Choosing the Right Smartphone
Today, consumers and businesspeople are making important decisions regarding their choice of smartphones (mobile phones with advanced computing capability).
Smartphones enable mobile internet access, SMS messaging (texting), email access and access to a variety of applications. Many people now consider their choice of phone to be equally or more important than their choice of computer. Most people choose a smartphone based on physical characteristics, operating system, carrier support, pricing of the phone and the data plan, and ease of use.
Here is a brief overview of the 3 major competitors in the Smartphone operating system market. All of these phones can be synchronized with PC or Mac and each has its own strengths.
Blackberry – Many models are available and most have a complete mini-qwerty keyboard. Most models are available from several carriers (ATT, Sprint, Verizon, etc). Blackberry set the standard for smartphones several years ago and Blackberry devices remain very popular today. Using Blackberry Desktop Manager, it is easy to setup synchronization of email, contacts and calendar items between MS Outlook and the Blackberry. Complete information regarding Blackberry OS and devices can be found at www.blackberry.com.
iPhone – Apple released the 1st iPhone in 2007 and has been coming out with updated iPhone operating systems since then. iPhones feature touch-activated screens which respond to touch and ‘gestures’, They can run thousands of possible applications (available from the App Store). iPhones are extemely popular right now. They function only on the ATT Wireless network, but Verizon is rumored to be in the running to offer iPhones in the future. Information about the latest and greated iPhone operating system (version 4) is at www.apple.com/iphone.
Google Android – Android is the operating system, not the hardware. Models include the HTC G1, HTC Magic, Samsung I7500 and the Droid Incredible by HTC. Models are available with keypads or touchscreens. Android phones are the most likely to catch up and surpass the popularity of the iPhone, but this may take several years to happen.
Ease of use and synchronization with your PC or Mac. Each of the above smartphone operating systems has a synchronization mechanism to interface with your PC.
If you are wondering which device or operating system is best for you, be sure to ask your friends and business associates what they like most about their phones and service before buying one for yourself or switching to a different phone operating system. GrundigIT can also help you decide which smartphone may work best for you.
Once you have your new smartphone, GrundigIT is an excellent resource if you have any questions regarding setup or synchronization with your PC or Mac.
