How to Choose a Mobile Phone Business

Buying a mobile phone company can be a daunting task. There's lots of brands in the market and types of mobile phones although the category of smartphones is becoming particularly popular thanks in part to pioneering handsets like the Apple iPhone 4 as well as the up and comer the Samsung Galaxy S which is making waves.' While there have been lots of challengers in the space like the Apple iPhone 4 32GB there's other players that have been around for much longer and have learned the ropes of what is the ideal type of mobile for a business user. Handsets like the Samsung Omnia as well as the successor to the extremely popular Nokia N95, the Nokia N97 mini are great examples of tried and tested models. Most of us simply choose a mobile based on appearance rather than function of the product, ie colour, size, ease of use and probably if we have seen it advertised anywhere.

Select Network

One of the most important aspects of buying a mobile is to select the network you join. For most companies choose a network controlled by the package. A large proportion of companies will go directly to the major network operators . These providers offer free SMS, or a limited number of free calls per month.

Watch out! Nothing is free in life. Many companies do not realize that they will pay for these freebies in other ways. If you go directly to the major networks, you will not get personal time service you need. For example, if you need a phone or block channels you may have to wait days.

So what is the alternative? The alternative is to go for an independent consultant who has two licenses for the provision of services. To have two services allows these companies to provide impartial advice on the network that best suits their needs. 'They can also provide excellent deals on the latest handsets like the Blackberry Torch or Sony Ericsson phones. The small independent service providers, such as airtime Manager, can also offer you free aditional services that you would not get from the major network operators.

Basics of buying a phone

Set Cosmetics aside, one of the most important basic requirements that a phone will be the life of the battery. Lithium-ion [Li-ion] batteries last longer, weigh less and give 10-20% more life than their nickel-metal-hydride [NiMH] counter parts. You obviously want a batter that can last as long as possible. Aim for a battery that can provide at least five hours.

If you travel abroad frequently, you might want to consider getting a tri-band GSM [Global System for Mobile Communications] phone. These phones work on networks in Europe, USA and Asia [GSM 800/1800/1900].

Many business people carry around a lot of contact information so a phone with a large memory address is always a bonus. Being able to interoperate with Microsoft Outlook on your computer you can download the contact details quickly. Because of advances in SyncML for synchronization between mobile devices and computers are becoming more common place.

Get Smart

Stay connected to the office while on the road is always a real advantage for business. Conference calls on a phone allows you to attend a meeting while in the office. As mobile communications advance new technologies that "push to talk", you can use your business mobile phone as a walkie-talkie.

Many phones come with the Internet these days as standard. It may make it possible for managers to have access to addresses, product information, maps and much more while on the go. Add a bit of additional software and cables and you can use your phone as a modem for your laptop. If you buy a Bluetooth phone and your laptop is Bluetooth, you can skip all CHAT with cables. Bluetooth can also give you additional features that allow you to use hands-free car kits and even communicate with your fridge if it is Bluetooth.

The internet access on offer has also made progress by becoming faster almost like your business broadband connection in the office but with the advantage of vastly improved mobility with the connection. Many GSM phones support GPRS [general packet radio service] as always on Internet content and services. This allows multimedia content, web browsing, and e-mail to about 56Kbps.

Now EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment) technology is available gives you data transmission over existing GSM networks up to three times faster than GPRS. If you need to maximize your mobile data speed, you must select 3G. Up to 7.2 Mbps Vodafone offers the most reliable 3G network in selected areas.

Another factor for the business man who spends lots of time in the office is looking at smart phones such as BlackBerry. BlackBerry Enterprise Service integrates with Microsoft Exchange and selected Lotus and GroupWise solutions, providing a wireless extension of your existing desktop email program with real-time synchronization over the air.

This is ideal for enterprise environments: IT departments get advanced security, centralized management and a complete end-to-end solution.

Things you can expect a business phone to provide:

  • Large color display
  • WiFi capability
  • Ability to open and edit Microsoft Word / Excel files and PDF documents
  • QWERTY keyboard
  • Good battery life
  • Simple e-mail access
  • Fast internet connection and Web browser
  • Tri-or quad-band roaming with