Smart phones are changing the cell phone market with their abundance of features and intuitive designs. They are handheld computers, and are designed for more than just making a phone call.

The most popular smart phone is Apple’s iPhone, originally released in 2006, and recently upgraded last June. Although expensive, at $199, the main issue consumers have is the price of the data plans that must be purchased to surf the net, or download files.

Rogers was the first to introduce the iPhone to Canada, but in the first month of its release, consumers made it clear that the data plans weren’t affordable, and the pressure forced Rogers to reduce its prices. To find out more, visit http://tinyurl.com/cbcrogers or http://tinyurl.com/canadaiphone.

Another issue with the iPhone is that Rogers forces buyers into a three-year contract in order to get one, though that is becoming more common with most carriers, according to many students.
Few students using iPhones, Blackberrys or Windows Mobile phones due to the cost, but they’re out there, and consumers seem to like them.

“When people ask to see my iPhone, I actually warn them that if they are not willing to spend the money, they should not look at it. They’re just so easy to use,” said Dwayne Harapnuik, manager of educational technology at the college.

Many college employees are using Blackberrys and iPhones to communicate, store their contacts information and email.

“The Blackberry is the smart phone of choice currently,” said Harapnuik. “With the release of the iPhone, we are starting to see more requests for it.”

The biggest benefit of smart phones is that they bundle the features of many devices into just one. Instead of carrying an mp3 player for music, a laptop for the web, and a PDA for GPS, smart phones consolidate it all into one device.

Another benefit to smart phones is that they can use Wi-Fi (public wireless internet access) networks, which means customers can avoid paying steep data charges to a cell phone provider, according to Harapnuik.

There are many options for consumers who want a smart phone, The iPhone is just one choice. Others are the Blackberry Bold, the Samsung Instinct, and the just-released T-Mobile G1, which has the Google phone operating system.

Before you get a smart phone, do some research, find out which phone is best for you. There’s no point paying for a phone with features you’ll never use.

To see this story or my column, visit www.lethbridgecollege.ab.ca/endeavour/ or www.thedigitaldistraction.com.

Originally posted 2008-10-09 17:27:10. Republished by Blog Post Promoter

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