I Want to Buy a Smartphone – What should I Get?

Posted on 15 April 2009 by


tech0505smartphones

Forrester Research has released a new study that reverses it’s former position that the iPhone shouldn’t be used in a business capaciity. Now they say that, although the iPhone has limitations, especially in an MS-based environment, it’s positives, namely it’s web browser, outweigh those negatives. The reason? Users like using the iPhone more, so they are more likely to use it, hence more overall productivity.

With the high overall level of propaganda surrounding mobile devices these days, how do you pick a device that will suit your needs?  A number of us here at Gear Diary hear this question regularly, and I always tell people to ask themselves a few questions:

1)     What task is most important in my daily use?  Is it the phone?  eMail?  Web browsing?

Nearly all mobile devices do most basic features adequately, but some have specific strengths and weaknesses.  If you live on email, for example, a Blackberry might be perfect for you.  If you thing is web-browsing, you might be better with an iPhone.  But if you live and die by your Outlook calendar, then you may need to look more toward a device running Windows Mobile.

2)     Are there any specific restrictions in my environment?  For example, does it have to work in an MS-only shop? 

Your corporate I.T. department may limit what you can use at work, for example.  In an MS-only shop, Windows Mobile may be your only choice.  Or maybe you require top-notch Gmail support, then a G1 is something to seriously consider.

3)     Where am I getting most of my computer and device support?

If you’re self-sufficient, then you could go for anything,  if you have an MS-based I.T. group and you get most of your support from them, then you seriously ought to be looking at Windows Mobile.  If you’re a heavy Apple user and that Apple Store at the mall is your second home, then maybe an iPhone is the way to go.  Who you get your support from and what they know and use and  recommend may be a key factor for you.

These questions are just a starting point that I use to get people to start thinking about what they really need and want.  So tell us –  what things do you consider when looking for a new device?  What’s important to you, what do you enjoy?

This post was written by:

- who has written 127 posts on Gear Diary.

Chris has been a COBOL programmer, a desktop support technician, network engineer, telecommunications manager, and even a professional musician. Currently, he is focused on deploying Voice over IP technologies in a large, corporate setting. He started working full-time at the tender age of 14, even before there were PCs, and will probably be working and trying to finish “just one more project” as he’s lowered into the grave.

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  • http://www.s-consult.com Wayne Schulz

    I see this question SO much these days. I think it's because of the popularity of iPhone/BlackBerry/Windows Mobile and Android devices.

    My short answer is usually:

    1. For apps and media related stuff (movies, songs) and light email – iPhone

    2. For heavier email and no need for apps – BlackBerry

    This answer might change as the Apps start to roll out for more platforms. One thing I've been really disappointed in is the lack of new apps for the BlackBerry App World. When that store launched it carried pretty much titles that had been around for a while. It also missed a number of key features such as the ability to update itself and provide a quick way to check for updates of apps you installed (supposedly the store notifies you but I've yet to receive an update notification).

  • lgreenberg

    I generally follow the same rule as Wayne when giving advice on this topic.

    For people who are more business centered I'll almost always recommend a Blackberry because it handles e-mail so well and that seems to be the business persons number one concern.

    I also find myself recommending the Blackberry to my friends are family who are less gadget savvy because the OS seems to be easier for them to learn/navigate.

    I find myself often hesitant to recommend the iPhone, even though it's my personal choice, because it does so much. Sort of an oxymoron but I feel like, for the cost, if a person isn't going to take advantage of all it can do, is it the right choice?

    My mother for example, has a 1st gen. iPhone. She gets her G-Mail on it, uses the iPod but only has two or three apps. loaded. The cost of the device wasn't a concern for her but for someone who it would be perhaps another device would make more sense.

  • http://www.ownersite.com Steven Eppinger

    For some business users, an important factor is how well does the device work when traveling overseas. I don't like the fact that in order to use SIM cards from other GSM providers I would have to void the iPhone warranty (I am not sure about Blackberries or the G1). With my WM Tilt, I requested a legitimate subsidy unlock code from AT&T and now I can utilize SIM cards from all over the world to save $$.

  • http://www.gamingwithchildren.com Michael Anderson

    For me it is all about the value proposition – and that starts with the monthly cost of a smartphone data plan. People focus on getting a cheap iPhone or free Blackberry, but when you need to tack on >$50 a month for data, a couple hundred $$ difference in phone costs becomes trivial.

    I have had people in the past who were enamored with my BlackBerry ask about it, and I would talk about my phone bill – and ask if the email access was worth the price? Same for people discussing iPhone – is the slick web access worth it? For some it is, and for others it is just too steep.

    • cgavula

      Michael, your underlying question is actually whether or not a smartphone is a good value proposition, whereas we were starting from the premise that you've moved past that question and already decided you want a smartphone, now which one?

      Having said that, there are many people for whom a smartphone is not what they need, but then there are also people who are better of with pencil and paper than they are with a home computer. You absolutely have to gauge the need first, before looking at the specifics.