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| | | A rapid advance in the universe of smart phones is erasing the line that separates business models from consumer-oriented phones. The wealth of new applications, including calendar functions, e-mail, and web surfing is swiftly becoming the smart way to stay connected as sales of these multimedia wizards soar. That's having an equalizing effect on basic retail prices, so pay close attention to functionality (consumer vs. business) and contract requirements. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Despite serious challengers for prominence, Apple's iPhone, which sells for $199 and up depending on storage capacity, is still king among consumers. Reviewers in all corners of the electronic device world hail the iPhone as setting a benchmark for sleek and innovative design, as well as its integrated cell phone and MP3/video player (iTunes). The device is sold in tandem with AT&T service.
- The BlackBerry Storm is the first entry by manufacturer RIM (Research in Motion) into the world of touch screens. BlackBerry's claim to fame has always been its exceptional mobile e-mail functionality, yielding a physical keyboard that's well-suited for copious amounts of typing. Verizon's BlackBerry Storm 9530 blazes a new path for BlackBerry, with a sticker price of $199.
- The T-Mobile G1 is the first smart phone to operate on the Google's Android operating system. However, T-Mobile's 3G network is playing catch-up with rival service providers with regard to coverage areas. That means that the 3G data transfer speed and voice quality benefits are limited to markets in which T-Mobile has 3G. That also explains a unique pricing agreement with WalMart. From T-Mobile, the G1 is priced at $179.99, fairly reasonable for such a feature-rich phone. However, it's also available from select Wal-Mart stores for around $148.88. Those stores happen to be within T-Mobile's 3G network matrix.
- With a retail price tag of $299, the HTC Fuze runs on the Windows Mobile platform and is offered in lockstep with AT&T. It's a serious touch screen smart phone that ranks among the best. It has all of the features that attract multi-taskers and includes all the popular consumer-oriented functions that have become virtually standard for leading mobile devices.
- Similar to its competitors, the Palm Pre, starting at $199, allows multiple applications to move easily among one another -- be it e-mail, maps, photos, Web sites, and so on. The Pre covers bold, touch-screen territory that deserves a close look.
What should be included: | - 3G phone and Internet capacity.
- Ability to synchronize with a PC or Mac.
- High-resolution display screen.
- Camera.
- MP3 player, stereo and video output.
Additional costs: | - A contract with the device's designated service provider.
- Battery add-ons, such as a vehicle plug-in or pocket battery, for on-the-go endurance.
- Charging dock.
- Applications from third-party providers, ranging from a GPS vehicle interface to voice-control functions.
Discounts: | - Contact the designated service provider to negotiate a plan that best meets everyday needs.
Shopping for a smartphone: | - All smart phones have full keyboards for data input, however, it's best to explore which is preferable: a touch-screen keyboard or the button-press, slide-out variety.
- Consider a Bluetooth-enabled earpiece for use on the road.
- The best business cell phones have at least a 2 megapixel camera with zoom features and the ability to play and record audio and video.
- Top-ranked phones will connect via Wi-Fi and 3G for faster browsing speeds.
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Article updated August 2009 |
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