Whether you refer to it as a dream come true for businessmen, or simply call it a smartphone, the multi-function PDA (personal digital assistant) device has completely changed the way business is done. Who would have ever imagined that you could leave the office and carry it along with you in your pocket?
Smartphones allow you to perform many essential daily tasks regardless of your location. Specifically designed for business, these phones help you stay in touch with employees and clients, stay up-to-date on the news, read your e-mail, and get work done while on the road.
Unfortunately, there is one small problem with these phones and that is there are simply too many options to choose from when selecting a mobile plan. This causes the average person to feel overwhelmed and unsure of which mobile phone to purchase. So while finding a cheap mobile may not be complicated, it can be difficult to find the phone that suits you best.
Let's take a look at some of the most essential features to be mindful of when searching for the best PDA phone that meets your needs.
Appearance
When shopping for a business phone, pay attention to the design of the handset. Remember, this is a device that you will be using on a daily basis, and perhaps for several hours a day based on how much work you intend to do away from the office. The PDA should reflect your professionalism in its appearance.
Sleek and sturdy
You will be taking your phone in and out of your pocket countless times in one day. If the phone doesn't appear to easily fit your pockets due to being too bulky, you may want to reconsider it. However, avoid sacrificing on a proper display and keyboard for a compact size. In addition, the mobile phone should be sturdy just in case you happen to drop it or hit it against a hard surface by accident.
High-resolution display
Too often a phone may have all of the features you desire, but the screen just happens to not be clear enough. Don't make the mistake of overlooking the significance of a sharp display. If you are frequently outside in the sunlight, ensure that the phone's display will appear clear. Otherwise, the outstanding features of the phone will be simply useless to you as you won't be able to use it in the appropriate places.
Superior usability
Since the mobile phone you are searching for is for business purposes, it's of utmost importance that the phone's software is very quick. The phone's keys should have quality feedback and not require for you to press too hard for a response. Phones that can be found with a premium mobile plan tend to feature newer design features such as touch screens and optical track pads. Depending on the company, these type of features may not necessarily be found on a cheap mobile or prepaid mobile plan.
Internet access
It is important that you can be online with your phone at optimal speeds at all times for business usage. Verify that the mobile plan you agree to offers the variety of services that will guarantee high-speeds, such as 3G access or Wi-Fi connectivity. This will vary largely based on whether you have a premium mobile plan, cheap mobile plan, or prepaid mobile plan.
Operating system (OS)
Business phones on a mobile plan are now available with a variety of operating systems, such as Windows Mobile, iPhone OS, Palm and BlackBerry OS. Each one of these provides its own unique way of browsing the web, messaging, emailing, managing contacts, editing documents, and other vital business tasks. If you are unfamiliar with these operating systems or you are considering switching to a different one, it is ideal to review each before doing so.
Additional details
Certain design features on the phone are minor, but leave a major impact on their usability. These aspects range from a standard headphone jack so that you can listen to audio without disturbing others, to a built-in stylus holder so that you don't misplace your stylus while busy at work. In addition, ensure that the call quality of the phone is excellent, as well as the speaker phone volume. If you want to keep your information synchronized without much hassle, make sure the phone has a mini USB and Bluetooth access. You should also consider the variety of accessories available for the particular model if, for example, you prefer a case for the phone.
Pay attention to these seven aspects when searching through the wide variety of mobile phones, and you should find the ultimate PDA business phone that you will have no regrets buying.