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Smart Phone Buying Guide

Smart Phone Buying Guide
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With advanced multimedia functions, sleek designs, and intuitive operating systems, smart phones have shed their dull, corporate image and caught the attention of consumers, who like the idea of having the Internet at their fingertips. Apple’s iPhone grabbed headlines earlier this year as customers lined up to own one, proving that smart phones are the next big thing in wireless communications. A smart phone is like a small PC that you carry around with you. As with buying a PC, it’s worth spending some time figuring out how you’ll use the smart phone to pick the one that’s your personal best. Pronto’s Smart Phone Buying Guide can help (see also Cell Phone Buying Guide, PDA Buying Guide).  More »

the five

What are the five key points I need to look at?



What makes them smart?
Smart phones combine the features of a cell phone, a personal organizer, and an e-mail message center all in one device.
Think twice about unlocked phones
Make sure the smart phone you want works with your wireless carrier. “Unlocked” phones that work with any carrier may be available, but not all of the smart phone’s functions may be supported.
Data entry preferences
For e-mail, you can choose between smart phones with a built-in alphanumeric keyboard or touch-sensitive screens. Touchscreens are smaller, and take practice to use them efficiently.
Memory
If you carry a lot of data, look for a smart phone with a generous amount of built-in memory and the ability to expand it (80MB to 1GB). Some smart phones are rated for a maximum amount of memory.
Added costs and extras
Include the cost of chargers, memory cards, and peripherals such as Bluetooth headsets or dongles when comparing various models. Choose a service plan that offers more airtime minutes than you think you’ll need and unlimited data transfer.
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pronto pick What product do we recommend?

BlackBerry Curve

Put a party in your pocket with the BlackBerry Curve. It’s got the keyboard and long battery life that BlackBerry addicts crave, and this new model is ready to play with improved multimedia software, stereo Bluetooth, and a 2 megapixel camera to capture all the fun you’re having.
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experts say

Laptop Magazine - The BlackBerry Curve is “…A sleek smart phone for much more than e-mail, the Curve sports a sharp 2-MP camera and some serious multimedia muscle.” Source: Laptop Magazine Editor’s Choice
CNET - “The Apple iPhone has a stunning display, a sleek design, and an innovative multi-touch user interface. Its Safari browser makes for a superb Web surfing experience, and it offers easy-to-use apps. As an iPod, it shines.” Source: CNET
MSNBC - “I've been using one for a few weeks now and I'll go out on a limb to say that it may just be the best smartphone around. The Nokia E Series Smart Phone is keeping other smart phone designers awake at night — and for a good reason.” Source: Gary Krakow, MSNBC
FORTUNE - “…the coming together of the Palm Treo700w Smart Phone’s elegant Treo hardware, Microsoft’s (fifth-time's-the-charm Windows Mobile 5.0 software, and Verizon’s high-speed EV-DO nationwide data network is surprisingly harmonious.” Source: Peter Lewis, FORTUNE Senior Editor
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celebrity buzz What Smart Phones are the celebrities using?
Apple iPhone 8GB Cell Phone
Apple iPhone 8GB Cell Phone
Among those who’ve joined the ranks of iPhone users are director Spike Lee, model Heidi Klum, and The View’s new co-host Whoopi Goldberg. The Cityrag blog even reports that Bill Gates wants one.
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Wallet Impact

What can I expect in my price range?

Price Description Good Pick  (see all Smart Phones)
 
$ Starting at $100 and up to $250 are business-oriented smart phones with an emphasis on e-mail and organization. You’ll find the ability to edit Microsoft Office documents, but you’ll sacrifice style and multimedia functions. These smart phones are ideal for business travelers. Good Pick: Nokia 6680 UMTS Triband Camera Bluetooth GSM Cell Phone
Nokia 6680 UMTS Triband Camera Bluetooth GSM Cell Phone
Compare prices at 2 stores
$369 - $750
 
$$ Between $250 and $400 you’ll find the majority of choices. As prices scale higher, look for more built-in memory (up to 4GB), larger TFT screens, and better multimedia performance. You can also expect longer battery life and more connectivity options from many models in this range. Good Pick: Samsung SGH i300x
Samsung SGH-I300x Tri-Band GSM Camera Bluetooth Smartphone with 4 GB Hard Drive (Unlocked)
Compare prices at 11 stores
$228 - $531
 
$$$ The newest, most feature-rich smart phones can be had for $400 and up. Look for 3 megapixel cameras, stereo Bluetooth, tons of memory, and larger screens that operate in the landscape position, allowing you more viewing room while you’re reading e-mail or surfing the Web. Good Pick: Apple iPhone
Apple iPhone 8GB Cell Phone
Compare prices at 27 stores
$399 - $999
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shop talk

What are the terms and definitions I need to know about?

3G
An Internet communications network for smart phones that offers improved handling of large multimedia files.

Airtime
The number of anytime minutes a wireless plan allows before per-minute charges kick in.

Bluetooth
A wireless standard that allows two enabled devices in close proximity to exchange data.

EDGE
The Enhanced Data GSM Environment, which provides enabled smart phones with faster data transfer over GSM networks.

Expansion Slot
A memory card holder that allows you to expand a smart phone’s available memory for software and files.

GPRS
The General Packet Radio Service, which allows smart phones to communicate wirelessly with the Internet.

GSM
The Global System for Mobile Communication enables voice communication on smart phones. It can also be used for data transfer with the Internet.

IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol is a new standard for accessing e-mail that is becoming the dominant way to communicate with e-mail servers.

MMC
MultiMedia Card, a type of flash memory used to expand the memory capacity of a smart phone.

POP
Post Office Protocol is a method for sending and receiving e-mails from a server.

SD
Secure Digital, a type of flash memory card used in smart phones. SD is faster than MMC and comes in several sizes, including MiniSD and MicroSD cards used in smart phones.

TFT
Thin Film Transistor is a pixel-based liquid crystal display technology that provides the highest resolution available in LCD screens.
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There's always going to be that hot new smartphone that everyone is getting. But make sure you check out all aspects of the phone before you commit, because sometimes you won't need all the features that you're paying for, and sometimes you won't get features that you need in your own personal si... more »

Matt R.
Richmond Hill, NY

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Cell Phones

Motorola RAZR V3i Cellular Phone

Motorola RAZR V3i Cellular Phone

53 Stores $99 - $318

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Stephenie T.
Farmington, MO

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