Making the Call with Wireless Choices

Does the thought of selecting a new wireless phone to fit your budget and lifestyle send you into a tailspin? It used to be that upgrading to a new wireless device meant choosing from a handful of models. Thanks to major advances in wireless technology, consumers have a multitude of choices when it comes to cell phones. Additionally, there are four major operating system choices. The Apple Iphone and Blackberry smart phones use unique proprietary software, while two other systems, Android and Windows 7 have attracted even more attention lately. Let's take a closer look at what each of these unique wireless platforms has to offer.

The Popular Iphone
Apple has enjoyed strong sales of its popular Iphone with good reason. Its main advantage lies in the fact that Apple is the sole manufacturer of both the hardware and software. Should there be any problems or questions about the phone, any local Apple retail store can assist you. The App Store is the main draw of the Iphone. There, you will find thousands of the most innovative utilities, games, and entertainment programs available. Seamless integration with Itunes is a built-in advantage as well as sound quality that is hard to beat. The negative deal breaker for many, however, is that the Iphone cannot run Windows-based applications or Adobe Flash which is used to display most of today's web graphics and games. Additionally, if you are seeking a phone with a traditional QWERTY typing keyboard or a jumbo-sized screen, the Iphone is not for you. The Iphone is presently only available through AT&T or Verizon, thus limiting your choice of carriers. With a price tag starting at $299, this choice may be out of reach for those on a tight budget.

Android for Everyone
Android was developed by Google and is considered the Iphone's greatest competitor. Android has become widely popular because of the vast availability of phone models on which it can function on. Android devices are available through any carrier and more easily fit into any budget and lifestyle with its wider choice of phone manufacturers. Many carriers offer free or drastically discounted prices on Android phones with a new or upgraded contract. The most exciting aspect of Android is that versions 2.2 and up can run Flash-based games and video.

Wireless Windows 7
The newest operating system for mobile devices is the Windows 7 platform. One of the standout advantages is its flawless integration with Microsoft sites and programs such as mobile versions of Word, Excel, Powerpoint and OneNote. A Music and Video hub connect to Bing, Zune, and even XBOX Live. Additionally, social network sites such as Facebook and Twitter are nicely displayed and updated on one of the phone's hubs. With these hubs, you can quickly see e-mail, social network sites, and news at a glance. As in the case of Iphone and Android, Windows 7 phones also have access to a unique apps market for applications and games. Windows 7 phones are also discounted by major U. S. carriers with a contract.

Blackberry-A Business Favorite
Last, but not least, is Blackberry. Blackberry was the pioneer of the smart phone line and continues to remain mostly a business device. However, it has attracted a broader consumer audience thanks to its updated hardware and software features. The advantages that Blackberry brings to the table are flawless e-mail integration and the ability to run applications in the background. Most of the apps for the Blackberry are business-focused. As a result, the browser and operating system do not come close to those of the Android and Iphone systems. The Blackberry may not be the best choice for the more casual gamer and web surfer on the go.

While there is a lot to consider in the choice of a wireless device, don't despair. Most carriers allow you to try out the phone for 30 days before you are committed to the contract, allowing you to simply exchange it for one that may better suit your needs.