Choosing the Right Smartphone for You
Features and Functionality
Smartphones are extremely useful to busy individuals, but a full-featured device will require an investment of several hundred dollars. Before you purchase a smartphone, it’s important to take a little time deciding whether you really need one, and if so, what you’ll be using it for. Here are a few things to help you decide which smartphone is best suited for your needs.
Is your smartphone for business or personal use, or both? Some phones allow you to create and edit documents, include personal information management software that syncs with your Mac or PC, wi-fi, and hardware (button) keyboards that many people prefer to the newer touch screens. Others have music and other multimedia applications, and allow you to read email and documents but don’t give you the option to edit or create documents, making them more suitable for personal use.
Consider the carrier. Service providers determine which cell phone models work on their networks. For example, the iPhone is only available from AT&T in the US, but most major carriers offer Blackberries. The network you choose will play a large role in the capabilities of your phone, and to some extent, its performance.
Do you use a Mac or PC? Not all smartphones sync with Mac computers right out of the box. If you purchase a smartphone that runs Windows Mobile, Blackberry, or Symbian, you’ll need to purchase third-party software, such as PocketMac, to use the Mac’s iSync software. So if you’re a Mac user, you may want to consider a Palm Pre or Apple iPhone, which are compatible with both a Mac and a PC right out of the box.
Other important features:
- Look for a built-in speakerphone or Bluetooth for hands-free use.
- For some, a hardware (button) keyboard makes editing text and composing email messages much easier than a touch screen keypad.
- Many phones support GPS navigation services that integrate with maps and search engines to give you realtime, turn-by-turn directions and location services.
- Built-in wi-fi allows for faster internet browsing and email access through wireless networks.
- If you use your phone as a multimedia device, you’ll need lots of storage space. Whether built-in or removable, make sure you have enough to meet your needs.
- Consider whether you need a built-in camera and/or video recording capability.
- Know the battery life of your phone. If your smartphone will be used a lot, you may want to look at purchasing an extra battery and, depending on your lifestyle, some alternative chargers, like a car charger or USB charger that plugs directly into your computer.
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