How smart is your phone? Today's multi-functional wireless devices boost productivity.Powerful portable devices that let us stretch time and erase physical boundaries are 21st century realities, not sci-fi fantasies. These lightweight "pocket computers" are enhancing efficiency of virtually every type of business and reducing the number of must-carry electronic tools. If you haven't shopped recently for a wireless phone or personal digital assistant (PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) A handheld computer for managing contacts, appointments and tasks. It typically includes a name and address database, calendar, to-do list and note taker, which are the functions in a personal information manager (see PIM). ), prepare to be surprised--and impressed. Gone are the one-dimensional versions used solely for voice communication or record keeping--so last century. The latest models are memory-rich pocket PCs that receive and send text messages, work as data entry notepads and have Internet browsers. Many wireless phones available today also include digital cameras that transmit crisp images right from the device. Users are quickly realizing they needn't lug (1) (Linux Users Group) A formal or informal organization of Linux users who gather together virtually or in person to exchange information and resources. Some groups maintain mailing lists and send out newsletters for their members. a laptop on field trips or to conventions, client visits or meetings. Do-it-all wireless devices are smaller, lighter, less costly cousins to notebook computers and can exchange data with hardware back at the office. Speaking of traveling lighter, there's no reason to carry a phone and a PDA and a pocket camera since many devices serve all three functions. The same sophisticated gear that dazzles technology buffs may seem daunting daunt tr.v. daunt·ed, daunt·ing, daunts To abate the courage of; discourage. See Synonyms at dismay. [Middle English daunten, from Old French danter, from Latin to newcomers who are wary of user-unfriendly programs or fearful that today's essential breakthrough may become tomorrow's outmoded out·mod·ed adj. 1. Not in fashion; unfashionable: outmoded attire; outmoded ideas. 2. No longer usable or practical; obsolete: outmoded machinery. novelty. Relax--there's no need for sweaty palms over palm-size electronic friends. It's easy to choose one that fits your needs and computing ability level. And whatever you pick won't wind up next to a Betamax video recorder See DVR, DVD-R and DVD drives. or laser disc player, since many service providers encourage upgrading by offering incentives. Here is how to evaluate the most useful all-in-one devices, which come ready for high-speed Internet See broadband. access while also serving as phones and PDAs. Samsung SCH-i600: If you plan to use your smart phone more as a phone than a PDA or if you're new to using a PDA, the Samsung i600 is a good choice. It serves as a phone first with a powerful PDA. It features Microsoft's new phone operating system operating system (OS) Software that controls the operation of a computer, directs the input and output of data, keeps track of files, and controls the processing of computer programs. that is set up just like Outlook e-mail, Internet Explorer Microsoft's Web browser, which comes with Windows starting with Windows 98. Commonly called "IE," versions for Mac and Unix are also available. Internet Explorer is the most widely used Web browser on the market. It has also been the browser engine in AOL's Internet access software. and Media Player. Samsung SPH-i700: If you're a more advanced PDA user or seek more of a handheld computer A computing device that can be easily held in one hand while the other hand is used to operate it. The Palm devices are a popular example. See Palm, smartphone and palmtop. , you'll love the Samsung i700. This device features Microsoft's Pocket PC operating system. You can edit e-mail attachments and send them to someone else or pass data back and forth with your desktop PC. The i700 model has a digital camera with rotating lens. Kyocera 7135: If you're a Palm devotee, this is the perfect converged device A converged device combines the functions of others. Examples
memo pad n → bloc-notes m memo pad memo n → Notizblock m and calendar. It runs all of your favorite Palm applications. You can also go to Palm.com to download thousands of applications. It also can handle e-mail with attachments and access the Internet. BlackBerry 7750[TM]: If you're someone who cannot live without e-mail, you'll be hooked on the new color-screened BlackBerry. New e-mails arrive instantly, so that you're always in the know. With the integrated keyboard, you can reply, forward and compose new e-mails. And, yes, you can also make calls. RELATED ARTICLE Samsung SCH-i600 -- This powerful, sleek and compact business tool runs on the Microsoft Smartphone operating system. The Samsung SCH-i600 includes Pocket Outlook, Windows Media Player Digital jukebox software for Windows from Microsoft that plays a variety of audio, video and streaming formats including MP3, WMA, CD audio and MIDI. Starting with Version 6.2 in 1999, the Windows Media Rights Manager was added for securing copyrighted content. , Internet Explorer and the ability to sync directly with your desktop. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Talk time: 250 minutes Standby time: 240 hours Size: 3.54H X 2.1W X 0.92 D inches Weight: 5.0 oz. Samsung SPH-i700 -- Real estate brokers, architects, designers and insurance claims representatives, among other mobile professionals, will appreciate the built-in camera--with a rotating lens as well as multiple resolution and quality settings--so clients and colleagues can receive photos instantly from the job site. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Talk time: 250 minutes Standby time: 240 hours Size: 5.2H X 2.8W X 0.8D inches Weight: 6.9 oz. Kyocera 7135 Smartphone -- It's a phone, portable computer and an entertainment center, all in one. Rich with functionality, this convergence device features a high-resolution screen with 65,000 colors and an MP3 player A digital music player that supports the MP3 format, which was the audio format that started a revolution in online music downloads and distribution. All portable music players, the iPod being the most popular, support MP3 along with one or more other audio formats. . Operating off of the Palm system, users can download all of their favorite Palm applications. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Talk Time: 138 minutes Standby time: 160 hours Size: 3.97H X 2.43W X 1.17D inches Weight: 5.0 oz. BlackBerry 7750[TM] -- The BlackBerry 7750, featuring an easy-to-read vibrant color screen, lets you manage all of your business communications and information. The BlackBerry's sleek shape features a keyboard that makes typing with thumbs easy and efficient for e-mail correspondence and short text messaging Sending short messages to a smartphone, pager, PDA or other handheld device. Text messaging implies sending short messages generally no more than a couple of hundred characters in length. . [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Talk time: 198 minutes Standby time: 192 hours Size: 4.76H X 3.03W X 0.71D inches Weight: 5.0 oz. *Phone prices vary, depending on rebates, promotions and other factors. Ben Ortiz is regional director of data solutions for the Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region of Verizon Wireless Cellco Partnership, doing business as Verizon Wireless, owns and operates the second largest wireless telecommunications network in the United States, based on total wireless customers. , a Gold-level member of the Detroit Regional Chamber. Chamber members receive discounts on Verizon products and services. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These pages are brought to you by the Detroit Regional Chamber's Technology Central ... the heart of small business productivity and growth of the region's technology base. To learn more about this initiative, visit www.detroitchamber.com or call (866) MBR-LINE. |
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