If you don't know what hybrid wireless communications devices are off the top of your head, then just think of products such as the Blackberry and the iPhone. Both these devices are a web cell phone, meaning they act as both a cellular telephone and a web browser.

The implications of using hybrid wireless devices in the office is astounding. This small list of reasons to put a hybrid wireless device to work hardly scratches the surface of the potential these devices have:

1. A web phone allows you the ability to check stocks and other information right from the palm of your hand

2. You can perform web research on the fly

3. Nearly all web phones are Enterprise ready and most support Microsoft Exchange Server to keep your email current no matter where you are

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy a web enabled cellular phones

If you want to keep all your employees up to date on their emails, phone calls and calendars while giving them the ability to check websites and gather information, then it's time to provide them with a web enabled digital phone. Thankfully, every major wireless provider in the country offers some kind of web cell phone.

I recommend: Start by heading over to New Egg where they offer a number of Blackberry enhanced web enabled cell phones from two of the biggest US carriers. For a selection of unlocked smartphones, check out Mobile City Online. You can potentially use these phones on any network.

Compare hybrid wireless cell phones

Now you've got a few ideas in your head about which web phone you may want to spend money on. How can you decide which one is best for you? A side-by-side comparison is often helpful when making such big decisions.

I recommend: One of the most hyped hybrid wireless communications devices on the market today is the iPhone. While this is a very slick piece of equipment, check it out against some other options that may better suit your business needs by going to CNET reviews and looking at side-by-side comparisons. Another great place for a comparison of hybrid wireless mobile phones is over at Top Ten Reviews, which gives you an easy to read chart with features offered on a number of wireless smartphones.

Save with refurbished and used hybrid wireless phones

If you're running a small business and need the functionality of a web phone, but you don't have the money to spend on some of the higher end models, consider getting refurbished units for your employees. Most refurbished units go through more rigorous testing than new units and often come with a comparable warranty.

I recommend: Click over to RefurbDepot.com for a great selection of refurbished hybrid wireless communications devices. The other place to check would be Nigri Electronics, where you can find a number of refurbished smartphones at great prices.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Prepare yourself. The speed of the Internet on a web phone is generally not as fast as they demonstrate on the advertisements. Unless the phone also has wireless network capabilities, it will likely take about as much time to load a web page as it would on a 56K modem.