About Smart Phones
A cell phone isn't just a phone anymore. Even the simplest phone most often has at least camera, calendar, a few games and text messaging. However, some phones extend far above and beyond these concepts. Cell phones are constantly being upgraded with more complex features, many of which are designed to help those in the corporate world handle business as usual, from wherever they are. These phones, called "smart phones," have a fan base that extends way beyond the business savvy, and capabilities that allow users to use features often found in several different devices.
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History
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The IBM Simon Personal Communicator was the first ever smart phone. Released by IBM and BellSouth in 1994 for $900, the Simon functioned as a phone, PDA, pager, calculator, address book, calendar, and fax machine, and allowed the user to access email wirelessly. It weighed approximately one pound and offered a touch screen rather than buttons. Motorola was the first company to offer a Windows-based smart phone in the United States. The MPx200 was released in 2003 through AT&T Wireless, and used Microsoft Windows Mobile software.
Function
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Whereas simple cell phone applications may allow you to check email and surf the web, smart phones incorporate features, operating systems and applications that allow users to do virtually anything from their phone. Some contain the latest Windows software, and allow users to access the same Microsoft Office programs as they would from their office or personal computers. Since the introduction of the Simon, smart phones have become smaller, more stylish, incorporate more features, and are more cost effective, particularly for customers entering into a term contract of service.
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Features
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Full QWERTY keyboards, GPS, touch screens, high-resolution photos, video capture and playback, and download capabilities are some of the features smart phones have to offer. Phones can also function as a day planner, music and video player, and even access the Internet. Carriers offer a variety of smart phones, so make sure to do your research and select the phone that best meets your needs, and has your preferred features. Some phones support the latest 3G wireless broadband data networks.
Considerations
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Think about the importance of the network and operating system of the phone you are interested in. The network your phone is on will be based upon the provider you receive cell phone service through; most major carriers now run on either the CDMA or GSM network. Each has different capabilities, which may help you in making a decision based on how it will affect your phone usage. The operating system is generally based on the type of smart phone that you choose. Each OS has different features, and some are more complex than others, so narrow down the possible smart phone choices, and evaluate how you will use it before you make a purchase.
Geography
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Smart phones can be used no matter where you travel to in the world. Phones identified as tri-band, quad-band, world phones or multi-network phones are the best choices for users who travel internationally. Let your service provider know if you travel outside of your home country when selecting a phone, to ensure that your phone and network capabilities will allow it to function wherever you are in the world.
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