PANetworks

The term “smartphone” seems to be on everyone’s lips. Whether it’s the rumors spiraling about as to whether Verizon will finally provide service for the iPhone or the Droid versus the iPhone debate. A smartphone comparison is needed to know which phone would be the right one.

But what exactly is a smartphone? Simply it is a cell phone with a lot of additional features. These features may be found on PDAs (personal digital assistants) or computers. These features include email, web surfing, and document editing.

A little history may also help understand smartphones. Cell phones and PDAs were the first so-called mobile devices. Phone calls were the main function of early cell phones; they did not have any other function. PDAs were portable organizers. Basically these devices stored contacts and lists and would connect with personal computers. Later these PDAs were given wireless connectivity access and could start using email services. Cell phones also began using email capabilities. This was followed by cell phones adding the services of PDAs and vice versa. And hence the smartphone was born.

There is really no industry-wide definition of a smartphone. But there are some general similarities including:

• Smartphones use an operating system. This allows the use of applications. These systems include Palm OS, Windows Mobile, and BlackBerry OS.
• Smartphones use richer software than cell phones. Most cell phones will include applications such as a contact manager; but smartphones do more. They can edit and create documents. You can download applications including management software for business and finance, and you can even get travel directions using GPS software.
• Smartphones have the ability to access the Web. High-speed Web access is growing allowing Web access at high speeds on these mobile devices.
• While all cell phones have text messaging capabilities, smartphones can communicate and synchronize with your email accounts. Some can even handle multiple accounts.

Perhaps you have been living inside a bubble and haven’t heard about the absolute craze that smartphones have become. There isn’t a company making phones today that doesn’t make a smartphone. With businesses growing everyday and people needing to be in contact more and more, having a smartphone just makes the most sense in this day and age. But not everyone feels that way. There are still many who haven’t found reason enough to purchase this great advancement in technology. But you are about to change your mind.

The problem with your life is that there are too many things pulling in too many directions. You have emails to catch up on at home. You have all of your contacts still in a handwritten notebook you keep in your room. You are thinking about a refinance auto loan. You are constantly struggling to wear many hats. So what if there were a phone that could feed you your email and give you Internet as well as hold all of your contacts and the notes you have on them in one easy to find place. This is where the smartphone can’t be beat.

You could use your laptop for all of the same functions but there are quite a few challenges. The first obstacle is the size of the laptop. It is not always convenient to lug around a big laptop. This could be a problem when all you want to do is check and respond to an email. That brings up the next issue. With a smartphone you always have that company’s wireless coverage. With a computer you do not have that luxury. Unless you pay for a service or borrow someone else’s connection (not the recommended option) you will find that getting the Internet on your phone is just much easier. There’s a reason why smartphones are on everyone’s wish list, it’s because people want to make life easier; not more complicated.

People are becoming more and more aware of Satellite internet. There are many reasons for this. Large companies, such as Hughes Net, have launched aggressive advertising campaigns on the radio and television. Major satellite web providers have also been able to reduce their prices significantly while simultaneously increasing their speed. All of this has meant that satellite is more visible and more appealing. Still, satellite internet isn’t the best option for everyone. Here are the major advantages and disadvantages of satellite internet connection:

On the Plus Side

Satellite internet is fast, with download and upload speeds up to five times faster than dial-up, and only marginally slower than many standard DSL and Cable connections.

Unlike dial-up, satellite doesn’t disrupt your phone service or require an extra phone line. In addition, unlike some cable internet, satellite won’t cause any potential problems with your cable connection.

Satellite internet isn’t impacted by wiring problems, so it is often more reliable than other internet sources.

Satellite is available almost everywhere. Even recluses hiding in a cabin in the Wyoming wilderness will be able to get a solid satellite connection – something that is absolutely not possible to do with DSL or Cable.

On the Down Side

While the prices of Satellite internet are currently comparable to DSL and Cable internet, that still makes it more expensive than dial-up.

Satellite internet has higher setup fees than other forms of internet, since you need to purchase the appropriate hardware and have it installed by a certified technician.

There is a small amount of latency with the connection. Latency, the delay between taking an action and getting a result, will not be a problem for most. However, for people using the internet for gaming, voice chats, or video conferences, the latency will cause a very real disruption.

FAP, or the “fair access policy,” creates some limitations for heavy internet users. This policy, implemented by most satellite companies, makes sure that all users have equal access to the satellite’s data transmission power, and can create significant slow-down to especially large downloads.

There are many reasons why rural areas are appealing. They have a certain solitude, a privacy, and a community feel that you often won’t find in big cities. Having a fast internet connection, however, is not one of the draws of rural life. But what if you’ve decided to live a little further from civilization and you don’t want to give up reliable internet? Here are a few solid options.

Dial-up. Yes, it’s true, dial-up is slower than almost any other option. However, dial-up is also faster than you may remember. In an attempt to stay alive while DSL and Cable are conquering the market, dial-up providers have made some upgrades. New hardware, as well as new technology known as “data compression,” allow for connections two to three times faster than they were before. Plus, their prices have dropped so much that they border on free. While it isn’t exactly “blazing fast,” dial-up is more likely to meet the needs of the casual user than ever.

Wireless. Even if you’re out of range of DSL connections, you may be able to take advantage of DSL connections of neighboring areas. There are wireless transmission towers that connect with DSL internet service, and is then beamed to your home through a short-range wireless satellite. While not the most reliable option, you retain a lot of the speed, and it costs about the same as DSL or Cable internet.

Satellite. Satellite internet connections are faster and more affordable than ever. With down and up speeds that slaughter dial-up, more intense internet users may find this option to be ideal. The prices on satellite connection have also lowered dramatically in recent years, dropping to about the cost of DSL connections. There are some latency issues here, and the equipment is costly, but its universal availability make it one of the best rural options.

Cellular. If you have cell phone service, you can also get internet connection. Many of the major cell phone companies, including Sprint, Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, have a mobile net option that, while somewhat slow, may meet your needs.