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Get Smart:
Are You
Smarter Than Your Smartphone?
In January of 2007,
ZDNet Research reported that the US smartphone market had entered a growth spurt
of sales increasing more than 230% over the prior year from 215,000 units to
716,000 units. At the end of last year, more than 6% of new phones sold were
smartphones. Motorola, Palm, and Blackberry have been the smartphone market
leaders and it seems that everywhere you go, the Digerati have one of these
stylish devices tethered to their ears or not far from reach. This article is
for those who have picked up a device and want to know how to get the most from
it and for those who are thinking about taking the plunge and have an interest
in learning more about how to use these little wonders to become more
productive.
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What is a Smartphone?
Most definitions of a
smartphone make distinctions based on higher-end features such as e-mail
services and data management to include PDA functions (calendar, contacts, to-do
list) in addition computer operating systems and local storage. Although even
the most basic of new mobile phones offered today includes some of these
features, a smartphone will offer its user customization options and multimedia
functionality that rivals what would have required a laptop computer just a few
years ago. Most “dumb” phones don’t have feature-rich operating systems like the
more popular Windows Mobile or Palm OS that allow for file management and both
local storage in on-board RAM and ROM in addition to portable storage on SD
(secure digital) and mini-SD cards. Many of the most popular smartphones include
integrated keyboards to maximize the role of these devices as mobile
connectivity masters that allow you to stay on top of multiple email accounts
and fully access the internet over high-speed data networks while on the go.
When is a Smartphone
More than Just a Smartphone?
Pocket PC phones and
Palm-based phones are smartphones of a different character. These devices are
more PDA than phone and offer a true convergence of the two types of devices so
that the user need carry only one integrated machine. Because of their ability
to do so much and given their enhanced computer functionality, these devices
tend to have larger, touch-sensitive screens, more memory, faster processors,
better battery life, and are often larger in size with greater cost. Cost always
varies based on providers and service contracts but as a general rule,
smartphones can be purchased for $300 to $400, Pocket PCs and Palm PDAs (PDA
only, with no integrated phone) for $400 to $500, and Pocket PC phones or
Palm-based TREO style phones (PDA with integrated phone) for $500 to $600. When
you include service agreements and data plans with your purchase, you can
typically find deals where the device is either included for free or at a much
lower cost. Like anything else, do your research and compare your choices to
ensure you get a decent deal. Don’t get conned into buying more than what you
need in the form of device-specific data plans when the normal data plan will do
or by purchasing memory and accessories at the carrier store when you can get
them for much less at Best Buy or Amazon.com. Read device reviews and check
forum postings for tips on device pros and cons. Here are a few things to keep
in mind when looking at smartphones:
Advantages:
-lower price/less cost,
size & portability, integrated keyboard, multimedia (camera, video, web
browsing, and MP3 player), high speed network access.
Key Features:
- QWERTY keyboard. You
will rely on a good keyboard for data input and messaging. A comfortable key
layout and quick button functions for one-handed operation are required.
- Memory expansion using
either SD or mini-SD memory cards. Cards with 4GB capacity are becoming
available. Also get a device with at least 64 MB internal RAM and 128 MB
internal ROM so that your applications run smoothly.
- Battery life. With the
smaller size you trade battery life. Make sure your phone has a replaceable
battery and that you get decent battery life for a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of
talk time. You’ll likely have to recharge your phone at the end of each day and
having an extra battery when traveling can be a lifesaver. In terms of size, the
Motorola Q has set the standard for slim and sexy at 4.33 x 2.52 x .5”. The
Samsung Blackjack is right on its heels and is my personal favorite.
- Data plans. These vary
with each phone service provider. Unlimited plans are best for power users who
like to send email, text messages and use the internet as often as they like
without fear of a huge bill for data usage. Unlimited data plans should cost $20
to $30 per month in addition to your voice plan; anything more and you’re
getting ripped off--the cheaper the better.
- Service network. GSM/Edge
Quad band is the most widespread and allows you to use your phone anywhere in
the world. Cingular and T-Mobile use these networks. CDMA/EV-DO is used by
Verizon and Sprint. This is also a good network but your phone is not easily
transferred should you decide to switch to a different carrier and network in
the future. The choice of network and whether your phone is locked with the
carrier determine your switching options should you become dissatisfied with
your provider and desire a change. In my opinion, unlocked GSM phones provide
you the greater flexibility but unlocked phones typically cost more unless you
can get your provider to unlock the phone for you.
- Operating System.
Whether Windows Mobile for Smartphone or the Palm OS, either choice will satisfy
the discriminating user. I’ve used both and though I’ve been a longtime user of
Palm devices and have owned several Treos, the Palm devices don’t offer the slim
profile of some of the recent Windows Mobile devices. Palm devices are
PDA-phones so they offer more features along with keyboards and touch screens,
but I’m really getting used to the ease of carrying a phone that lets you forget
it’s there because it’s so light and thin. Though I don’t get all the bells and
whistles with Windows Mobile for Smartphone, the internet and email connectivity
that I have with the option to sync my schedule and contacts is sufficient for
my current needs.
Bottom Line:
Given the current market
competition and advances in technology, all things being equal, cost is the
bottom line for me and most other gadget consumers. Since I like to upgrade
devices every two years or so, spending less than $300 with a renewed service
contract for a smartphone is better than four to five hundred for the latest
PDA-phone. As smartphones get even smarter, more PDA functions will be included
and it appears that the new Windows operating system, Windows Mobile 6.0, will
allow smartphone updating of Excel, Word, and PowerPoint documents just like
their more feature-rich PDA and PDA-phone cousins.
About Iceman Baldy
Iceman Baldy is the
Founder of OneMillionBlackBusinesses.com
and authors a weblog and several other
websites including IcemanBaldy.com.
His interests include law (he holds a Doctor
of Jurisprudence from Indiana University School of Law), entrepreneurship,
internet marketing, and human resources.