I wouldn't reccomend any Windows Mobile Handset. Palm Web OS maybe.
But Android and iOS are your best bets.
You're right, I wouldn't as well but it is mediocre. I mean there are more Apps on Windows Mobile (6+) than Apple or Android, but the thing is most of these are paid "Apps" around $20 on average and most are corporate-stuff. It lacks multitouch, it lacks flash 10, it lacks those fun games. Pretty much RIM, but much more customizable and on a budget.
WebOS is pretty good but it too suffers "App-lessness".
BTW guys, I can't help my frustration that the EPIC 4G isn't GSM (I'm from Australia, go figure) and that it won't be getting a GSM/International version. Even if they do for 2011, its likely that 4G will be snatched, and I don't like that since here were are on the verge of moving to 4G-goodness some time very close (infrastructure is there, market is there, but everything is held back and not officially announced). GGRRR!
I think it totally depends on your brother personal preference and what kind of a user he is. Every OS/phone has its strong and weak points.
I never really have real long term experience with Android but from what I played with my friend's Galaxy and NITDroid, it's very good and looks very promising.
IMHO, iPhone 4 would be the best candidate if your brother is the type that doesn't demand much from the phone and want a lot of apps/games which are just there to download (don't have to mess around much) considering the over-hype around iPhone 4 in Aus right now (I'm living in Aus at the moment). I think you can get 16GB iPhone4 unlocked from apple store for AUS$ 859 and 32GB for about 1K.
As a non geeky n900 user, I'm very happy with n900 . i think OC following the guide in here is much easier than trying to make iTunes work the way it should ^0^.
The above opinion is purely my personal with non-technical reference. Please don't bash me for it.
I would say SE x10 mini as a phone. Not the fastest and not the best spec. When every other smartphones grows bigger. This goes smaller, that makes the phone so great
I suggest android or n8(after all, its said to be for sale end of september, for U.S and U.K anyways).
I have n900 and Motorola Droid X and I love them both.
For those who suggested galaxy S, the fact that it does not have a flash for its camera is not a problem for you guys?
. i think OC following the guide in here is much easier than trying to make iTunes work the way it should ^0^. 