Part 3 – Conclusion
In part 1 and 2 of “A Smartphone Primer” we discussed styles of Smartphones, the different types of cellular networks, and issues dealing with software. In this part we wrap up our discussion of Smartphones.
If you already have a cellular provider, depending on the network they have deployed, you may need to use devices that they have available for their network. If you are on a GSM network, you likely will have more choices when picking a phone as long as you don’t mind spending more money on a non-subsidized phone.
If you don’t currently have a cellular provider or are willing to change, one factor that may decide who you go with is the cost and availability of a “data plan”. One of the big advantages of a Smartphone is the ability to retrieve email and access the internet. However this is usually not part of your standard service and will cost extra. Some providers charge a high premium for this service.
Alternately if you purchase a phone with Wi-Fi and you live in an area where you have the availability of “hot spots”, you can forgo the cost of the data plan and get internet and email access via the Wi-Fi connection. Not surprisingly, a lot of Smartphones do not come with Wi-Fi as the cellular providers would prefer you spend the money for their data plans using their network to get access.
In conclusion, when picking a phone, you need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each style of phone to determine the compromises you are willing to make in order to get a “converged” device. This can include a device with a slower processor in order to save battery life, a screen that is smaller so that the device is more manageable as a phone, and either a touchscreen or a non-touchscreen. The software you decide to purchase can play a large role in what style best suits your needs.
Kevin Phillips
Other articles of interest
Sony Ericsson, partial owner of the Symbian operating system, may launch a Smartphone using Windows Mobile. Discussion can be found at WMExperts.
Brighthand letter to Palm regarding next version of the Palm Operating system.
Add Wi-Fi to your Smartphone, article at Pocket PC Thoughts.
A Cellphone Projector? Information at Pocket PC Thoughts.
Palm’s first non-touchscreen Smartphone, the Treo 500v, has a custom “Home” screen. Information at the::unwired.
Speech to Text Transcribing Service for Emails and Text Messages. Article at PocketNow.
“Software That Fills a Cellphone Gap” at the NY Times.