Guide to Smartphones

So you want to buy a smartphone? Fantastic. Before you make a decision, take a little time figuring out which smartphone is right for you, with these essential smartphone tips.

Note: These tips are for UK smartphone users.

Let's start by defining 'smartphone':

A smartphone is any electronic handheld device that integrates the functionality of a mobile phone, personal digital assistant (PDA) or other information appliance.

Typically, a mobile phone is considered a "smartphone" if it has:

a) Voice as the primary function.

b) Some sort of operating system installed: Symbian OS, Palm OS, Windows OS, RIM OS...

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

Decide if you need/want a smartphone

Mobile operating systems (Symbian OS, Windows Mobile etc) offer information management applications for the user.

Typical applications include office software (word processing, spreadsheet etc), email client, games, entertainment, maps, Internet browsers, notepad, address book, calendar, media player, VoIP, persistent storage, passwords...

Various studies have found that workers are more productive after companies deployed a mobile OS solution. Anyone who needs to access information can find benefits in using a mobile OS.

I recommend:
Benefits of Windows Mobile

Determine the handset features you require

QWERTY keyboard: Essential if you'll be typing a lot: emails, documents, url addresses.

Touch screen: Offers improved usability.

Large display screen: Essential. Better usability.

Email client: Connect to your email clients. You can also connect to Web-based email services through your mobile phone's Web browser.

WLAN connectivity: Connect to local wireless local area networks.

OS: Windows Mobile, Symbian OS, Palm OS, RIM OS (Blackberry) and others...Each OS supports a wide range of applications. You might prefer one interface over another. You also might prefer features or performance in one OS over another OS.

Consider the dimensions/weight of the smartphone - some are quite hefty devices, others can fit quite nicely into your pocket.

Other considerations:

* battery life
* camera/multimedia features
* integrated software/services

I recommend:
Mobile Handset Features
Windows Mobile
Symbian OS

Find that Smartphone

So you've decided on what sort of features you might want. Now it's time to find that smartphone.

You can buy a smartphone at one of the (too) many high street mobile phone stores. Or, you can buy a smartphone online - through a mobile dealer or through a network operator's own Web store - Vodafone, T-Mobile, Orange, 3 and o2 each have their own online mobile shops.

You can find the latest smartphones by using mobile comparison services, reading mobile blogs, reviews, forums, catalogues, and/or by visiting a retail store.

I recommend:
Compare Smartphones
Symbian Phones
CoolSmartPhone

Choose a Phone Plan

Most smartphones are only available on a pay-monthly contract basis. If you expect to use data services a lot, then opt for a fixed monthly fee data package (if you can), such as T-Mobile's Web 'n' walk. Many online mobile dealers offer free line rental deals and other incentives. At the time of writing, there are plenty deals offering up to 15 months (typically 4 - 6 months) free line rental, if you buy online.

If you decide to buy a smartphone online (a smart move, given potential cost savings), only buy from established stores.

18-month contract deals are now more prevalent - these contract deals typically offer better value.

I recommend:
Data Tariff Charts - links to each mobile network's data tariff charts.
Data Tariffs - Highlights various data payment methods.
Choose a Smartphone - Choosing a pay-monthly contract plan is in fact very easy.

Keep it simple.  Find one (or several) smartphones you like,  get a list of places to buy online, then look at the tariffs at the retailer's Web site.