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

My parents bought me an iPhone for a graduation and early birthday present, which caught me completely by surprise. My parents are not tech-savvy, but they have seen the sleek and effective advertisements, and it seemed like a logical gift, considering I’ll use it every single day.

I have had a few cell phones since moving to Lethbridge. I started off with Virgin Mobile, than moved to Rogers. Two things I don’t like about most cell phones are the small screen, and the fact each model of cell phone seems to have its own operating system, most of which I’ve found to be a pain to use.

My favourite cell phone (non-Smart Phone) that I’ve used is the Nokia 6085. It’s easy to text with, the speakerphone works really well, the camera works well, and although it has a small screen, it’s very easy to navigate through menu options.

When I go to pick a cell phone, I find myself forced to research each phone beforehand, hoping to find a demo online of its operating system, or to see if keys make text messaging easy. The way I see it, this should be unnecessary. All cell phones should all be easy to use, and they’re not.

I’m not saying the iPhone is perfect. You can’t copy and paste, you can’t customize the phone to your liking very much, and if you’re using the regular cellular network, the signal strength isn’t the greatest, though it will default to the 3G network if it’s available.

Since the second-generation iPhone was released in June 2008, it added GPS, Wi-Fi, and the ability to use countless third party applications, and the design of the iPhone was made thinner and more appealing. These additions made it a must-have device, as it was no longer just a phone, but quite literally a handheld computer built into a phone.

One of the best factors about the iPhone, in my opinion, is that there is barely a learning-curve. Once you start playing with it, it becomes effortless to use.  It doesn’t come with a manual, because frankly, it doesn’t need one.

I have found the battery life to be superb. I also love the fact that no matter game I’m playing or application I’m using, when a phone call comes in, a screen pops up with a green ‘answer’ button, and when you hang up, you’re back to what you were doing.

One thing I did have to research online was how to delete applications that I’ve decided I don’t want. Turns out, you need only press and hold on one of the applications for all of the icons to stat shaking, then click the “X” on one, and press ‘delete’ to confirm.

I want to make it clear, I’m not an Apple or Microsoft fan boy, I just appreciate products that are easy to use and make life simpler, regardless of who makes them. If paying a little more to get a better experience makes my life easier, and I can afford it, it’s worth it to me.

Originally posted 2009-03-17 01:11:51. Republished by Blog Post Promoter