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To SmartPhone, Or Not To SmartPhone; That Is The Question.
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04-Dec-2008
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You know you want one. All the cool people have them. I am, of course, talking about SmartPhones. If you don't have one, you're probably wondering what all the hooplah is about. If you do have one, you're probably wondering how to justify the extra 'Benjamins' you dished out for this. So, here's the info:
SmartPhones, the Good:
SmartPhones, by definition, come loaded feature-rich. However, like anything new, you may or may not be aware of the real features they come with. First on the list, E-mail.
There are a few different ways to access your E-mail on a SmartPhone. There are the built in POP/Exchange applications that function very similar to Outlook or whatever your normal application E-mail program is. If you have a Windows Mobile Phone, you can probably get Outlook specifically for your mobile device. I have to be honest, though, in that I prefer neither; I'm a Webmail kind of guy. I find comfort in the knowledge that I'm using the same E-mail application, with the exact same contacts, messages, settings, et cetera, regardless of which device I happen to be working on. That way, in the event that I do not have operational access to one of my devices (let's be honest, batteries are included, just not reliable), I know that any system I can get access to will have exactly what I've been using, no lapses or data loss whatsoever. Not all Webmail applications are completely compatible with the various mobile operating systems, though, so it is important to ensure you are getting the right device for your E-mail service; or the right E-mail service for your mobile device.
Notes. Any good SmartPhone will come with some application that allows you to either write out or take down notes. Typically these can be synced with, viewed on and interacted with on your desktop or laptop. The name makes it sound humble, but I assure you, it is not. We've all seen those...wonderful people who like to take a cramped plane or train ride, and make it even more so by whipping out their big, loud, and ever-so-annoying laptops (widescreen, of course). Well, children, that's just silly behavior. I can type almost as fast with my full thumbsized keyboard on my Cingular (HTC) 8525, I take up no extra space whatsoever, it's inconspicuous enough to be no distraction to anyone, and makes absolutely no noise whatsoever. I even write my tech articles on it when the opportunity arises. As well, it's a lot less strain on my back and maximum luggage allotment knowing I don't have an extra, rather heavy bag, and instead of only a small phone in my pocket (that I would have anyway).
Camera. Just about every phone today comes with a camera. However, let's face it, the standard phone camera typically does not cut it when it comes to quality. SmartPhones, on the other hand, now regularly come with 2 mega pixels or more (some as high as 5!), which is encroaching on the edge of professionalism – again, all in the convenience of a device you'd already have on your person anyway. As well, with most SmartPhones having microSD (or other...?) expansion ports, you can record literally hours of video footage – again, all from such a small, simply to use device. In particular, some newer models offer front-side cameras, which means – yes, brace yourselves – mobile video conferencing. Need I say more.
Applications. The real dominating force behind SmartPhones is the fact that they are customizable with respect to their software applications. There are a number of software manufacturers that make applications exclusively for mobile devices (and to some extent there are versions of almost everything on each of the different operating systems). There really is no limit here, and almost everything you can do on your desktop or laptop, you can also do on your mobile device (if perhaps in a slightly different manner).
SmartPhones, The Bad:
There of course is a downside to the SmartPhone, or you and everyone else would probably already have one. Biggest on the list is, of course, price.
Price. SmartPhones are not cheap. You can literally buy laptops for less than the price of some SmartPhones. That is not saying that SmartPhones aren't worth it, but you have to understand that a SmartPhone is just another integrated part of your digital functionality. If you are on a budget and you need a laptop more, get a better laptop. If what you need can be better accommodated by a SmartPhone, get the SmartPhone. Do not go cheap on either or you'll just be miserable with both.
Upgradability. Laptops have very limited upgradability with respect to hardware. With SmartPhones this is practially non-existent. Even worse, with laptops you can change out operating systems on demand; with SmartPhones, my experience has been that platform updates are futile as the device is too underpowered for the new operating system, resulting in poor performance and, again, frustration.
Integrated Component Obsolescence. Yes, that is a mouth full. Again, with respect to the non-upgradability of SmartPhones, it can become an issue when you really bought the device for one specific thing (such as the camera), and due to natural industry advancements, that specific feature really no longer makes the grade. It then becomes a question of buying a whole new SmartPhone (which can be a considerable sum for the latest devices), or going back to carrying multiple devices. The same is true when a particular component stops functioning.
Battery. Let us not forget battery. Despite offering so much convenience and functionality, the battery life is not likewise compounded. Google claims it with their Android, but they are flat-out lying. The more you use your SmartPhone for non-talk applications, you'll find the battery quite dead when it's time to actually talk to someone. A lot of trains and planes offer charging stations, so, there is some hope. This of course means nothing at a luncheon or business meeting, and nobody wants to be the awkward guy making a scene insisting on a table near an outlet. So there definitely needs to be marked improvement in battery technology – but I just don't see that happening in the near future, so buy with abandon, dear children!
The Verdict
My verdict is in, and so are SmartPhones. Despite the few setbacks, their utility far outweighs any of the few setbacks. So, save up the 'Benjamins', and get yourself a good one (and please, not a Blackberry). |
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