Guide to Smartphones

Decide if you need a smartphone

What sets most smartphones apart from regular cell phones is the ability to send and receive e-mail; if you don’t need e-mail connectivity, you probably don’t need to spring for a smartphone, either. Having one, though, can eliminate the need to cram two separate devices into your pocket or briefcase.

I recommend: Smartphones might benefit your most mobile employees, too. So if you want your staff to be accessible when you need to make your next on-the-fly sale, consider springing for a group plan. Cingular, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon all offer reasonable group cell phone plans for small businesses with shared minutes, discounted phones, etc.

Select the right operating system for your smartphone

Smartphones are available with several operating systems, each with their own distinct advantages. Do your homework to find out which system will best meet your needs.

I recommend: The major smartphone operating systems are BlackBerry, Linux, Palm, Symbian and Windows Mobile; CNET’s “Quick guide to handheld operating systems” can help you decide which is right for you.

Choose the smartphone features that you need

Smartphones can do almost anything you need them to do. Among the features they offer are digital cameras, email connectivity, data storage and Bluetooth, among many others. Decide what features you need most and choose your phone wisely.

I recommend: Perhaps the most important feature you can look for in a smartphone is a good warranty. Smartphones aren’t cheap, after all, and if your phone is stolen or broken you’ll be glad you sprung for the guarantee. Consider buying phone insurance, too, as added protection. Your current provider should offer a low-cost—typically $3 to $5 per month—insurance plan; third-party providers include Asurion, which runs electronic claim site PhoneClaim.com, Signal and lock/line.

Shop for smartphones and data plans with your current provider

Smartphones tend to be more expensive than your average mobile phone, ranging anywhere from $100 to more than $1,000. You might be able to snag a good deal, however, if you arrange an upgrade with your current service provider.

I recommend: All of the major cell phone carriers—including Cingular, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon—offer smartphone models and service plans; most charge extra for the data transfer required by smartphones to send e-mail and browse the Internet.

Check third-party and online retailers for smartphone deals

Before you buy anything these days—including a smartphone—it’s a good idea to check prices on the Internet. Consider refurbished models for even more savings.

I recommend: Compare smartphone prices online and read reviews at either BizRate or Yahoo! Shopping.

Outfit your smartphone with accessories

Smartphones are pretty powerful on their own. Accessories such as carrying cases, memory cards and extra batteries, however, can quickly and easily give your smartphone extra muscle and oomph.

I recommend: Find oodles of cool smartphone accessories at your local RadioShack or online at retailers such as Extreme PDA, Pocket Solutions and AccessoryGeeks.com.

Download third-party software for your smartphone

Smartphones come fully loaded with plenty of useful applications. Consider customizing your smartphone, however, with extra software—including games, office applications and personal organizers—to make it even smarter.

I recommend: Download third-party applications for your smartphone from Handango; you can find industry-specific applications, project management software and a multitude of fun widgets.