 |
|
Smartphones combine the functions of telephones, word processors, and computers into devices that fit into jacket and pants pockets.
Who Should Buy Smartphones?
Business people and techno-savvy consumers have dominated the realm of smartphones in recent years. This trend has given way to a democratization of top smartphones by BlackBerry, Palm, and Samsung for a number of reasons. The decreased costs of integrating MP3, Wi-Fi connectivity, and other functions into small devices have allowed other groups to buy top smartphones. International travelers and young entrepreneurs should swap out mobile phones for smartphones in 2009.
Retirees, travel writers, and business people who spend most of their time in international airports can use smartphones for various purposes. Travelers can send off emails and snap photos using Microsoft Windows Mobile and Google Android smartphone operating systems in remote places around the world. The growing community of jet setters traveling around the world can use smartphones to stay tuned to news, avoid bad weather, and purchase plane tickets from discount websites.
Top smartphones like the iPhone or the Palm Treo 550 serve multiple purposes for business owners and investors. An entrepreneur can use her smartphone as an office phone, mobile computer, and GPS on the way to meetings and interviews. While the initial cost of a smartphone may seem extravagant, the wireless use of office applications anywhere in the world saves money in the early stages of a business.
Benefits Of Using Smartphones
The primary benefit of using a smartphone is eliminating cumbersome laptops, clunky mobile phones, and digital planners for busy users. Instead of a heavy laptop case and suitcase, a smartphone owner can keep the device in his jacket pocket without sacrificing important functions on the road. The rapid improvement in smartphone applications and connectivity allows a traveler to complete projects, call friends, and read email anywhere in the world.
Whether it is a five-day trip to the Caribbean or a month-long trip to China, smartphone owners can enjoy their favorite activities without disruption. Apple’s iPhone allows easy downloads from iTunes, seamless use of YouTube, and access to social networking sites like Facebook. As smartphones increase their capabilities in the next five years, users will be able to complete presentations, edit video, and shop safely while paying lower prices for devices.
Where To Find Your Next Smartphone?
The natural starting point for any smartphone search is a consumer’s favorite service provider. AT&T (http://www.att.com/) allows access to the AT&T Tilt and iPhone through its website. Verizon Wireless (http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/index.html) is the exclusive retailer of the BlackBerry Storm and sells smartphones like the Motorola Q9C and the Samsung sch-i 760 online. These online stores allow consumers to find accessories and service plans without resorting to third-party websites.
If you are interested in a particular operating system for a smartphone, search for applicable devices through the system developer’s website. Microsoft has provided its Windows Mobile operating system to dozens of top smartphones currently on the market. You can check out the Microsoft Windows Mobile (http://www.microsoft.com/
windowsmobile/en-us/default.mspx) website to find a full list of phones using this operating system.
The fanatical interest among tech-savvy consumers for smartphones has led to numerous online resources devoted to the subject. If you want to learn more about Google’s Android operating system and its various uses, check out the Google Android website (http://code.google.com/android/) including its videos and animations. eBay (http://cell-phones.shop.ebay.com/items/
PDAs-Pocket-PCs__W0QQ_catrefZ1QQ_
sacatZ38331QQ_trksidZp3907Q2em21) offer online marketplaces for smartphone fans who are interested in using past models. Technology websites like Brighthand (http://www.brighthand.com/), MobileTechReview.com (http://www.mobiletechreview.com/smartphone.htm), and CNET Reviews (http://reviews.cnet.com/) offer reviews as well as industry rumors for smartphone users looking for the latest information.
Top Smartphones Available In 2009
The Nokia N97 is one of the most lauded smartphones in the blogosphere as we head into 2009. The N97 will be sold for $695 beginning in spring 2009 and advances Nokia’s smartphone technology another level. The Nokia N97 features a 3.5-inch tilting touch screen and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard to blend past and present trends in smartphone technology. Nokia will also introduce “social location” technology in the N97, connecting GPS tracking information to the user’s social networking sites for instant updates.
T-Mobile has introduced the G1 smartphone recently in an effort to attract young consumers who like T-Mobile’s brand, but want mobile functionality. The T-Mobile G1 has everything necessary for a successful smartphone including a GPS, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a QWERTY keyboard. T-Mobile’s retractable keyboard has been criticized as unwieldy by mobile phone reviewers, but keeps a full-sized keyboard out of sight during storage. Google’s Android operating system is used in the T-Mobile G1, offering an alternative to smartphone users annoyed with Microsoft Windows Mobile.
BlackBerry responded to the continuing popularity of the Apple iPhone with its Storm smartphone in time for the 2008 holiday rush. The BlackBerry Storm takes the touchscreen concept to the next level by offering a tactile response to each keystroke enacted through the onscreen keyboard. In addition to the tactile response feature, the BlackBerry Storm has a GPS and a 3.2-megapixel camera to compete with the iPhone’s online applications.
Sony Ericsson has jumped into the race for the top smartphones in 2009 with its Xpera X1. The Xpera X1 has a full QWERTY keyboard that is impressive considering the four-inch, 5.6-ounce frame. Sony Ericsson is taking a detour away from the full touchscreen panel with an interactive panel surface. This surface contains nine panels including the Google search engine and Sony Ericsson’s Xpera Radio channel. The Xpera X1’s interactive panel technology does not sacrifice looks for functionality with a vibrant 800x480 pixel resolution.
Tracking Popular Smartphones In 2009
The primary debate among smartphone fans at the end of 2008 is which device will push the Apple iPhone for market supremacy. BlackBerry’s Storm has vaulted ahead of smartphone makers like Palm and Samsung by applying its own flavor to the touchscreen concept. Nokia and Sony Ericsson look like solid competitors, as long as their smartphones blend novel concepts with functionality. It appears that the iPhone remains the leader in smartphones by providing social networking features, music, and online applications without slow or disrupted service.
The popularity of a smartphone changes from group to group. While younger users may appreciate the BlackBerry Storm and Apple iPhone, Palm remains the top smartphone maker among business owners and sales people. Palm’s Treo line of smartphones may not allow easy access to Facebook or iTunes, but business people have other priorities. The Palm Treo 550, for example, provides reliable Internet and phone connections along with office applications needed for word processing and spreadsheets.
|
