The emergence of the smartphone
Since their explosion in popularity, cell phones have become increasingly feature-rich and sophisticated, with enough features to complement, or even replace, other devices such as media players, digital cameras, and PDAs. At the forefront of this technological advancement is the smartphone, a device that blurs the line between a cell phone and a PDA.
Smartphone: changing definitions
By definition, a smartphone is a mobile phone that incorporates a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). A PDA is a miniature portable device that replicates the key functions of a personal computer, particularly viewing documents, managing tasks and contacts, and accessing the Internet. A smartphone, while possibly sharing many of these characteristics, is still primarily a “voice-centric” device, while a PDA is by nature “data-centric.” Rather than one device replacing the other, PDAs and smartphones have often been co-developed, with PDAs embracing more voice-centric aspects and smartphones including features previously limited to PDAs.
Most contemporary smartphones include Internet and email access, programming software or PIM, contact management, and the ability to read (and sometimes compose) document formats such as Word, Excel, and PDF. Many smartphones also feature built-in cameras, music players, and GPS navigation software, making them a great all-in-one replacement for a variety of other devices. As cell phone technology continues to develop, many features that were previously isolated to smartphones are becoming commonplace in mid-range cell phones. As such, the definition of what precisely constitutes a “smartphone” is constantly evolving.
The prices and services of various smartphones will of course vary depending on the operator. If you have a Verizon smartphone, for example, Verizon Wireless’ Blackberry Voice & Data Core Choice package offers 450 minutes of voice time, with unlimited nights and weekends, and virtually unlimited Internet data usage (web browsing, email, etc.). email and instant messaging) for $79.99 per month. On the other hand, Cingular’s Good Mobile Messaging Smartphone Connect service, offered separately from your basic voice services, offers unlimited data usage within your coverage area for $34.99 per month. Add this to Cingular’s basic voice package of 450 minutes ($39.99 a month) and it works out to a very competitive $75 a month from Cingular.
The most popular smartphones
While not as diverse as standard cell phones, smartphones are available in a wide range of styles and capabilities. In terms of culture and shared mindset, the Blackberry is probably the most popular and easily recognizable smartphone on the market today. The Blackberry 8800, for example, features almost everything customers expect from a smartphone: a full QWERTY keyboard, Internet and email access, document viewing, an integrated music and media player, and built-in GPS capability. (For users who need a digital camera, the Blackberry Pearl or the new Blackberry Curve are great options.)
On the other hand, if you’re looking for something a little less utilitarian than the Blackberry, the Palm Treo is slim and sporty (available in distinctive crimson red), features a digital camera with video capture, an MP3 player, and Bluetooth. .
Like many smartphones, the Treo eliminates the need to carry a host of other devices. For the true multimedia user, Cingular’s ultra-slim Blackjack is one of the most video-intensive smartphones available, complete with a rich media player and Cingular Video. Blackjack’s Cingular music service is compatible with several online music stores as well as XM Satellite Radio, making it an ideal choice for the user who wants a smartphone and powerful media player in one convenient package. .
As with all emerging technologies, new products are constantly pushing the limits. Apple’s iPhone promises to raise the bar even higher, not only with a camera, media player, text messaging, web browsing, and wireless connectivity, but also with a touchscreen interface and virtual keyboard that promises to bring a new level of functionality to your iPhone. users, with Apple’s distinctive sense of style and design.
A smart choice for you?
While many cell phone users will be more than satisfied with the features of an average cell phone, smartphones have a lot to offer people who want or need access to the Internet, email, and multimedia while away from home or the office. . While the price of a smartphone is typically significantly higher than a mid-range cell phone, a smartphone can be a very inexpensive option compared to the cost of all the devices it can effectively replace. For the frequent business traveler or someone on the go a lot, a smartphone can be a wonderful all-in-one solution.