Diefenbach,D+blog+analysis

Diefenbach, D

TO: Proximity Mobile Team FROM: David Diefenbach SUBJECT: Inc. Technology article on the Smartest Cellphones for Business DATE: February 5th 2010

As the members of Proximity mobile team, we were asked to analyze a blog post or article in preparation for Proximity’s spring session survey. The following is a summary of //Inc. Technology’s// article on the use of Smartphone’s in the business place. It is an analysis of which cellphones are smartest for business, and provides an adequate amount of information on what we as consumers should look for when shopping for the idealistic business phone. This article will allow members of Proximity mobile team to create a survey on which Smartphones TU business student's prefer.


 * What Smartphone’s should provide:**

Publisher of Digital Trends, Scott Steinberg, suggests that one of the most important requirements of Smartphones, is it’s battery life expectancy. Although today’s Smartphones acquire numerous handy applications, these innovative options tend to consume a large amount of the phones battery. “The last thing you need is to be on the road or at a trade show and there’s only one bar left” says Steinberg. However, coverage is what makes or breaks a Smartphone. Depending on which functions of a Smart phone you rely on the most, your coverage greatly affects call quality, data speed, internet options, and messaging.Steinberg suggests doing your research by visiting the websites for carriers such as;
 * Verizon
 * AT&T
 * Sprint

Click on their map coverage areas and seek a plan that suites your lifestyle. “Many people assume the Smartphone will work the same everywhere in the U.S., and elsewhere, but this is simply not the case," he explains. TU students should talk to friends using different networks in order to hear about the pros and cons of their coverage! The last thing students need is a coverage plan that works on and off.

- As a Blackberry consumer, I have noticed a great difference in the quality of my coverage. I was at one time using T-mobile as a primary provider until I switched to Verizon due to lack of reception!


 * Top Smartphones and plans:**


 * **Verizon: Blackberry Tour**- Unlimited Talk and Text- $89.99 w/ additional $29.99 unlimited Data Package. Almost full state to state coverage []. I personally own this phone and have no issues, slight lag on internet connection from time to time. However, no complaints and good coverage/battery life.
 * **AT&T: IPhone**- Unlimited Talk and Text- $69.99 w/ additional $35.00 200mb Data Package or $60.00 5gb Package. Good state to state coverage, not as good as Verizon. [].
 * **Sprint: Palm webOS**- Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data Package $99.99. Descent Coverage []


 * Phones Pros and Cons:**

__**BlackBerry**__ __**IPhone**__
 * +** Reliable, fast and secure "push" e-mail; physical keyboard in most models; good battery life; supports multiple accounts.
 * -** Browser not the greatest; App World doesn't offer great selection or intuitive interface.
 * +** Elegant and intuitive touch interface; more than 65,000 apps in App Store (many of which are free); great consumer device.
 * -** No physical keyboard is obstacle for many; battery life trails other smartphones; still no MMS support in U.S.
 * __Palm webOS__**
 * +** Open-source operating system anyone can develop for; can support multiple apps open at once; offers both physical keyboard and touchscreen.
 * -** Unproven for business because newest OS; poor selection of software and only one device (Palm Pre).

In addition to determining what coverage each TU student is using, we need to find out which Smartphone’s are being used. A segment of Proximity’s spring survey should use these questions to determine which Smartphone’s are the best for TU Business students:


 * Survey Questions:**

1. Do you commute between school and home? (this determines the distance traveled for coverage) 2. Which Smartphone’s do you feel provide the best applications and on average on much do you use those applications? 3. What are the 3 most important requirements you feel as a student are needed for a Smartphone and its coverage? 4. How often do you keep your phone up and running?

Author, Satzman, Mark (August 24th, 2009). __Which Cellphones are the Smartest for Business__.//Inc//.//Technology.// Retrieved from http://technology.inc.com/telecom/articles/200908/smartphone.html

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