Smartphones

Getting Smartphones

Currently you can expect to pay between £120 and £350 for a handset; monthly line rental ranges from £20 to £100 depending on which applications you opt for. Be aware that prices change frequently, so it's always worth doing your research; online stores will often offer cheaper deals but always check the small print. Pay-as-you-go packages are not so commonplace, but are available if you shop around.

All the major manufacturers and carriers now offer smartphones. New models are released regularly and established models, like RIM's Blackberry (Torch, Pearl, Curve, Bold & Storm), have been revised recently as has Apple's trendsetting iPhone (with the iPhone 4 taking over from the much-loved iPhone 3G and 3GS in June 2010) and a number of phones using the Google Android platform such as the Samsung Galaxy range and HTC's Desire, Evo and Smart phones. Many smartphones still use the Symbian, Palm Pre and now the Microsoft Windows Phone 7 operating systems.

Those using Microsoft Windows Phone 7 include: HTC 7 Mozart, LG Optimus 7, Samsung Omnia 7, HTC 7 Trophy, HTC HD7 and the Samsung Omnia 7.

Smartphones seem to offer a definite step forward. The teething problems associated with PDAs have been ironed out for their incorporation into Smartphones. The number of applications accessible via Smartphones is growing, the technology is stable and reliable, and uptake is increasing, by both business and private customers.

©Crown Copyright. URN 04/655; 04/04 DTI is not responsible for the content of external websites and inclusion in, or exclusion from, the above list does not imply recommendation, endorsement or otherwise of any company, product or service. Remember that technologies and markets change rapidly so it is always wise to undertake your own independent research.