What Is A Smartphone

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WHAT IS A SMARTPHONE

What is a smartphone? What features does a smartphone offer? What is a locked and unlocked phone? And does all applications cost you an arm and a leg? All are good questions. I'll try to answer all in this article below.

By definition it is a mobile phone that offer PC-like capabilities. But not all cell phones are created equal. That's neither good or bad.

Some smartphones are a phone that run complete operating system software. Others, will include a cell phone with advanced features-with Internet and email capabilities, a full keyboard, and/or contact list capabilities.

As you will see, the needs of the individual comes into play, as well as, the desire to keep the current cell phone server. So let's take a look at some of the smartphone features.

SmartPhone Features

You will find that most cell phone companies allow you to expand on your service-it's only limited by how much you want to spend on a monthly basis. Though, definitely not even close to complete, you'll find some of the following available options.

Full QWERTY keyword or slide-out QWERTY keyboard

How does the touch screen work-Is it through the use of a stylus or is it finger-driven?

Some units can accept media cards

Built in storage.

Camera

GPS

Bluetooth capable

Web Browser

Organizer

Voice Messaging with Video (Introduced by Verizon@ 2.99 a month)

Texting Capabilities

What is a QWERTY keyboard

What is a QWERTY keyboard-is an arrangement of keys that was standard to a computer keyboard or typewriter. In other words, it's a computer keyboard adhering to the standard English typewriter keyboard- with Q, W, E, R, T and Y letters on the top left, alphabetic row. (As a side note, the keyboard layout was designed to prevent people from typing too fast and jamming the keys.)

Best OS for your system

The OS system is based upon need. If you need to be integrated with the office than look to a Blackerry. Palm, Symbian and Windows Mobile OS that provide native or add-on support for multiple corporate email servers. Best bet, check with your employer and see what operating system they use.

US Two Mobile Networks-What's Available?

The US has two mobile networks: GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and the CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access). Each network has a different bandwidth.

GSM

GSM uses removable SIM chips to store user data. The SIM card in most cases, can be transferred from one phone to another if you upgrade, or you replace the SIM card with a new phone from a different carrier if you travel overseas. (But be aware of what you're giving up when you change carriers.)

GSM is most common overseas-thus, if you going to be traveling overseas, look at the tri-band or quad-band GSM phones.

CDMA

CDMA carriers like Verizon and Sprint offer "World Phones" like the BlackBerry which work on CDMA networks in the US and GSM networks overseas.

CDMA offers better US voice coverage, especially in rural areas.

Some of the wireless companies offering 3G network coverage are: AT&T, Verizon and Sprint. Please note, not all phones support 3G coverage-so shop carefully.

Unlocked Smartphone

However, with these benefits, comes the full price of the smartphone. Which means, to get the best phone for your needs you will need to do research on your own. An unlocked smartphone is a phone in which you can use on any wireless network, as well as, you are not tied to one carrier. However, as you will see there along with the advantages, there are disadvantages.

Advantages of an Unlocked Phone

It gives the consumer the freedom to more easily switch to a different phone whenever they want
It's easier to switch between carriers if different services are needed
It adaptable if you travel.
An unlocked phone can be used on any carrier which permits customers to use unlocked phones.

Disadvantages of an Unlocked Phone

The major disadvantage of having an unlocked phone is that you will need to pay full retail price for the phone.

Locked Smartphone

A locked phone is a phone which is programmed specifically for a particular provider. Can a locked phone be re-formatted to be used with another carrier. Sometimes. Let me explain.

In some instance the user can simply reformat the phone or remove the phone's memory card. But in many other instances the phone itself may be designed to make it impossible to use with another network.
You may ask, "Is it possible for people to unlock a smartphone on their own?" Yes, if you have programming skills. However, you can also render your device useless (often referred to as bricking). If this happens, networks will not replace the phone if it has been bricked. So in my opinion, bricking a phone is a very risky endeavor which I would not encourage.

Smartphone Application Add-ons

Almost all smartphones offer contact, appointment and email handling add-ons. But beyond that -it differs.

Whatever you decide to download to your phone, remember, these nice add-on features come with a price. So know the rules before you click to download. Why? An example is best to illustrate.

Let's say, you want to download an application. You assume that it is just a one time fee. That assumption could be wrong. You may find that you are not only paying for the application on a monthly basis, but also every time you use the application. That's a double-whammy to your pocketbook. Rule of Thumb: Know the prices and charges before you download. Trust me, it can be a big shocker to your pocketbook.

However, there are some free apps and services for your phone. Take a look at what PC World Considers the Best Free Apps available for your phone.