TECH WATCH

Handheld power
PDAs vs. Smartphones

How do you know when it’s time to trade in your PDA or cell phone for a smartphone? Find out if you’re ready to make the leap.

BY MIKE ANTONIAK

If you’re a real estate practitioner who has relied on a PDA or cell phone in recent years, there’s a good chance you’ll soon be mulling the merits of a more versatile smartphone.

In the broadest sense, smartphones represent a new take on both cell phones and PDAs; these handheld hybrids combine features of each. But like any all-in-one solution, smartphones have both positives and negatives.

• Pros: A smartphone can reduce what you carry to one compact package. As a phone, it can handle voice and data communications, including e-mail and text messaging. As a handheld computer, it boasts the processor and memory to run pocket versions of favorite applications and the ability to browse the Web.
  
• Cons: With smartphones, size dictates what you surrender. If you want something that most resembles a phone, you’ll have to accept a smaller screen size, which might not be convenient for mobile computing. Conversely, the larger screen size and keypad of a PDA-style unit can add bulk, which makes it an awkward phone.

Is It Right for You?

Whether you should switch to a smartphone depends on what you need in the field and what you expect from mobile technology. You also need to consider price, as smartphones can cost hundreds of dollars more than phones or PDAs with comparable features. Finally, there’s the question of entrusting all your needs to one device. If the unit ever requires repair or is stolen, you lose all your mobile capability.

Still intrigued? Then ask yourself:

• Are phone features or PDA features most important to you?
• What PDA have you been using, and are there software applications you must have in your next handheld?
• How much stuff can you comfortably carry?
• What are you willing to spend?

Next consider service providers. Since mobile access to MLS is a compelling advantage of any wireless mobile solution, check with your MLS provider to find out which hardware platforms it supports. The answer may narrow your choices to a few specific models.

Then find out which smartphones your cellular service provider offers, the cost, and the terms of the service contracts. Make sure the coverage area is adequate. Get hands-on experience with several models before you decide on one.

Some points of comparison:

• Ergonomics. Functionality and satisfaction depend on how easy the smartphone is to hold and use. Only after you’ve tested the unit by making calls, entering data, sending/receiving messages, running software, and browsing the Web can you make an informed decision.
  
• Mobile communications. Today’s mobile communication options include voice calling, e-mail, text messaging, picture messaging, and push-to-talk two-way radio. Make sure the all-in-one can accommodate all the ways you may want to communicate.
  
• PDA. Evaluate the smartphone as a handheld computer, in terms of processor speed, memory, and operating system. Try entering and retrieving data, and using its stylus and keypad. Sample screen quality under a range of lighting conditions. Since software ultimately determines functionality of the hardware, make sure there’s enough selection available for your needs. Data synchronization, as well as how you move data between the smartphone and other hardware, also are important features to evaluate.
  
• Extras. An expansion port or card slot will let you expand memory and add GPS navigation functions, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi wireless if they aren’t standard features. A built-in camera or camcorder can serve your photography needs where image quality isn’t critical (e.g., when you’re e-mailing listing images to your clients or prospects). An audio-record capability lets you dictate notes to yourself or attach sound to images.
  
• Real Costs of Usage. With a smartphone, you’ll be sending and receiving calls and data—likely more data than you anticipate. If you plan to be a heavy user, your best deal is probably an unlimited voice/data service plan with a flat monthly rate.

Need more help finding the right smartphone? Brighthand, a Web site that reviews handheld computers and smartphones, has put together a PDA & Smartphone Advisor that takes you step-by-step through the decision. The site then provides a list of recommended models based on your input. It’s a great help with the homework required to ensure your smartphone is a smart investment.

Suggest a Topic
Do you have technology you’d like to learn more about or a new user twist that you’d like to share with your peers? Let me know about it by e-mailing antoniak@dtccom.net, and I’ll do my best to give it the coverage it deserves.