Top Tips On Buying The Right Smartphone

By Author: Peter C. Williams
Total Articles: 10
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In essence, a smartphone works much the same as a mini computer, all compacted into a convenient mobile handset. It will allow you to do a range of functions on the go, from managing your texts, calendar and emails messages to surfing the internet and playing movies.



As with any product buy, finding the right smartphone depends not only on a good manufacturer model, but on choosing the functional priorities that best fit your individual needs. It's important to be clear on what you most want to use the phone for, including factors such as whether you want Bluetooth and wireless connectivity as well as whether the camera is important to you.



The following guide will outline some of the major buyer points to consider when shopping around, so you can be sure to find a suitable match.



Compatibility



If you use a PDA for example, it will be important to make sure that the operating system of your smartphone is compatible for synchronising with it. It also goes without saying that you will also need to make sure your network provider ...
... supports that type of phone.



Power



Bear in mind that the more your smartphone does, the more power it will use up. Lithium ion batteries are generally thought to be the best in terms of longevity. If you're going to be using your smartphone a great deal, you might want to consider buying an extra battery and looking into some alternative charger options, such as those that allow you to charge your mobile in the car, charge via a USB connection on your PC or use an electrical outlet.



Email or Text Typing



Most smartphones offer more than one choice when it comes to entering text for emails or SMS. While most models these days are touchscreen, many also offer software that produces a virtual keyboard you can type on. Some mobile devices are designed to provide a physical keyboard that slides out from the phone - while you might prefer this traditional method of typing instead of the sensitive touchscreen technology, be aware that it will make your phone bulkier. Some smartphone designs address this issue by having an unobtrusive keyboard placed on the front of the phone, which allows it to remain slim and light. All in all, if you often need to send emails on the go, a phone that offers the method of typing that you find easiest is going to be a crucial factor when shopping around.



Hands-free Operation



For those who travel alot in their vehicles, a smartphone which allows you to talk while driving will be a priority. With a Bluetooth wireless headset feature, you simply need to tap the device in your ear to answer an incoming call. Some mobiles come with voice recognition to enable you to dial numbers without using your hands. Microsoft's aPocket PC/Windows Mobile device offers VoiceCommand, which allows you to control your phone's features by voice, and it will even call out contacts and appointments.



Data Storage



Some smartphones have slots for storage cards so that you can carry more data on the go. This would be an important feature for those that need to carry multiple documents or those who want movies and photos on hand.



Music



If you're a music lover, you might consider choosing a smartphone that offers stereo sound and doubles as a MP3 player. The latter simply requires a memory card and a plug-in headset.



Conclusion



While all the bells and whistles offered by smartphones might seem confusing to some, to others they are the solution that allows multiple devices to be rolled into one tidy package. When deciding on the smartphone that will suit you best, the most important step is to firstly decide on the features that are most important to you, and secondly to thoroughly do your research on what's currently available on the marketplace that matches these priorities.



About the Author: Peter C. Williams is a mobile phone consultant and smartphones retailer.