Purchasing for a new smart mobile phone is tough: With so many mobile phones out there, finding the best one for your perform lifeand your personal life can be headache-inducing. This information features company functions among the different operating-system, describes the best specifications for company, and provides advice on the applications you should obtain once you purchase your smart mobile phone.Also, be sure to check out our customer mobile mobile phone buying information, which walking you through the common functions and specifications to look for and test while looking for a mobile phone. Operating SystemGoogle's Android os (found on several devices), Apple's iOS (found only on iPhone models), RIM's BlackBerry OS (found on BlackBerrys of various designs), and Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 all can be perfect for company, but each OS provides different functions and benefits. Understand all of the systems before deciding on one. Prior to your shopping, ask your IT person whether your email program is suitable only with certain customers, or if he or she suggests one mobile foundation over another for your perform email. Android Current Android os mobile phones run either Android os 2.3 (Gingerbread) or Android os 4.0 (Ice Lotion Sandwich). Many Gingerbread mobile phones will get an update to Ice Lotion Food gradually, though, and ICS contributes a number of business-friendly functions to the Android os foundation.
Both Gingerbread and ICS assistance near-field interaction (for making cellular payments), Speech over IP phone calls, and one-touch term choice and copy/paste.ICS’s Googlemail app has a context-sensitive Activity Bar at the end of the display that changes based on where in the app you are. For example, when you are looking at an e-mail concept, you see alternatives to store it, junk it, brand it, or level it as unread. When you are watching your mailbox, the bar changes to show alternatives for writing new information. Including accessories from your collection or other files is now much simpler as well. If you are a hefty Googlemail individual, you will appreciate these up-dates. To help you arrange your IMAP and Return records, the Email app in ICS facilitates stacked email subfolders. The Email app also facilitates Return ActiveSync v14.
iOS
Traditionally, business users have not favored Apple’s iOS. However, in its latest iteration, iOS 5, the platform has expanded its business features.
The platform update introduces Siri (currently only on the iPhone 4S), which strives to be your very own digital personal assistant. Siri lets you send text messages, create calendar appointments, set alarms, and solve basic math equations via voice command.
Perhaps the biggest deal about iOS 5 for business users is the addition of iCloud, Apple’s cloud service that lets you sync and share documents (as well as photos, videos, and music) across multiple iOS and Mac devices.
In the iOS 5 mail app, you can add rich formatting, such as bold and italic text, to messages, as well as indent text. Mail now has a built-in dictionary, too. Another highlight is the iMessage app, which lets you send messages to any iOS device, regardless of whether it has SMS support.
Windows Phone
Microsoft’s newest edition of its cellular foundation, Ms windows Phone “Mango,” has a wide range of realistic functions for business customers. Perhaps the most important function is the Workplace Hub, which gives you full entry to the Ms Workplace Suite; there you can perspective, modify, and make records in Term, Succeed, and PowerPoint. Users also have entry to OneNote, Microsoft’s edition ofEvernote, which allows you jot down notices and affiliate pictures with them. Moreover, with Apple, you can preserve and discuss Workplace records through Workplace 365 and Ms windows Stay SkyDrive, so you can accessibility your records whenever you need them.Email information are structured by discussion, with feedback to a line combined into a single perspective that you can adhere to more easily. You can make several mailbox categories, too: If you have two work-related in-boxes, for example, you can team them together to see all of their information in one place, while maintaining your perform e-mail options individual from your personal e-mail options. You can also pin any of your in-boxes to your desltop for fast and fast accessibility.
BlackBerry
All mobile phone gadgets with BlackBerry 7 OS (the newest edition of RIM’s software) come outfitted with BlackBerry Stability, which helps you maintain your company and individual life on one phone. When your device is linked with your organization's BlackBerry Business Hosting server, Stability keeps your private details individual and your company details protected.
The amazingly useful BlackBerry Secure lets you back up your data and handle several gadgets. If your BlackBerry is thieved or lost, you can slightly identify it, remove it, protected it, or change the number of the ring. Like Stability, this service is no cost for BlackBerry 7 OS customers.
Last but not least, the top quality edition of Records to Go is available for no cost on all BlackBerry 7 OS mobile phone gadgets. Users can now write, modify, and view Word, Succeed, and PowerPoint data files. This addition is just one more excellent company feature that BlackBerry OS offers its enterprise customers.
The Specs That Matter for Business
The particular phone features described below are crucial to business users, but if you plan on using the same phone for your everyday life, check out our general cell phone buying guide too.
4G
Following a lot of buzz, the next generation of wireless networks, 4G, has arrived in the form of two main technologies: WiMax and Long Term Evolution. The main advantage of 4G lies in its faster download and upload speeds, which significantly improve streaming video and Web browsing, and allow features such as videoconferencing.
If you decide to buy a 4G phone, first confirm that your area has coverage. Verizon currently offers 4G coverage in 175 U.S. cities (check the carrier's coverage map). Sprint has a complete coverage map of its WiMax network, too. AT&T has launched 4G LTE in 15 cities, and it plans to complete the rollout by the end of 2013.
Currently AT&T and T-Mobile are promoting their HSPA+ networks--which essentially use a more advanced version of 3G protocols--as being capable of achieving 4G-like speeds. If you’re looking into buying a 4G phone on AT&T, verify whether it supports an LTE network or an HSPA+ network. Generally a 4G LTE phone will have faster data speeds, but it may also have limited coverage. We have seen “4G-like” speeds on HSPA+ phones in our tests.
HDMI/MHL
An HDMI port will let you hook up your smartphone to an HDTV, which is ideal for giving presentations on the go. Some phones have MHL ports rather than HDMI. The MHL specification (Mobile High Definition Link) is a 1080p HD video and digital audio interface for connecting smartphones and other portable devices (tablets, cameras, and the like) to HDTVs. So what's the big deal? It simultaneously provides power to your phone--something that HDMI cables don't do.
Front-Facing Video Camera
If you plan on making video calls or participating in videoconferences from your phone, make sure that it has a front-facing video camera. Front-facing cameras range from VGA video-only cameras to 2-megapixel cameras that can take still images as well. Video quality, however, won’t be as dependent on the actual camera as it will be on the app or network you are using to make the call.
Built-In Storage
Whether it is in the cloud, in your cell phone, or available on removable storage space, storage space is a big factor to consider when you're purchasing a smartphone. If you plan on storing a lot of documents and presentations on your cell phone (along with your personal photos, music, and videos), this is a spec you’ll definitely want to pay attention to while shopping. Some phones have built-in ROM storage space along with a MicroSD port (for example, an 8GB cell phone might offer built-in storage space plus a MicroSD port expandable up to 32GB).
Keyboard
If you simply cannot modify to a touchscreen display screen key pad, consider a cell phone with an real QWERTY key pad. Mobile phones with physical QWERTY computer keyboard are an vulnerable varieties these days, but you can still find a few out there. You might opt for a candy-bar design, such as the BlackBerry Strong 9790 or the Samsung XPRT, or a cell phone with a slide-out key pad, like the New samsung Entertain Move.
Applications
Once you’ve picked out your phone, you’ll probably want to start downloading some apps. Dozens of useful business apps are out there, and we’ve tested almost all of them.
Security Apps
Your smart phone is a big part of your personal and professional life, so you must be sure to keep your connections, records, and other media content safe.Security applications not only provide back-up services for your cellular phone, but also secure your system against harmful applications and phishing sites. Malicious applications have been a larger problem on Android managing system, and most protection applications are totally for Google’s cellular os. If you'd choose a acquainted name, many pc protection packages, such as AVG Anti-virus, Norton, and Webroot, now offer cellular variations. You'll also find mobile-only protection resources, such as Search (a PCWorld favorite) and NetQin. In addition, lots of protection applications consist of a phone-tracking function, which allows you identify your losing cellular phone on a map, and most of these applications allow you to slightly remove your cellular phone if you cannot restore it.
Productivity Apps
From making simple to-do lists to sketching new ideas, hundreds of apps promise to save you time and help get the job done. The best way to get started is to look in your phone’s app store under the productivity category and search for the top-rated apps. Some of our favorites are Remember the Milk (task list manager), Evernote (note syncing), SketchBook MobileX (drawing app), and Instapaper (Web bookmarking).
Cloud-Sync Apps
As I described in the area on operating-system, iOS and Windows Cell phone have their own built-in cloud-syncing solutions. A number of third-party reasoning solutions are available across several techniques, too. The ever-popular Dropbox, for example, instantly syncs your information to the reasoning and across your gadgets. Box, another assistance, allows you shop all of your material online, and it can consist of with Search engines Applications. Other document-syncing apps consist of Funambol OneMediaHub, SugarSync, and GDocs for Android managing system.For even more business apps, examine out some of the following roundups:
Other than the requisite protective case, quite a few useful phone accessories are available for professionals. Here are some you might consider purchasing alongside your new phone.
Portable Outlets and Chargers
iGeek Large Capacity Portable ChargerIf you are a energy user, you are going to require a lot of, well, energy. And if you are a business visitor, you are probably all too familiar with the lack of shops at air-ports. Convenient shops, such as the Creature Outlets to Go Power Remove, give you three AC shops and a USB relationship in a lightweight, travel-friendly design. TheiGeek Large Potential Convenient Charger lets you charge your phone and product easily.
Bluetooth Headsets
The market has a ton of Wireless headphones to choose from; currently PCWorld's top-rated ear phones is the Jawbone Era. With a Wireless ear phones, you can perform meeting phone calls on your day travel (just keep your eyes on the road!) or prudently check your voicemail messages while you’re on vacation with the family.
Pico Projectors
Jawbone Era headsetRewriting Article... Please Wait a few seconds..
More than likely, you will want a phone that can serve both your business requirements and your personal needs. And thankfully, most smartphones will be able to do just that--with the help of some apps and accessories.
Dhiren11 is considering buying a 3D HDTV, and asked the HDTV & Home Theater if a family of six can sit around it and all have a good view.
Whether or not extreme viewing angles affect your television enjoyment depends on a lot of things, including the TV's basic technology, the quality of your specific model, and how extreme of an viewing angle you're talking about.
LCD televisions have a viewing angle problem. So do LED TVs, which are really LCDs with LED backlighting. As you move farther Dhiren11 is considering purchasing a 3D HDTV, and requested the HDTV & House Cinema if a category of six can sit around it and all have a excellent perspective.
Whether or not excessive watching perspectives impact your tv entertainment is determined by a lot of factors, such as the TV's primary technological innovation, the excellent of your particular design, and how excessive of an watching position you're referring to.
LCD tvs have a watching position problem. So do LED TVs, which are really LCDs with LED backlighting. As you shift further to the part and away from the main lovely identify, the image gets deeper and along with less vivid.
However, there have been large developments in this technological innovation over the decades, and watching position is no more the big problem it once was. In most places, you have to get to a very excessive position, so that you're almost looking at the part of the TV, to get noticable a actual problem. When you come right down to it, looking at the TV from that position isn't maximum anyway; any image will look better when considered from near to go on.
If you're really concerned about watching perspectives, buy a lcd set, where there are no watching position problems. (Of course, the frame distortions brought on by the position itself will still be there.) Plasma tv's places have their own issues--burn-in and hefty energy consumption--but these too have been decreased nowadays by enhanced technological innovation.
These problems are the same with 2D and 3D. However, if you're seated at a really excessive position, a 3D image may look more altered than a 2D one--even on a lcd set.
Fortunately, watching position is just about the only tv image-quality problem you can assess in a shop.to the side and away from the central sweet spot, the picture gets darker and the color duller.
However, there have been huge advances in this technology over the years, and viewing angle is no longer the big problem it once was. In most sets, you have to get to a very extreme angle, so that you're almost looking at the side of the TV, to notice a real problem. When you come right down to it, looking at the TV from that angle isn't optimal anyway; any picture will look better when viewed from close to head on.
If you're really worried about viewing angles, buy a plasma set, where there are no viewing angle issues. (Of course, the distortion caused by the angle itself will still be there.) Plasma sets have their own issues--burn-in and heavy power consumption--but these too have been reduced in recent years by improved technology.
These issues are the same with 2D and 3D. However, if you're sitting at a really extreme angle, a 3D image may look more distorted than a 2D one--even on a plasma set.
Fortunately, viewing angle is just about the only television image-quality issue you can judge in a store.
If you're shopping for a company computer for your small-to-medium-size function at your regional big-box store, you're woofing up the incorrect shrub. The common customer computer found there simply doesn't provide the personalization and service that you'll need, whether you're looking for one device or for a whole navy. Instead, you should buy online at a large retailer's site, or at an approved regional supplier.Rolling out even a little navy of notebooks needs a efficient flow of areas and alternative models, otherwise known as a constant foundation. While it's organizations that need those functions, they are certainly of benefit to SMBs. The shorter period you invest in maintainance, the a longer period you can invest working on increasing your company. Study on for the functions and specifications you should be looking for. (You may also want to take a look at notebooks computer results for our 2011 Stability and Fulfillment study.) If you have concerns about computer fundamentals, such as which classification, CPU, or show you need, please head to PCWorld's customer computer purchasing information first.
Form/Laptop Type
Ultrabooks--a new category of superlight and superthin laptops.Notebooks come in various styles, from minilaptop to pc alternative. Which kind you need obviously is determined by how you will use it. If you journey a lot, you should be looking at an ultraportable with a 12-inch display dimension, or perhaps a 13.3-inch or 14-inch popular computer. Super-lightweight Ultrabooks--a phrase Apple has trademarked--are a new kind of designs that are incredibly simple to carry around (think Apple macbook computer Air), but a little bit affected in their connection and incorporated peripherals; they'll likely absence an inner visual generate, for example.If you're basically looking to substitute a PC that rests on your table all the time, then a 17-inch device is probably best matched for such alternative responsibility, and you can also miss most of the following conversation other than the area on protection.
Durability
You don't want your significant investment breaking down or dropping apart on you after only limited use. A steadily constructed computer will conserve your funds in the long run.
Case: How durable your computer needs to be relies on its size and how you use it. Nasty is fine for a computer that doesn't travel much; however, plastic tends to fold too much--especially on Ultrabooks and thin-and-lights. Most providers will buzz the use of metal and mineral magnesium, which are indeed more durable and harder to prevent inner element bending. Materials also shed chip-killing heat far better than plastic.
Hard Drive: The element most vulnerable to damage is the difficult drive--a sensitive procedure, and especially insecure when rotating. Any business computer using a traditional disk generate should provide surprise insulating material, as well as a indicator that can identify a fall and park the leads on the disk generate before impact. In some cases, such as with Seagate's Momentus FDE pushes, this realizing occurs within the generate itself.
Intel 510 Series SSDOn the other hand, a solid-state generate (SSD) with no moving parts is the best place, especially if you know you'll be working in dangerous (for the laptop) circumstances. SSDs are relatively expensive, but far less expensive than a file restoration service. Also, while more capacious 500GB and 750GB difficult disks look excellent on a specifications piece, for a simply company computer that won't be used for enjoyment, such high capabilities are usually overkill.Using both less sized, cheaper SSD internal and an exterior 2.5-inch disk generate for media requirements is a excellent bargain. Keyboard and Touchpad: The modern pattern towards allow air through computer keyboard is a bit of an issue--as anyone who's ever built coffee on a computer can testify. Mesh, vented computer keyboard allow heat to evade, but anywhere air can go, fluid can too. Although it can take a while for fluid to run down, you should always instantly eliminate power supply when a leak happens. You may then continue to let things dry out. Other than survivability, never ignore the long-term effect that the feel of the laptop key pad and the reaction of the touch pad and control buttons will have on your fulfillment with your computer purchase. If you do a lot of entering, as many company customers will, a key pad with sharp responsive reviews is a must. Operating SystemThough it's attractive for a company to buy the less expensive House variations of Ms Windows, that's usually an error. The House variations lack security, don't play well on system websites, won't back up across a system without third-party software, and aren't multilingual.
It's the sector problem that impacts bigger companies If you use nothing but peer-to-peer social media and implement your own back-up system, the House variations are possible, if not maximum.There is also a very real snob aspect in play. If you're trying to make an impression on a business probability, don't let them see you with a property edition of Microsoft windows seven. Ms took full benefits of the individual situation with the labeling meeting.
Security
Security is important, but don't overbuy if you don't have anything to protect. If you do have sensitive data on your laptop, which most business users will, consider one or a combination of the following features.
TPM:
The Trusted Platform Module. This discrete chip (it's also a specification) provides hardware encryption keys, passwords, and other features that are employed to lock down your laptop and help secure encryption. In conjunction with the BIOS, it basically locks the hardware configuration in your laptop.
BitLocker: With this standard, data is encrypted at the volume level (such as the C: drive). It's available with Windows 7 Ultimate and Enterprise, and works on its own or in conjunction with a TPM.It's the industry problem that effects larger organizations If you use nothing but peer-to-peer public networking and apply your own back-up system, the House modifications are possible, if not highest possible.
There is also a very real snob element in play. If you're trying to fantastic a business possibility, don't let them see you with your home or home version of Microsoft windows seven. Ms took advantages of the person scenario with the brands conference.
Self-Encrypting Drive (SED): These drives perform their own hardware encryption but rely on the TPM, BIOS, or a software component for a password.
Using a fingerprint scanner (click to zoom).Fingerprint scanner: Biometric fingerprint scanners are more secure than passwords because your prints can't be stolen or hacked, at least not via any nonmorbid scenario. They're also easier in that you don't have to remember to bring your fingers.
Smart card: A Smart card is basically the same thing as an entry card for an office building, only in this case it's for your laptop. It's about the most secure way of locking down your notebook, but you must remember to remove that card and carry it around with you for it to be effective.
All business laptop vendors include utilities on their machines for setting up various security features.
Next page: Graphics, Peripherals, and More...
Graphics, Ports, and Connectivity
GPU: In most cases, a discrete graphics chip isn't necessary; the graphics integrated into the latest CPUs offered by Intel and AMD are more than adequate for business tasks. The exceptions are some of the weaker Atom processors found in netbooks, which aren't up to rendering 1080p video smoothly.
Video Output: If you're looking to perform presentations with your notebook, both the graphics and external monitor ports must match up with any projectors or displays you'll be using.
VGA and HDMI outputs are the norm--VGA for backwards compatibility, and HDMI for the best picture with modern displays. DisplayPort is also fine, as long as you see the DP++ logo, which means you can output HDMI, DVI, and normal VGA using adapters.
WiDi, Intel's Wireless display interface can also be handy for presentations as it obviates the need for running cables, something that can be awkward in many circumstances. It also frees you from having to wait in the queue for a particular meeting room.
An external WiDi adapter for the TV is required, and there is a small lag between what you'll see on your laptop and what you see on the display, but the convenience can be addicting.
Data Ports: An eSATA or USB 3.0 port will drastically speed up backups to an external hard drive, or loading or offloading large amounts of data. If you deal with large files or data sets, look for such ports. Otherwise, USB 2.0 is fine, if not optimal, especially with the plethora of online backup solutions available.
Wi-Fi: These days, no laptop ships without at least 801.11b/g/n Wi-Fi. However, you should check your office environment to see if it uses 5GHz 802.11a, which has long been a mainstay of business Wi-Fi networks. The 5GHz band is now also being used on many consumer routers to separate traffic onto two discrete networks. 802.11a is a plus for business laptops, though not always necessary.
Ethernet: 10/100 ethernet is still found on laptops, and in most cases is perfectly viable, but it is rapidly disappearing. Gigabit is faster, and can help streaming HD video on busy networks as well as making network backups faster--look for it.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth is handy for wirelessly connecting your phone to your laptop to sync addresses. It also lets you leverage a favorite Bluetooth headset for Skype and the like. In some (increasingly rare) cases, it even allows you to tether your phone to your laptop and use the phone's data connection.
Broadband: If you're regularly out of reach of Wi-Fi, a broadband connection like the one on your phone is a good thing to have. Some laptops have integrated broadband antennas so you can use an internal adapter. Otherwise, you'll need a USB dongle for the service you use.
PC Card, Express slots: While PC Card and Express slots have largely vanished from mainstream laptops, they are still widely available in business models. If you have legacy card devices such as a smart card reader, or a Firewire card, make sure the laptop you buy has the slot you need.
SDHC/MMC: This slot allows for superportable removable storage as well as making it easy to load photos and video from digital cameras. If you rely heavily on photos or video in your business, a SDHC/MMC slot is a must-have feature. A MemoryStick or MS might also be useful if you're a Sony user, as Sony uses proprietary memory formats.
Port Adapters: All of the above ports are certainly more convenient when integrated; however, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Bluetooth, and SDHC/MMC (as well as other cards) can also be implemented easily via appropriate USB adapters.
Peripherals
Travel mice and headphones, as well as flash and optical drives, are items you should consider carrying around with you on your travels. Most laptop vendors will be happy to sell them, but they're readily available online at vendors such as Newegg, Amazon, and elsewhere in more variety.
Travel Mouse: If you spend a considerable amount of time using your laptop, a mouse goes a long way towards achieving that desktop feel and speeding up your workflow.
Headphones: Headphones or ear buds are essential to being able to hear what's happening on your laptop when you're on a plane or other noisy vehicle.
Flash Drives: Flash drives are the preferred medium for backing up or storing data securely. You can find a host of thumb drives that meet the FIPS-140 standard for data encryption and security.
Optical Drive: Some laptops still offer internal optical drives, and they're a must for installing some software or watching movies on DVD or Blu-ray discs. That said, the technology is fading, and with streaming media services and broadband connections proliferating, you can probably meet your entertainment and software installation needs without one.
Unless you regularly burn disks for clients, you're probably better off with an external USB optical drive that you can leave at home when you don't need it.
Parts Availability, Platform Stability
Mainstream consumer laptops are produced, then set adrift whenever the next best thing shows up, even when styling or technology take only a minor step forward. It can be very hard to find a replacement laptop or parts for a consumer machine just a short time after you buy one.
Vendors take special care with business laptops to make sure that parts are readily available for an extended period of time and that models don't change drastically. Typically, basic designs won't alter all that significantly over three to five years, and specific models can remain available in production for as long as two years.
The long shelf life means that you can be sure that replacement units and parts are readily available and that your company won't have to worry about compatibility with upgraded versions. A homogenous laptop fleet is far easier and cheaper to support than an ad-hoc array of machines.
Dell's Latitudes and Lenovo's ThinkPads are good examples of corporate laptop lines. If you desire this kind of stability, you'll pay quite a bit more, but the peace of mind can be worth it.
Warranty
Most business laptops offer warranties that go far beyond the usual one year offered on consumer units--usually, three years standard with options up to five years. Three years is about the average lifespan for a small business notebook, as SMB users are more apt to retire them in lieu of something more modern.
However, five years is not beyond the service life of corporate units, especially these days, with performance having long ago exceeded "fast enough" for everyday business tasks.
Service
Corporations generally rely on their own IT departments for service, but smaller businesses need vendor-provided 24/7 telephone support, as well as depot and on-site service. These kinds of service are especially important for users who travel frequently, and are not available with a consumer laptop, except as provided by the reseller, few of whom have any international scope.
The key to buying the correct level of service is matching it to your worst-case scenario. If it's possible you could be stuck in a strange city where you don't speak the language or know your way around, on-site service is invaluable. Alternatively, overnight shipping of a replacement or of parts would be adequate if you have decent technical chops. If you never leave town and there's a repair center nearby, then buying such service levels would be massive overkill.
