Archive for Phones/Tablets

Why should you make your next mobile phone a smartphone?

Written by Hugh McInnes

 

Smartphones provide the convenient functionality of mobile phones and PDAs all in one device. There are many different types of smartphones that are available on the market. Consumers that own smartphones, find it hard to imagine life without one. However, despite the unquestionable benefit of access-anywhere Internet and other innovative applications, studies reveal that only one in six Australians own smartphones.

There are many advantages to owning a smartphone. Smartphones essentially eliminate the dependence on having two standalone devices which can save consumers money by relying on one primary unit. The ability to receive and send email when apart from a computer is a major advantage to owning a smartphone. These mobile devices can consolidate several different email accounts, alleviating the need to go to different websites and entering different logon credentials.

Email has become a vital communication tool, more so than telephones, therefore it is essential for many users to ensure important emails can be accessed when needed. While laptop computers have shown to be very useful in allowing portable wireless access, they are often cumbersome to carry around if there is only a need to send a receive emails. Smartphones help to fill this gap in the market by providing a more convenient way to access email.

The most recent generation of smartphones also supply excellent internet browsing capabilities. Websites display on the smartphone screen similar to how they would on a computer monitor. Looking up information online, is very easy to do with this device.

There are also several apps that enhance online offerings of smartphones. Users can perform a range of activities while on the go, such as booking travel flights or looking up movie times. The ability to surf the Internet is one of the main advantages to owning a smartphone. Having constant access to news, sports, weather and a multitude of other kinds of information, has become the major appeal of these mobile devices.

Smartphones have the additional benefit of running various third-party applications. This capability permits users to customise their smartphone to meet their particular needs. Many of these applications are free and provide many useful services. Some are merely novelty apps that only serve for entertainment purposes while many others are highly functional.

These mobile devices also offer a range of multimedia features. It is possible to watch full length feature movies and television shows and play an extensive range of video games. These units also come equipped with video and camera capabilities, that are continuing to advance in the quality of their output. Most of these devices also come with MP3 or MP4 functionality.

Once exposed to the many onboard features of a smartphone, many users find it difficult to go back to the more basic functions of a traditional mobile phone. It is important to note that users that opt to purchase a smart phone, will need to acquire a sufficient data plan for wireless internet access. These mobile devices are also capable of running on free wireless hot spots that are commonly provided in coffee shops and internet cafes. All of the major smartphone carriers offer a variety of plans to suit all types of users.

As the industry continues to produce advanced smartphone devices, their use will continue to grow. The explosion in popularity of social networks has also increased the demand for smartphones. There are many reasons why consumers are making the switch from standard mobile phones to the multifunctional

smartphones. In today’s highly technical society, consumers are becoming more dependant on continued internet access to address both personal and business needs. Smartphones are gradually replacing standard mobile phones in many markets.

 

About the Author:

Hugh Mcinnes is a techie come gadget gorger, but since switching from his old mobile phone to one of the latest smartphones, he has not only the internet in his hand, but numerous other apps to run his life. He is well and truly taken by the new mobile phones of today.

Tablets, tablets, tablets…but which one?

Written by Olivia Preston

 

Tablets are a cross between a smartphone and a laptop and are currently the most sought after device in the tech world right now.

So far, the Apple iPad has been the only mainstream contender for the number one tablet after selling over two million in the first two months of its release, but with the release of the Samsung Galaxy tab, and copious amounts of other anticipated tablet launches, Apple may be forced to hand over the tablet crown.

Tablets are no doubt going to be this year’s most popular gift for Christmas, but how you do the impossible task of choosing which one to buy if you’re not particularly tech savvy?

We’ve reviewed some of the current and up and coming tablets on the market so the all important decision can be that little bit easier for you.

All tablets allow users to browse the Internet with their fingertips, flick through photos, read e-books and even watch films but which tablets really stand out from the crowd?

Apple iPad

The iPad has a 9.7 inch backlit LED touchscreen, a screen resolution of 1024 x 768, and weights 1.5 pounds. It also has up to 10 hours of battery life.

The iPad offers Wi-Fi + 3G superfast data speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps over the 3G mobile networks so users can access the Internet wherever and whenever they need to.

Users can access over 25,000 apps available from the Apple app store, the interface is very user friendly and you can also use the iPad to watch TV. Bluetooth is enabled to send and receive data for free.

The cons are that the iPad doesn’t support Flash, which is a shame. This means that websites using this will be shut off to iPad users. The battery is also built in so if anything goes wrong, it will be costly to fix. There’s also no camera or USB port.

Price: Starts at £429 Release date: Out now

Samsung Galaxy

The Samsung Galaxy has a smaller touchscreen than the iPad at just 7 inches and weighs just 13.8 ounces. The screen resolution is a bit lower than the iPad at 1024 x 600, but the dots per inch are higher.

Unlike the iPad, it can be used as a phone, also has a 5MP camera and can support Flash. Its battery life is slightly less at just over 9 hours.

Google Android is a big selling point for the Samsung Galaxy and could clinch the sale for many fans of this operating system which also runs on smartphones such as the HTC Desire

Although only around 200 apps will be available at launch, the price is anticipated to be a lot cheaper than the iPad.

Price: TBC Release date: November 2010

Toshiba Folio 100

The Folio 100 is Toshiba’s entry into the tablet race, opting for a 10.1 inch touchscreen and weighing nearly twice as much as the Galaxy at 1.6 pounds.

The battery isn’t as impressive as the Galaxy or the iPad at 7 hours, but comes with the Android OS, is Flash compatible, 16GB flash storage, Bluetooth, a built in 1.3MP webcam, SDHC card slot, HDMI, a USB port and audio jacks.

It’s not as aesthetically pleasing with its plastic casing as the Galaxy or the iPad but is considerably cheaper.

Price: £329 Release date: October 2010

Fusion Garage JooJoo

Made by Fusion Garage, the JooJoo has been slated by tech reviewers for its tiny battery life at just 2.5 hours and its uninspiring user interface and lack of apps available.

It has a larger screen than the iPad at 12.1 inches, a screen resolution of 1366 x 768 and it boots up in just 9 seconds. It also has a front mounted camera and a USB port, which the iPad does not.

It’s very clear that the JooJoo is in need of a few tweaks here and there but reviewers have given this iPad alternative far too much of a hard time. After all, it supports Flash, looks sleek and is great for browsing the net whilst on the move.

Price: £374 Release date: 2011 but already available in the US

Archos 10.1 Android

The French electronics company has jumped on the tablet bandwagon recently launching five tablets, one of them being the Archos Android tablet. The tablet has a 10 inch screen, weighs just 16.9 ounces and is 12mm thick. It has its own app store (appslib.com) with a sizable choice of 5,000 apps to choose from, has an Android OS, is WiFi enabled and comes with Bluetooth.

Its very easy on the eye with its stainless steel structure looking slick, has a front mounted camera, and a built-in leg stand. Other features include USB port, HDMI output, HD video playback and a MicroSD card supporting up to 16GB.

At over £150 cheaper than the iPad, this will be a serious contender for the most popular tablet.

Price: £269 Release date: October 2010

So, as for which tablet to go with, I personally would go for the Samsung Galaxy or the Archos 101 Android tablet depending on your budget.

I certainly won’t be purchasing an iPad until all of its issues have been sorted out which won’t be until iPad 2 is released during 2011.

To keep up to date on all mobile broadband related news, why not visit us directly.

About the Author:

Hi, I’m Olivia and I write for http://mobile.broadband-onthemove.co.uk, a great source of all mobile broadband related news.

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