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, have been revised recently. Most smartphones use the Symbian, Palm or Microsoft operating systems. Those using Microsoft include: the Motorola MPx200, the XDA units and the SPv family. Symbian units include: the Motorola A920, Nokia 6600 and 9210, Siemens SX1 and SonyEricsson P800 and P900. Palm-based units, meanwhile, include the Treo 600.

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.

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