Smart Phones: Cell Phones with a Built-In PDA

Tired of having to tote both a cell phone and a PDA? Well thanks to the new Smart Phone, you won't have to any longer. The new Smart Phone will function as both and not only slimmer, but more user friendly. Long a constant companion of business travelers, helping them keep up with appointments and e-mails, the new smart phones are moving out of business class and into every class. Some of these new sleek devices come standard with a QWERTY style keyboard, eliminating the task of trying to deliver your text messages on that tiny cell phone keypad. With new simplified interfaces, users are greeted with fast and easy set-up menus. You won't need a degree in computer science any longer, to use your Smart Phone. That being said, you will still need to do your homework before deciding which phone will best suit your needs.

As with most everything these days (smart phones are no different), there are several devices to choose from. Apply the same technique you would when going out to purchase a computer system. First, decide exactly what you will be using it for(what you need it to do). This will narrow down the possible choices rather quickly. As far as Smart Phones go, for the most part, there is 2 types available. Basic and advanced. The basic unit more or less looks like a regular cell phone. You won't find as many features on the basic phone, like touch screens or PIM software (personal information management software). If your primary use (other than the cell phone function), is reading e-mails and you don't find the need to do a large amount of text messaging, the basic model could be just what your looking for. On the other hand, if your a user who needs the sophistication of a laptop computer, the advanced Smart Phone is right up your alley. The advanced models are equipped with the ability to edit and create spreadsheets, as well as text documents. Most of them come with Microsoft Outlook, Palm Desktop or some other PIM software. Most will allow you to access the systems features via a touchscreen. Unlike the basic models (some of them) which come with "micro" SD (secure digital) cards, the advanced models allow you to load data using standard size SD Cards.

Whether you choose a basic or advanced Smart Phone, another issue one must consider is the network. There are 2 different network's to consider, and depending once again what you will be using the phone for, will help determine the more appropiate one. First is the CDMA based Smart Phone, which use the EV-DO network from Sprint Nextel or Verizon. If you download larger files with attatchments, this is the faster of the 2 networks. Second is the GSM based EDGE network, used by Cingular and T-Mobile. This is the slower of the 2, better suited for web surfers who don't download huge files. If you like to read e-mails, do light duty web surfing and don't require your phone to have the feaures of a laptop computer, than a basic model will work just fine.

In addition to the type of phone and network, you'll want to also consider your choices of operating systems. Each operating system has it's own characteristics. First, there is Windows Mobile 5.0, works well with Microsoft Outlook, but will not work on a non microsoft program.This OS (operating System) will run multiple applications. The advanced version includes the Office software. Keep in mind, the basic versions don't have the touch screen feature. Second is Palm, this is without a doubt the most versatile operating system of the bunch. Palm includes Office software and full E-Mail features, plus all the PDA functions. Task lists, a contact list and calendar. You will have to run programs one at a time with this OS. Third is Blackberry, by far the easiest OS for setting up e-mail accounts. Fourth is Danger, a simple OS used on the T-Mobile Sidekick. This operating system is mainly geared for text-messaging. For those who other than calling on their cell phone are big on text-messages, this would work well for you. Last is Symbian, found on Nokia phones primarily, this OS is not very user friendly, especially for setting up and using e-mail. Symbian comes in a basic version as well as an advanced version. Either way, you ill find a learning curve on this one. It would also be a good idea to pay attention to the design of the phone.

Again, depending on the primary uses, the design and layout of the keypad will warrant a good look. Some Smart Phones will have the keypad in plain site, while others will have a slide-out keypad, or you can get one with a full QWERTY keyboard. There is also a full array of plans available for your new Smart Phone. No matter which one you choose, they all have great features and are slimmer and sleeker than past devices. The Smart Phone has come a long way in a short period of time. Consider these points prior to purchase, and your sure to get the right one!