Talk isn't cheap: Jeff Clark, Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, requires a smart phone that works with Top Producer software. His choice: The Treo 600, which retails for about $600.
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Cool Tools: Smart phones making you feel inferior?
There's really no such thing as a "smart phone." No phone can call your mother for you or tell you it's best to increase the weekly investment in your IRA if you want to retire at 55. But phones today can do more than call clients as telecommunication companies add features once found only in computers and cameras.
For Realtors, multiple functions within a single device make life a bit simpler; and for that reason, smart phones are quickly becoming the must-have, all-in-one wireless tool.
A top-of-the-line smart phone can access the Internet, receive and send e-mail, list your contacts and appointments. It can take digital pictures and even create short movies. The downside? For now, these smart phones weigh more and are bulkier than standard PDAs or current cell phones, and prices remain high -- but many Realtors consider the inconveniences minor when weighed against the benefits.
Jeff Clark, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate, plans to buy a Treo 600 rather than a Blackberry. "Right now, my Palm Pilot and phone are two separate things," Clark says. "I like the Treo 600 because it works off the Palm operating system, which supports Top Producer -- and I still get e-mail sent directly to the unit."
Because smart phones vary in price and options, there's no single "best" product for all Realtors. If considering a purchase, the right smart phone is the one that addresses your business lifestyle. For some, that means a phone with basic calling features, while other buyers seek the versatility of a PDA. If you spend a lot of time on the Internet or rely on a phone for viewing images, the size and clarity of the screen may guide your selection.
Response time is important to Clark. "I read that the average Realtor checks e-mail only once per day," he says. "But my clientele is a high-tech, quick-fix group. I think the quicker I respond, the better it will be for my business."
When shopping, test each model first. Look at the screen under different light to see if the image remains clear. Use the keypad or screen pad to compose e-mail messages and check a few Internet Web sites to see how easy it is to use and how long it takes to download data. You may even discover that smart phones aren't for you. If you're all thumbs, a smart phone could be an expensive inconvenience.
Your Tech Helpline staff researched three mainstream PDA Smart Phones that are generally available nationwide. As always, if you have any questions, give us a call and we'll be glad to help.
Wireless plans
Next step: Contract with a telecommunications company for a wireless plan. First, analyze your current and future business use, and look for a plan that allows that use at a reasonable rate. For example, if you do business locally with few international calls, consider a domestic plan. If you make international calls or you travel overseas, consider a plan with international options. Some companies even offer prepaid plans that give you control over expenses, though they work best for local business needs when you can estimate the number of minutes you'll use each month.
Many deals exist, and to lure in new clients, companies sometimes offer special limited-time deals. Consider the following to be an overview:
E-mail and Internet plans
When you send e-mail, read the news or play a game, your smart phone operates like a computer, transmitting information and receiving data. To accomplish this, you need a mMode plan. While cell phone plans charge consumers based on talk time, mMode plans work a bit differently, charging users for the amount of data sent without regard for the amount of time it took to send it. The chart below should give you a general idea of the costs, though fees vary in the open marketplace.
For more information on smart phones, consult the following Web sites:
Consumer search: www.consumersearch.com
Have questions? Give the Tech team a call to discuss your needs.
Disclaimer: Product specifications are provided by
the manufacturer and retailers, and may not be consistent with real-world
performance. User experiences may vary. The Tech Team does not endorse
or recommend any particular hardware or software; the items included in
this feature are listed solely for your reference.
Sony Ericsson P900
PalmOne Treo 600 PDA-Next Generation AT&T
Sprint PCS Samsung i500 PCS with Palm PDA
Features
Triple Band mobile phone, an advanced handheld device and a mobile video and digital camera
Full featured mobile phone and Palm OS organizer, wireless applications like e-mail, text messaging, Web browsing and a digital camera
Dual Band/Tri Mode, speed dial memory, voice activated speed dial, port for headset, log kept of calls, organizer functions. Palm OS 4.1. Access to most Web sites.
Battery life
Up to 16 hours talk time and up to 480 hours standby time
6 hours talk time and up to 10 days digital standby time. An external battery pack adds up to 3 hours talk time and 180 hours standby.
4.2 hours talk time. Up to 10 hours standby time in digital mode
Fun features
Send pictures in seconds. Record a short video clip and e-mail it right away
Can attach a photo to a phone number for picture caller ID
30 ring tones to choose from
In the box
A docking station connects to the computer, charger, case, memory card and an adapter
Phone, AC charger, USB cable, headset, slip case, user manual synchroni-zation software
Batteries, charger, cradle, and case and stylus
Warranty
Limited one year
Limited one year
Limited one year
Price
$739
$599.99
$599.00
Wireless plan
Verizon Wireless
Virgin Mobile Prepaid
Cingular/AT&T Wireless
Type of plan
Domestic US
Prepaid Plan
U.S./International
Price
$35 and up, depending on plan
$20 per 90 days to keep account active. $.25 min for first 10 min, $.10 min after that.
$30 and up, depending on plan
Features: Pro
Great customer satisfaction, coverage and call quality. Fewer dropped calls.
Best deal for occasional phone use
Allows U.S. and international use of phone
Features: Con
Cannot use phone overseas
Once out of network, calls go to voicemail
Requires a dual or tri band phone for U.S. and international use. Look for a GSM world phone and a SIM Card
Network used
CDMA
Sprint PCS
GSM
Coverage
National coverage with gaps in parts of some western States
Most major cities. No roaming if you travel outside the Sprint Network
Coverage in states east of the Mississippi with gaps in some western States. Compatible GSM world phones can be used GSM networks and SIM cards
mMode
Plans/AT&T
Type of User
Monthly service
charge
Mini
Very limited use
$ 2.99
Mega
Several times a week
$ 7.99
Max
Daily
$12.99
Ultra
Heavy use
$19.99
Unlimited
Heavy use with audio and video
$24.99
Sony Ericsson: www.sonyericsson.com
Amazon.com: www.amazon.com
J&R: www.jr.com
AT&T Wireless: www.attwireless.com
Copyright 2004 FAR