As I’ve mentioned in my past post about Smart phones, I really enjoy the convenience of my Smartphone (currently a Blackberry Curve). As mentioned, it allows me to keep my email, calendar, contacts, tasks, and music with me everywhere I go (check out my previous post about syncing multiple calendars on my Blackberry). However, I’ve also been a Windows Mobile and Palm user, which led me to question the current state of Smartphones for the non-Enterprise user.
I set out to do some web research to hunt down some current feature sets, and this is what I’ve found:
|
|
Positives | Negatives |
Apple iPhone (OS 3.0 and higher) |
Large screen, large 3rd-party application store, great web browsing capabilities, GPS Integration, initiate calendar invites, email search, ability to select multiple emails | Only available on AT&T, can’t handle zipped email attachments, poor support for simultaneous running apps |
Blackberry (OS 4.x) |
Large screen (Storm/Storm2), email search, exceptional battery life, integrates with iTunes library via “MediaSync” for Desktop Manager, GPS Integration, initiate calendar invites, Push email via Blackberry Internet Services | Numerous issues re: Verizon Storm (unknown if Storm2 resolves these), Small screen (curve/pearl/bold), limited selection of 3rd-party apps, web browsing can be flaky depending on the site |
Windows Mobile (OS 6.1/6.5) |
Mobile IE OK for browsing the web and is only browser supporting flash at the moment, User accessible file system, Ability to edit documents, many 3rd-party applications available, multiple simultaneously running apps | Generally worse on battery life, “Pull” email client (unless using enterprise push via Exchange or GoodLink), Can be confusing to use for someone new to smartphones – User Interface not as intuitive. |
Palm Pre |
Email search, great web browsing, integrate conversations across Instant Message and SMS, multiple simultaneously running apps, GPS Integration | Only available on Sprint, cannot initiate calendar invite, can’t handle zipped email attachments, limited selection of 3rd-party apps, currently no ability to edit documents, somewhat confusing touch gestures |
Note: For this discussion, I opted to leave out discussion of features related to the use of BES, GoodLink, or Exchange Integration for WinMobile or iPhone, as I think that gets outside the realm of most small business and personal smartphone users. Leave a comment or contact me if you would like to discuss these.
Here are a few of the articles I found which you may enjoy reading:
In my own opinion, the Blackberry is a solid smartphone platform that seems to “just work.” However, with Apple’s new update to the iPhone OS, it definitely appears they have tackled most of the smartphone owners’ user experience complaints.
My verdict: If you’re already big on iTunes, and are OK with the AT&T service plans, I would say that an iPhone is your best bet out of all the smartphones. However, on any of the other carriers, I’d stick to a Blackberry smartphone (preferably the Tour or upcoming Storm 2 if you’re brave) for the best balance of functionality and battery life.
If you would like help choosing a Smartphone or getting it set up, feel free to Contact Me!
Like this posting? You will definitely enjoy getting my free technology tips and tricks sent straight to you as I write them! No spam, and I will never give your email address to any other company!
Related posts:
