Car Negotiation Coach

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These days, it seems everyone owns a smartphone. Our society has become increasingly mobile in the last decade, prompting the creation of phones that seem to do everything but tie our shoes. Constant changes and improvements in technology can make the decision overwhelming – which phone is the best? How do I choose? What do all those tech specs even mean?

I’ll disclose upfront that I own an Apple iPhone. And while I’m quite attached to it, I don’t get caught up in the notion that my phone is better than all others. Does it meet my needs? Yes! But that doesn’t mean other phones are inferior or unworthy of consideration. There are plenty of amazing smartphones on the market; I made my decision based on what I was looking for in a phone, and I would encourage you to do the same.

Do I even need a smartphone?

The decision to purchase a smartphone is a big one – the cost of ownership is considerably higher, the learning curve is steeper, and the choices seem endless. However, if you crave access to technology on the go, a smartphone can be a lifesaver.

Smartphones allow users to complete many tasks that seem necessary for our connected lives, all from a device that fits in a purse or pocket. You can:

• Check email
• View websites
• Pay bills or check your account balance
• Get directions
• Take and edit pictures
• Update social networking sites
• Calculate the tip when dining out
• Track weight loss and calories
• Check the weather forecast
• Read a book while waiting at the doctor’s office
• Play games
• Watch movies

You may look at that list and think, “That’s ridiculous! I can do all that stuff from my computer!” And you may be right. If you spend the majority of your time at home or in your office, it may not make sense to pay for a device that replicates the things you already do. But if, like many adults, you spend your days commuting, working from different locations, transporting your children to activities, or in other pursuits that take you away from your desk, you might like the convenience of a phone that allows you to stay connected no matter where you go.

If you’re considering a smartphone, make a list of all the things you’d like to be able to accomplish with it. Make a second list of the things you have no interest in doing. When you start shopping, you’ll be able to rule out some options simply based on what you need versus what you don’t.

But there are so many choices!

There are literally hundreds of different smartphones on the market, with new ones hitting store shelves every week. It would be impossible to mention every brand, make, and model of phone available for purchase, and even more impossible to discuss the merits of each.

The first decision you should make when shopping for a smart phone is which operating system you are most comfortable using. The operating system is just like the difference between a Windows PC and a Mac – different interfaces for accomplishing the same basic tasks.

iOs (Apple). Apple’s iOS operating system is available only on the iPhone. It is hailed as being very intuitive and easy to use, even if you’ve never used a smartphone before. (My mother, who doesn’t even know how to use a computer, learned to use her iPhone within hours of purchase.) The operating system is considered very stable and secure, meaning you aren’t likely to get a virus on your phone or have your personal information stolen. However, the iOS interface is heavily guarded by Apple, preventing you from loading unapproved applications or making certain customizations to your phone. For now, users are forced to hook their iPhones to a computer with iTunes to activate the phone AND to sync data – this can be inconvenient if, for example, you don’t own a computer and don’t plan to purchase one. (This requirement is supposed to disappear when iOS 5 is released this fall, which will allow activation and syncing without a computer.) Many users criticize Apple for creating a “walled garden” that limits the ability to make their phones do exactly what they’d like them to do.

Android (Google). Google’s Android operating system is available on many smartphones, including HTC, Motorola, LG, Samsung, and Pantech. Unlike iOS for iPhone, the Android operating system allows you to change practically every aspect of the user experience if you prefer. (My father, sister, and brother-in-law prefer Android devices to allow them to download applications that aren’t available for the iPhone, as well as to add external storage if needed and make other changes.) Android phones can be activated without a computer, though you still need to sync with a computer to back up your data. Instead of using a program like iTunes, users can open the directories on their Android phones and drag pictures and mp3s straight to and from their phones. One of the drawbacks of Android is the lower level of stability and security – the openness may provide more options, but it also allows the possibility of downloading malware disguised as an app. Also, different smartphones come with different versions of Android, making it nearly impossible to have the same user experience across devices.

Blackberry OS (RIM). Blackberry has been the business device of choice for the better part of a decade. Before the influx of smartphones, Blackberry was one of the first devices to allow users to check corporate email and access the internet from a mobile device. While many people still use a Blackberry for work, RIM’s lack of innovation in changing up the operating system has left it trailing behind iOS and Android in personal use. Because RIM is struggling to keep afloat at the time of this writing, I cannot recommend Blackberry unless you need it for work.

Windows 7 (Microsoft): Reeling from the failure that was Windows Mobile (an early smartphone operating system), Microsoft has returned with Windows 7 for its new line of smartphones, which are produced by manufacturers like HTC, Dell, Samsung, and LG. While Windows 7 is a newer operating system, it has received praise from reviewers and users for its ease of use and similarity to Windows for computers. While Windows 7 is in its infancy, it is making strides toward being a competitor in the smartphone market, and for good reason.

Taking the Leap

Once you’ve determined the operating system that best meets your needs, the #1 way to choose a smartphone is to try them for yourself. Visit the nearest retailer, hold the model phones in your hand, and practice performing simple functions like typing, switching between apps, and accessing the internet. If your fingers are too big for the keyboard or the screen is too small to view comfortably, that particular phone may not be the right one for you. Whether you use AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, or Sprint, the employees are very knowledgeable and can help you find a phone that meets your needs.

More importantly, don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision. Smartphones are all the rage right now; they won’t disappear anytime soon. Take enough time to evaluate what you’re looking for and make sure the phone you choose is the best one for your lifestyle.

When you purchase a phone, review the return policy. Generally, retailers give you two weeks to return a phone after purchase (though this may vary among providers). If you try your phone for awhile and hate it, or if it doesn’t function properly, take advantage of the opportunity to get something you like better. When I bought my most recent iPhone, one of the speakers didn’t work, making phone calls and music difficult to hear. I returned it to the store and had a new iPhone in 15 minutes.

Your turn, readers! Do you own a smartphone? Why or why not? What operating system or brand do you prefer?

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