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Understanding the Differences Between Windows Mobile Pocket PC’s and Windows Mobile Smartphones

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

I’ve often been asked from my customers why they should choose a Pocket PC over a Smartphone or vice versa. Many users don’t realize that each type of device offers unique User interface setups and thus function differently. In this article I’m going to give a quick breakdown of Pocket PC’s vs Smartphone devices. Mainly just a quick look at a few important differences.

Touch Screen Vs One Handed Navigation

Pocket PC’s are touch screen based units, meaning users can either use a stylus or their fingers to navigate throughout their device. This is an important aspect to consider, if your screen size is small the pocket pc device may become bothersome to use as you may have to navigate through hard to press icons to reach your overall destination. On the other hand a Pocket PC is great if the buttons are easy to push, the iPhone 3G or the HTC TyTN II are both great examples of easy to navigate Pocket PC models. Keep in mind you’ll more than likely be relegated to using both hands at the same time.

On the other hand Smartphones are non-touch screen devices that place their focus on one handed navigation, this is often preferred by users who quickly want to pull up menu’s without having to press around on their screens. Smartphone devices such as the new Windows Mobile 6.0 smartphones have home screens that are set up for one handed navigation, you can simply scroll between easy to access menus and in most cases press on a button to access your applications.

Speaking of applications, this is another important area to examine. For instance, Pocket PC third party applications for a Pocket PC will be different in design than a Smartphone Application, the reason being the lack of a touch screen on the Smartphone. Its not to say one is better than the other, just that the smartphone application will require more modular navigating over the Touch screen based program. In most cases one app will not work on both devices, if you are switching over to a Smartphone or Pocket PC you may want to make sure your favorite applications will still be accessible or at least offer a version for your new device.

Finally, Smartphones also tend to lean towards T9 text input, since most, but not all smartphones do not feature a full keyboard, of course the Blackjack series and some HTC devices break from this convention.

Personally I like the flow of Smartphones, I can navigate easily, although it did take some time to get use to. Whatever decision you make i’d definitely suggest looking at the device online or if possible in person to make sure the device is comfortable for you.

Author: James Alan Johnson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty

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Mobile Phones – Will ‘Classic’ Feature Phones Survive the Smartphone Craze?

Monday, March 8th, 2010

As we approach the end of Q4 in 2009, the demand for smartphones continues to grow week by week. Dominant ‘classic’ feature phone manufacturer Nokia faces increasing pressure from the smartphone craze, with the likes of Research in Motion, Apple and HTC making their mark.

Finnish giants Nokia have changed tactic however, with their aim to consolidate their portfolio of smartphones. John Strand, CEO of Strand Consult, believes that the line between feature and smartphones has blurred due to a “technology shift” and not because of a tirade to extinguish the need for low-end ‘classic’ feature phones.

Strand admitted: “Only a few customers deliberately purchase smartphones. Most want a reasonably-priced phone with smart features. Whether a customer ends up with a smartphone or a feature phone is a matter of coincidence.”

Nokia mobile phones continue to succeed throughout the marketplace. Its latest smartphone, the Nokia N900 is available on the market as an enhancement on the Nokia N97 and N97 mini. The Maemo-powered handset has now been given an official UK release date.

Low-end ‘classic’ feature phones make up 45% of the Nokia mobile phone sales. Interestingly, Nokia smartphones only take 15% of the total units shipped, but it appears this is a percentage that is on the increase over the last 12 months.

A Nokia spokesperson said: “We expect that in 2010, volume for the overall mobile device market will increase about 10 percent year over year. And we expect the smartphone segment will grow much faster. People can do more with smartphones which offer advanced capabilities and PC-like functionality, and this is definitely more attractive to consumers compared to feature phones.”

That final point is a statement that rings true to the majority of business and regular smartphone users. The additional capabilities of a smartphone and its ability to synchronise with PC applications make it the ideal component. However, the speed in which technology is shifting means there will always be consumers left behind. Casual mobile phone users will continue to use ‘classic’ feature phones despite the quickening growth of the smartphone sector.

Author: Nick Wilkins
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Import duty tariff

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A Short History of the Smartphone

Friday, March 5th, 2010

Modern technology moves fast and furious, especially when it comes to capabilities of the smartphone. Just what is a “smartphone”? Actually there are no agreed upon or exact definitions for the term. Most would agree however that smartphones do more – much more – than what Alexander Graham Bell first envisioned when he invented the original telephone back in the 1870s.

Definition

The smartphone differs from ordinary mobile phones in that they are capable of advanced functionality because they contain software applications that can be run directly from the phone itself. This software is typically open-source, an advantage that makes adding applications as easy as loading them onto the phone via wireless downloads. Today, these devices are not considered very “smart” unless they can accomodate a datebook/calendar, advanced internet connectivity, photography, music and even video capability.

Origins

IBM was the first to venture into the business of offering consumers a highly advanced mobile phone. In 1993, the company introduced what could be considered the world’s smartphone – simply called Simon. Considered low-end by today’s standard, this first smartphone featured an amazing array of features – email, address book, clock, calendar, note pad, and even the ability to send and receive faxes.

During the mid-90’s, Nokia began to heat things up by introducing its first line of smartphone – the Nokia 9000 series. This phone was not only the first in a series of popular smart phones manufactured by Nokia, they were also the most expensive, coming in at 20-40% more costly than its rivals. The Nokia 9210 was indeed the first real and true smartphone due to its open operating system.

Cutting Edge Smart Phones

The 21st century has spawned smartphones that are incredibly powerful and easy to use. Touch-screen functionality has become the norm and manufacturers such as Apple, Nokia and Research in Motion are furiously vying for the smartphone consumer and business dollar.

Apple changed the smartphone industry with its introduction of the Apple iPhone in 2007. Nokia has since countered with the unveiling of its Nokia XPress Music Phone in 2008. The Nokia 5800 is a touch-screen lovers dream that includes just about every feature a user would want. The handset even comes with millions of downloadable music tracks at no cost. Google recently joined the fray by introducing it Android phone during the same time period.

The Future

Could the smartphone get any smarter than it already is? Sure can! In the not so distant future, virtually everyone on earth will be carrying some type of smartphone – devices that will make today’s handsets pale in comparison. Increased bandwidth and speed will allow phones to be able to handle video in real-time with no problem. In the future, these mobile handsets will be indispensable to daily life, used for a wide array of functions, including consumer purchases, banking, real-time video connectivity, advanced GPS tracking, entertainment and much more.

Author: James P Martin
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Benefits of electric pressure cooker

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Smartphones – The World in Your Pocket

Tuesday, March 2nd, 2010

Will Smartphones replace the PC?

There is no universally agreed-upon definition as to what constitutes a Smartphone: for some, it is a mobile phone with operating system and other application software, for others, it is a phone with more capabilities and features than a standard mobile phone. No matter how you define it, this technological marvel has come a long way since IBM introduced the first Smartphone, called Simon, in 1992. In the 16 years since Simon was created, the Smartphone has evolved into a hybrid of a mobile phone and a PC.

From the start, these devices have been perfect for business travelers, making it possible to monitor email and keep track of appointments. Now, with Microsoft Windows Mobile software, one can have the convenience of the office on a Smartphone. Applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and of course, the internet can be accessed without the hassle of lugging around a laptop. Early versions of the Smartphone used handwriting or touchpad technology to send emails, but many models now come with QWERTY keyboards that provide more accuracy and ease of use.

In addition to the serious, work or school related features that make these devices so indispensable, most come with cameras, the capability to play DVDs and download music, and play games. Of course, of the growing number of available applications are not all about either work or fun and games. GPS Navigation software provides a level of convenience that many people find indispensable these days and, with so many features being added, having GPS Navigation software means much more than only finding one’s way around town.

The issue of security with Smartphones is an important one, given that so many business people use them. Currently, the devices are susceptible to hackers and vulnerable to viruses. Although some feel that these concerns are blown out of proportion by security providers, the industry is working on measures to make Smartphones more secure.

Another aspect that merits attention is the development of a variable geometry screen, which would be of benefit to many users. However, as the technology continues to explode, there will surely be new designs and features created to enhance the physical comfort and increase the efficiency of Smartphone users. Advances in the design and appearance of the device, along with more and more available software and programming options will surely increase the appeal of Smartphones to a wider audience.

Will Smartphones replace the PC? It certainly seems possible that, at the least, Smartphones will continue to grow in popularity. Their incredibly convenient size and versatility of design make them a favorite among business travelers, who tend to help dictate the direction of this wide-open area of technology. And, with the constantly growing availability of software applications, like Microsoft Windows Mobile and GPS Navigation systems, it would seem that eventually, there will be nothing a Laptop can do that cannot be accomplished with a Smartphone!

Author: M Salem
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Electric Pressure Cooker

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SmartPhones Let Your Small Business Connect from Anywhere

Saturday, February 27th, 2010

Ready to trade in your cell phone and PDA for a Smartphone? Let’s start with the basics…

What’s a Smartphone?

A Smartphone is your cell phone and PDA (Portable Data Assistant) joined, allowing verbal communication by phone and visual by email and text messaging. Other capabilities include Internet, fax, and data transfers between your office computer and the Smartphone. There are pros and cons to switching over, just like anything else.

The Pros

With just a Smartphone, there’s one less item to carry or forget. You’ve got Internet access for directions, email or quick info. Scaled-down versions of certain computer applications are available. By using a keyboard instead of a phone pad, it becomes easier to type long messages.

The Cons

The initial cost is approximately three times more than a regular mobile phone (including additional fees for network service access). If you’re set on a small mobile phone, the larger Smartphone may feel a bit bulky. It could take a while to get used to using it, and text-heavy messages can be a bit difficult to read on the smaller. Finding your way around and understanding all of the features has a bit of a learning curve. So now that you’re ready to invest in a Smartphone, which one will you buy and what factors affect this decision?

Service Contract

Before deciding what hardware to purchase, carefully examine the plans that various service providers are offering. If purchasing the hardware and plan together, you may get good discounts for a package plan. Make sure your plan covers usage since charges can be a costly lesson learned. You will want to know exactly what you will pay before the bill arrives.

Select a Model

After finding a plan you like, your selection of a model will be down to just a few. Which features can you live without? An MP3 player and camera may be nice features to have, but big files may fill up your memory and browsing the Internet could be slow.

Test the Smartphone

Allow time to play and window shop, to make sure your Smartphone is comfortable to use. If not, you may consider adding a Bluetooth device. Feel the weight of it too. It’s great to have plenty of memory, but if the device is too cumbersome to carry with you then you won’t use it. See how things are organized on the phone. Does its organization make sense to you? Can you to find what you’re looking for? You may want to consider purchasing software to better organize it to your style.

Sync Your Smartphone

Evaluate the options for software to handle synchronizing contact and other data with your or your organizations existing systems. While there is free software available on the Web, the current standard is Microsoft Windows Mobile for Smartphones 5.0. For a review of the Smartphones that come packaged with Microsoft Windows Mobile, visit the Microsoft website. Consulting with your IT service provider is wise, to resolve any issues there may be with integrating the new systems.

Many businesses are now seeing the opportunity in using a Smartphone for mobile workers. If you travel frequently, consider a solution that could let you leave your heavy laptop behind. The time has come.

Author: Nick Pegley
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: PCB Prototype & Manufacturing

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Smartphones and PDA’s – The New Super Bundle

Wednesday, February 24th, 2010

As technology and commerce have advanced, business minded individuals have demanded to have communication devices that can keep up with the times. Cellphones were a revolution in themselves, but smartphones and pda’s are the next step in mobile communication evolution. Smartphones are drastically more versatile than any pc, infinitely smaller than laptops and are more feature-rich than most cellular phones.

Smartphones are in high demand because of the features included with these devices. With a single smartphone you could essentially replace your laptop, cellphone and blue tooth devices. Smartphones allow users to browse the internet, receive and send mail, download applications from the internet, listen to music and watch internet broadcasts.

Most smart phones now days are compact enough to fit into your pocket or purse easily. Smart phones can be very stylish as well. There are plenty of custom face plates and designs that can be added to your smartphone or pda. Another important feature of pda’s and smartphones are the integrated keypads and stylus. There are a variety of keyboards that can be used with these devices.

There are so many companies putting out smartphones and pda devices that the prices are much lower now than a few years ago. Studies show that smartphone sales are due to increase about 50% in the next few years. With the great features like email, integrated cameras, games, mp3 players and multimedia messaging it is no surprise that smartphones and pda’s are becoming the choice device for the business sector as well as for the average joe user. The two biggest sellers of smart phones and pda’s at the moment are HTC, Palm and Samsung.

Author: Mark Young
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker

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Enter The World Of Communication In A Smart Way With Smartphones

Monday, February 15th, 2010

The tide of communication technology is moving towards a ’smart’ direction. We have made a glorious entry into the world of ’smartphones’. Nowadays, mobile phones are not just used for chatting with people. In fact, the ’smart’ phones of today offers a multitude of ’smart’ functionalities that help to shrink the world to such a size that you can fit it inside your pocket!

A smartphone is a full-featured mobile phone with PC-like functionality. It is any high-end phone with multiple features and sophisticated functionalities. The ’smart’ functionality of a smartphone includes any additional interface, such as a QWERTY keyboard, a touch screen or even a secure access to company e-mail.

Smartphones are basically voice-centric devices that offer PDA-like capabilities. A voice-centric device is one in which voice is the primary function and data is the secondary function. The PDA-like functionalities offered by a smartphone include, calendar, address book, to-do list, automatic notices and contact list. Palm Treo 650 is one of the most advanced smartphones in the market.

Apart from providing the digital voice service, smartphones offer advanced information access features that find immense popularity among the travelling professionals, such as the sales managers.

The information access features that you can expect in smartphones are:

  • wireless e-mail
  • Internet/Web browsing
  • fax
  • intercom
  • Personal Information Management (PIM)
  • online banking
  • LAN connectivity
  • Graffiti style data entry
  • local as well as remote data transfer between phone and computer

A smartphone is a great choice for those professionals who spend a significant amount of their time travelling round the globe. Such people require frequent access to their e-mails, Internet, calendar and other mobile applications while they are on move, say on business tours.

The major operating system environments in which smartphones operate are:

  • Symbian
  • Microsoft Windows Mobile
  • Blackberry
  • Palm

Symbian and Microsoft dominate the smartphone market.

Let’s move in the ‘right’ direction in a ’smart’ way! Broaden the realm of your communication with a smartphone.

Author: Draven John
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Bumper guardian

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Smart Buying Tips For Smartphone

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Have you been thinking of purchasing a Smartphone? This may be the perfect time as the market increasingly improves existing choices due to competition. Many are also available for free or cheaper than ever before.

The only problem with the above is that there are so many choices, especially if this is the buyer’s very first Smartphone. Following will be some tips on how to make this process more organized.

Listing: The first decision to consider is the features desired in a Smartphone. There are some that are geared to helping someone organize their daily life and tasks, others that place more importance on a large screen and its graphics quality, and some that offer lightning fast internet browsing. Some place significance on a high quality camera. There are also many Smartphones that include all of these options and more! Making a list will be easier after the desired features are determined.

Research: Visiting different provider’s stores and holding, touching, and even using the Smartphone that is being researched is still the best way to determine which one will win the contest. Talking to the salespeople can be very helpful as well. Many of them have their own Smartphones, and they probably have been through several different kinds and brands, as they get to test them out before the public does. Most of them will be quite willing to give an honest review and opinion of the ones that they like best and how they work. Finding the best deals can often be done easier in store as well.

Offer Searching: Checking different provider and manufacturer’s sites can result in finding some really great deals. Sometimes coupons are available to bring into the store to combine with a sale. There are also many sites that cater to new Smartphone buyers; these sites offer incredible deals on phones for signing a new contract, and these deals are usually much cheaper than the ones direct from the provider. Holidays usually prompt carriers to begin exclusive sales and discounts as well.

Warranty Details: The Smartphone should offer excellent warranty coverage. Are there stipulations in the buyer’s remorse period? Are there extra accessories that come with the phone, and are these covered too? Most phones are made overseas, so the reassurance of a warranty is a must. Without this protection, a buyer can get stuck with a malfunctioning Smartphone shortly after purchase. This is money and time wasted.

Research Carrier Plans: There are numerous plan options available with all of the major carriers. Some offer family plans, business plans, and individual plans. There are also data plan and unlimited messaging options available for heavy users. There is absolutely no reason to settle for a bad plan with expensive costs. This is not an issue in today’s modern Smartphone world.

By following the suggestions and tips offered here, a new Smartphone buyer can save time, hassle, and money. These things can also be used by a seasoned Smartphone user as well. Maybe it is time to move up to the latest model, or maybe an interest has been taken in a whole other direction with a completely different manufacturer. There are awesome deals currently in the cellular world, and these just keep getting better. This is largely due to the fact that many providers are offering cheaper and better deals on plans and phones alike. Thus, their competitors must rush to offer something better.

Take advantage of these reasons; using these and the given tips will get the buyer an awesome Smartphone or the seasoned Smartphone user a new and better upgrade.

Author: Roberto Sedycias
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Duty tariff

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Smartphone Repairs – And Some Alternatives

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

As with any repair, being without electronics and gadgets such as a phones, whilst it has been sent off for repair is a real inconvenience, especially the case with Smartphones, they makes us so mobile and contactable that when we don’t have them it seems a part of our daily attire is missing. Therefore an option is now available that takes away the need to send your Smartphone off for repair, avoiding the many inconveniences that go with the repair, and bringing a whole list of benefits that help you achieve your need – a new working Smartphone, quickly and easily.

The other downsides to Smartphone repairs are the time that it takes for a successful repair, the not knowing of who is dealing with your phone that contains a lot of personal information, and also not being 100% sure that the repair will last and that you will not end up in the same situation again shortly, requiring more repairs for your phone, bringing with it more inconveniences and worries.

The solution is a simple one, trade or sell your Smartphone, eliminating the need of phone repair, and getting paid for it regardless of it’s condition. This is a swift and easy transaction that will help reimburse the fee of your new Smartphone, resting assured that it won’t be needing repair anytime soon. There are many other benefits that come with this process also, not only the quickness in which you receive your money, the amount you get paid will seriously discount the price of a new phone, in some cases it will be the cheaper option to sending your Smartphone for repair.

The next set of benefits are the convenience based ones; providing you select the right company to trade with it can be done online, in minutes and won’t cost you a cent. The shipping, packaging and insurance are all covered by the recycling company – another benefit that is not found with Smartphone repair specialists. And the personal detail worry is eliminated unlike phone repair, as son as the company receive your phone all personal details and the memory are erased for your security and integrity.

This is not the end of the benefits, they stretch as far as the environmental issues and reducing the e-waste which is another ability you have to be green that you don’t receive with Smartphone or cell phone repairs – and you get paid for it, you don’t have to pay. With this said I will leave you with the following thought; is it better to pay for the phone repair and inconveniences, or get paid to benefit and end up with a new Smartphone?

Author: Mark Grey
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Is a Smartphone Right For You?

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

There are many things to consider when you are thinking of purchasing a new cell phone. Top off many people’s lists will of course be in the price and I guess the other will be wanting to know what technical features the phone comes with. There are of course a couple of questions you need to ask yourself before you make a purchase.

1) do you just want to make phone calls and send text messages
2) do you require Internet access
3) do you require e-mail access
4) would you have a need for a top quality camera
5) are there any specific applications you wish to roam on your phone

If like in question one you just want to use your phone to make calls and send text messages to all you need is a cheap cellular phone that you could probably buy for about $50 or $60. However, you may have more fundamental reasons cell phones nowadays are more than just used for making calls and sending text messages as a communications device we are starting to rely on them a lot more to do specific purposes. Accessing the Internet while on the move can be seen as a great research tool for students and business people alike.

Having e-mail on the move has been a quiet revolution that has been taken place for the past number of years. In the beginning this was quite expensive because the network service providers were charging us too much money for these data connections. The advancements in technology has now allowed many of our network service providers to provide us with 3G technology which can keep us connected to the Internet all the time for e-mail as well for Internet access. This is vital for many business people as they can communicate with clients and colleagues alike while on the move.

Having a camera phone in the beginning could be seen as a little bit of a novelty. Now we have camera phones that can take picture quality to 8 megapixels or 10 megapixels and this is improving almost on a monthly basis. We have all seen pictures on the news bulletins that have been taken on the far side of the world and then sent by e-mail using a Smartphone within minutes. This is one of the amazing advances that has taken place over the past few years to the cell phone market which is now really moving into what is called the Smartphone. A Smartphone is basically a portable computer in your pocket that can do most things your laptop or PC can do albeit on a smaller scale.

The decision in purchasing a Smartphone should be obvious if you feel you have a need for some of these features then you know what to do if however as I said already you just looking for a basic phone to make phone calls your average beginner phone or entry-level phone should be ideal for your needs.

Author: Martin Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Latest trends in mobile phone

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