Smartphones can be used for a wide variety of functions beyond simple calls.
Whether you are contemplating the switch from a regular cellphone to a smartphone, or you are new to the benefits of mobile technology altogether, you can't fail to be impressed by the many advantages of the smartphone over its humbler rivals. There are various types of smartphones available from a range of big-name manufacturers, but all have one thing in common: they combine the performance of a cellphone and a computer in a single pocket-sized unit.
Stay Connected
The advantages of having mobile access to the Internet, either via Wi-Fi or a cellular network, cannot be over-emphasized. As well as keeping you connected to all your favorite social networks, a smartphone will enable you to use Internet search engines on the move, shop at online stores, and bring all the latest news and sports into your hand. Wherever you happen to be, if it's online, it'll be in your pocket.
Keep in Touch
With a smartphone you can receive, read and reply to your emails from the palm of your hand. Whether you are in line at the post office, waiting at the airport, hiking in the hills or at home watching sports on TV, you'll know you haven't missed an email from that important client. Some smartphones allow you to view, edit and send attachments, so you can get reports to your boss before he arrives in the office Monday morning. Instant messaging (IM) is also available on many models, enabling you to chat in real time, and of course you can still make a call or send a text message.
Get Organized
In addition to all of its communication features, the smartphone is also a multi-purpose personal digital assistant (PDA). Using the powerful built-in processor and memory, smartphones come equipped with an address book, calendar, calculator, note pad, voice recorder, and many other features to keep your personal and professional life running smoothly. Most models also boast a camera, enabling you to capture and share photos and video, and some offer global positioning systems (GPS) with satellite navigation (sat nav).
In Business
If you need to stay productive when out of the office, choose a smartphone that includes a range of basic business tools. Many come with simple word-processing capabilities, spreadsheet and database programs, and even mobile presentation software. If these are not pre-installed on your smartphone, all of the main platforms, including Blackberry, Android, Windows Mobile, Symbian and Apple's iOS, enable you to purchase and download such programs from third-party vendors.
Tags: your hand