A compact dual-port, multiple input-multiple output (MIMO) antenna array for handheld devices is introduced. The antenna structure consists of two quarter wavelength monopole slots etched on the ground plane of a printed circuit board (PCB) and a meandered slot cut between them. The meandered slot not only reduces the coupling between the two slot antennas, but also improves the bandwidth and efficiency of the array by acting as a radiating parasitic element. Simulated and measured results show that the meandered isolating slot allows the antennas to achieve wider bandwidth, higher efficiency, higher isolation and better diversity performance, compared to other types of isolating slots.