| Will Smartphones replace the PC? | | | | and download music, and play games. Of course, of |
| There is no universally agreed-upon definition as to | | | | the growing number of available applications are not all |
| what constitutes a Smartphone: for some, it is a mobile | | | | about either work or fun and games. GPS Navigation |
| phone with operating system and other application | | | | software provides a level of convenience that many |
| software, for others, it is a phone with more capabilities | | | | people find indispensable these days and, with so |
| and features than a standard mobile phone. No matter | | | | many features being added, having GPS Navigation |
| how you define it, this technological marvel has come | | | | software means much more than only finding one's |
| a long way since IBM introduced the first Smartphone, | | | | way around town. |
| called Simon, in 1992. In the 16 years since Simon was | | | | The issue of security with Smartphones is an |
| created, the Smartphone has evolved into a hybrid of | | | | important one, given that so many business people use |
| a mobile phone and a PC. | | | | them. Currently, the devices are susceptible to hackers |
| From the start, these devices have been perfect for | | | | and vulnerable to viruses. Although some feel that |
| business travelers, making it possible to monitor email | | | | these concerns are blown out of proportion by |
| and keep track of appointments. Now, with Microsoft | | | | security providers, the industry is working on measures |
| Windows Mobile software, one can have the | | | | to make Smartphones more secure. |
| convenience of the office on a Smartphone. | | | | Another aspect that merits attention is the |
| Applications such as Word, Excel, Outlook, and of | | | | development of a variable geometry screen, which |
| course, the internet can be accessed without the | | | | would be of benefit to many users. However, as the |
| hassle of lugging around a laptop. Early versions of the | | | | technology continues to explode, there will surely be |
| Smartphone used handwriting or touchpad technology | | | | new designs and features created to enhance the |
| to send emails, but many models now come with | | | | physical comfort and increase the efficiency of |
| QWERTY keyboards that provide more accuracy | | | | Smartphone users. Advances in the design and |
| and ease of use. | | | | appearance of the device, along with more and more |
| In addition to the serious, work or school related | | | | available software and programming options will surely |
| features that make these devices so indispensable, | | | | increase the appeal of Smartphones to a wider |
| most come with cameras, the capability to play DVDs | | | | audience. |