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| | | Though the release of the Apple iPhone was the biggest event in the world of smartphones in 2007, some reviewers praised its design but criticized its high price, lack of productivity applications for editing documents and its on-screen keyboard that can make typing tricky. But overall lower prices and the release of other new smartphones allow customers to get good value based on their desired uses for the phone. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The cost of smartphones ranges from about $150 to $500 or more, or sometimes lower if they are purchased with a one-year or two-year calling plan. Some smartphones that have received good reviews on PCWorld.com include the basic $150 Nokia E62, which features a spacious keyboard; as well as the sleek, rounded $200 Blackberry Curve 8300, which features a 320-by-240-pixel screen and a small trackball that allows for easy Web navigation.
- The $350 T-Mobile Wing includes a still-image and video camera and a slide-out keyboard.
- The $400 Apple iPhone offers a 480-by-320-pixel screen, a pre-loaded YouTube video player and a music player with the sound quality of an iPod Nano.
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| What should be included: | - Most smartphones combine the features of a high-end cell phone with those of a personal digital assistant -- including task lists and calendars. Smartphones usually include a small keyboard, a touch screen and Internet and e-mail capabilities, a camera, GPS navigation capabilities and the ability to read and edit documents in Microsoft Word and PDF formats.
- Some smartphones include a music player or a video camera.
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| Additional costs: | - You will have to pay for data service as well as calls. Service through AT&T for Apple's iPhones starts at about $60 per month with unlimited data access. Other phones have comparable plans. Blackberry plans, however, start at about $80 per month.
- As smartphone manufacturers add more multimedia features, such as high-resolution cameras and music and video players, the need for extra memory increases. A memory card will cost between $35 and $70.
- Other useful accessories include: a screen protector for $8 to $25; a protective pouch or case, which can cost $5 to $10 for a silicone skin or up to $80 for leather; an external battery pack or extra batteries, which cost $70 to $180; and a Bluetooth headset, which can cost between $80 and $200. CNet.com offers a guide to smartphone accessories.
- To listen to music on the iPhone with headphones other than the ones included, you will need a $10 adapter.
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| Discounts: | - Look for discounts for purchase with calling plans, combined with manufacturer's rebates to get prices as low as $50.
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| Shopping for a smartphone: | - When shopping for a smartphone, decide which features are most important to you based on your needs. Then, look at the operating system, memory, screen size and resolution, connectivity, the battery and extras. PC World offers a smartphone buying guide.
- Of course, you can buy a smartphone through your wireless service provider. Or you can buy one online through Amazon.com or LetsTalk.com, which offers phones alone or with a service plan and has guides to help you pick the right one.
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Article updated November 2007 |
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