touchscreen interface.  I have high hopes for the future of Windows Mobile in the touch-only navigation department, but the realization of those hopes is likely a year away.

The Pocket PC Central Hands-On Review of the Samsung Epix SGH-i907 Windows Mobile Smartphone has been posted in the Windows Mobile Device Review Center.

Some of our favorite retailers are offering savings this Black Friday and throughout the weekend. Get great prices on holiday gifts from:

Amazon.com

Buy.com

PCMall

The Apple Store

BestBuy.com

But hurry; offers end today, this weekend or Monday.

The HTC Touch Pro has come to Verizon Wireless.

The Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional touchscreen smartphone sells for $349 after a two-year service agreement and a $70 mail-in rebate.

Head over to our Verizon Wireless HTC Touch Pro XV6850 Information Center for more information or visit the Verizon Wireless web store to get one for yourself.

On November 26, 2008, Verizon Wireless will begin selling the Samsung Omnia SCH-i910 in their online store, but users will have to wait until the second week in December to see the Omnia show up in brick-and-mortar stores around the U.S.

This information comes from BGR, as do new details on the Omnia’s price.  According to the report, the Samsung Omnia will have a final sale price of $249 with a two-year service agreement and a $70 mail-in rebate.

The Samsung Omnia is a Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional touchscreen smartphone with a touch-centric design.  Features include 8GB of internal flash memory, a 5MP camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, EV-DO Rev. A mobile broadband, and Samsung’s now-standard optical mouse touchpad control system.