Cell Phone or PDA?
The term cell phone is limiting given the features of current portable communication devices. The units available of late perform additional functions than a traditional phone. With the continually diminishing cost of electronics, features such as cameras, GPS, calendars, and contact managers have become available even on the least expensive models.
cell phone,pda, personal digital assistant
The term cell phone is getting nondescriptive of today's portable communication devices. The units available recently do more than only make and receive phone calls. With the continually decreasing cost of electronics, features including cameras, GPS, calendars, and contact managers have become available even on the least expensive models. Since such a fine line exists between the functionality of a cell phone and a Personal Digital Assistant, perhaps the term "cell phone" will no longer be in vogue!
How should you select a cell phone? First, any communication will have to be purchased. Some of the functions of these cell phones or PDAs require communication with the internet or other online service which usually involve additional charges on top of your voice plan. A good place to start shopping is the many forums that are related to differeent models. Enter terms like "cell phone review" or "cell phone forum". Many times there are subforums related exclusively to a certain brand or model. If you browse through these forums, you will find many dislikes and likes of many different models. Although consider this- many people post their negative experiences far more than their postive ones in forums. So, keep that in mind that there are no perfect electronic devices. Notice features discussed such as holdability (is the device TOO small or big), sound clarity, reception, how easy to use the menus system of the cell phone. These are key factors. Your device might open your garage door for you. But if you despise using it all day becasue it is uncomfortable to hold or has bad reception, then do not go for it.
Once you have created a list of a few models, look at the other functions of the cell phones and what you really need. Do you have to have a camera? Many are just toys with terrible picture quality. How about ringtones? Some are synthesized sounds that you may find jarring to hear.. Others have full polyphonic instruments playing the tones. Others play a section of a real song.
Do you drive a lot? Some phones have what is called Bluetooth. This is a wireless protocol for connecting to other devices that are nearby. If your vehicle has a Bluetooth receiver in it, you can have a handsfree setup without any wires! If your car does not have this feature, you can purchase add-on kits.. Most exciting is the ability to use memory cards for storing MP3s and even movies! The screens are small, but the quality can be surprisingly good!
Do you have data needs? Some devices have either a Palm Pilot or Windows Mobile PDAs housed in them. While some regular cell phones offer limited internet access or email, these devices are full-featured. If you are toting a laptop only for keeping your contact information and calendar, this small device could replace it. Web browsers, while still not as fully featured as that on a laptop, offer a nice user experience. The downside is the size and the cost. Smartphones typically are double the size of a nice compact phone, and usually cost more to purchase. As well, bear in mind that those data services cost extra dollars. Many smartphones have the ability to store and edit Microsoft Office documents, databases, and lists. In addition, you will find a wider selection of games, and you can even download ebooks to read.
If you spend the time considering what you need and do your homework, you will find the best cell phone or PDA smartphone for you.