Since their explosion in popularity, cell phones have become increasingly feature-rich and sophisticated, with enough features to complement, or even replace, other devices such as media players, digital cameras, and PDAs. At the forefront of this technological advancement in the smartphone, a device that blurs the line between a cell phone and a PDA.
Smartphone: change of definitions
By definition, a smartphone is a mobile phone that incorporates a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). A PDA is a miniature handheld device that replicates the key features of a personal computer, primarily document viewing, contact and task management, and Internet access. A smartphone, while possibly sharing many of these features, is still primarily a “voice-centric” device, whereas a PDA is, by nature, “data-centric.” Rather than one device replacing the other, PDAs and smartphones have often been developed together, PDAs take on more voice-centric aspects, and smartphones include features that were previously limited to PDAs.
Most contemporary smartphones include Internet and email access, PIM software or programming, contact management, and the ability to read (and sometimes compose) document formats such as Word, Excel, and PDF. Many smartphones also feature built-in cameras, music players, and GPS navigation software, making them a great all-in-one replacement for a variety of other devices. As mobile phone technology continues to develop, many features that were previously isolated on smartphones are becoming common on mid-range mobile phones. As such, the definition of what precisely constitutes a “smartphone” is constantly evolving.
Prices and services for various smartphones will, of course, vary by carrier. If you have a Verizon smartphone, for example, Verizon Wireless’ Blackberry Voice & Data Core Choice Bundle offers 450 minutes of voice time, with unlimited nights and weekends, and virtually unlimited internet data usage (web browsing, email and instant messaging) for $ 79.99 per month. On the other hand, Cingular’s Good Mobile Messaging Smartphone Connect service, which is offered separately from its basic voice services, offers unlimited data usage within its coverage area for $ 34.99 per month. Add this to Cingular’s 450-minute basic voice package ($ 39.99 / mo) and it’s a very competitive $ 75 / mo from Cingular.
The most popular smartphones
While not as diverse as standard cell phones, smartphones are available in a wide range of styles and capacities. In terms of shared culture and mindset, the Blackberry is probably the most popular and easily recognizable smartphone currently on the market. The Blackberry 8800, for example, features almost everything customers expect from a smartphone: a full QWERTY keyboard, Internet and email access, document viewing, an integrated music and media player, and built-in GPS capability. (For users who need a digital camera, the Blackberry Pearl or the new Blackberry Curve are great options.)
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little less utilitarian than the Blackberry, the Palm Treo is slim and sporty (available in distinctive crimson red), with a digital camera with video capture, an MP3 player, and Bluetooth. .
Like many smartphones, the Treo eliminates the need to carry a multitude of other devices with you. For the user who is truly passionate about multimedia, Cingular Ultra Slim Blackjack is one of the most video intensive smartphones available, with a rich media player and Cingular Video. Blackjack’s Cingular Music Service supports various online music stores as well as XM Satellite Radio, making it an ideal choice for the user who wants a smartphone and powerful media player in one convenient package.
As with all emerging technology, new products are constantly pushing boundaries. Apple’s iPhone promises to raise the bar even higher, not just with a camera, media player, text messaging, web browsing, and wireless connectivity, but a touchscreen interface and virtual keyboard that promise to bring a new level of functionality to users. users, with Apple’s distinctive sense of style and design.
A smart choice for you?
While many cell phone users will be more than happy with the features of an average cell phone, smartphones have a lot to offer people who want or need access to the Internet, email, and multimedia while away from home or office. While the price of a smartphone is often significantly higher than that of a mid-range cell phone, a smartphone can be a very inexpensive option compared to the cost of all the devices that it can effectively replace. For the frequent business traveler or someone who travels a lot, a smartphone can be a wonderful all-in-one solution.
