Comparing Pda Phones

HANDHELD CELL PHONES

Introduction

With cell phones and wireless laptops becoming almost as necessary to society as food and shelter, it's no surprise that in today's fast-paced society, where more people rely on new and innovative technologies, inventions that people wouldn't have dreamed of living without years ago are fast disappearing from the American landscape.

The cell phone and pay-phone industries, for example, are undergoing big changes. A report by the Federal Communications Commission said that there were about 1.3 million pay phones in the country in 2004, compared with 2.1 million in 1997. BellSouth has moved completely out of the pay-phone business and other local telephone companies are no longer installing pay phones, said Vincent Townsend, the president of the association and Pay-Tel Communications, a pay-phone provider in Greensboro (Way we Communicate 2006). Today, pay phones are available generally at convenience stores and to a lesser degree at malls and hotels. Historically, the big users of pay phones have been transient business people, including sales and delivery people. But that portion of the population uses cell phones today, Townsend said. Experts said that between 30 percent and 50 percent of U.S. residents are still without cell phones. "It's something that is considered easier," she said. "There are things with a lot more memory. Products have become smarter in a sense." (Way we Communicate 2006)

Purposes of the Study

In response to our sudden increase of sales and demand for our products and the increasing need for technology in a profitable business, we have discussed the implementation of PDA's or web-accessible cell phones for use by our salespeople and those on the go. Those who are in favor of this proposal endorse the idea because of; improved communication with customers, easy access to web, mobile office capabilities, and an added sales tool. They state that, "As the business world becomes more computer and web based, we must change and adapt to survive and continue to be successful salespeople."

Scope of the Study

In this report we will: discuss the difference between PDA's and web-accessible cell phones; compare top 2 styles of phone from Verizon Wireless, and top 2 styles of phones from Sprint PCS Wireless; compare and contrast plans, price, and specs of each phone.

Sources and Methods

Current business articles, online websites, and in store visits were used primarily for obtaining information and research on this report. In addition, a survey of the staff was given to obtain preferences on the type of handheld cell phone that our staff would prefer to work with. A total of 375 employees out of 450 responded to the survey. This figure shows the results of this survey.

Results of the Study

The findings of the study will be presented in two parts: Verizon Wireless handheld cell phones and their benefits and costs and Sprint PCS handheld cell phones and their benefits and costs.

Verizon Wireless

XV6700

Verizon Wireless was the first cell phone company to deliver wireless broadband service from coast to coast. The first phone researched was the XV6700, which runs on Verizon Wireless' EV- DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) wireless broadband network and is powered by a 416 MHz Intel PXA270 processor. With its EV-DO and Wi-Fi capabilities, the XV6700 enables Verizon Wireless customers to be productive and stay connected. The Windows Mobile 5.0 equipped XV6700, has a unique sliding Qwerty keyboard that opens from the side and automatically changes screen orientation from portrait to landscape viewing mode (like a mini computer), is designed to allow busy professionals to stay connected with their office, friends and family. With the XV6700, a the user will find the same Windows- based PC experience they are accustomed to with their desktop PC or laptop. "Windows Mobile 5.0 is a powerful and flexible software platform that helps mobile business workers access critical information through a familiar interface," said Scott Horn, general manager for the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft Corp. The XV6700 includes updated versions of Microsoft Office programs for Windows Mobile including Office Outlook Mobile, Office Excel Mobile, Office PowerPoint Mobile, and Office Word Mobile, making it the perfect device for business executives to manage emails, spreadsheets and presentations regardless of their location. The XV6700 also supports Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync for over-the-air synchronization of email and calendar information with Microsoft Exchange Server 2003. "We believe the XV6700 is truly an achievement in design and technology innovation," said Philip Christopher, President of UTStarcom Personal Communications. "The unit was developed to include all the business applications and meet the personal demands of busy executives in a sleek personal communications device." (Nirvana (so far) vs. other phone/PDA's)

Additional features of XV6700:

* Dual Band (800MHz CDMA/1900MHz PCS)

* Built-in Bluetooth technology

* Main Display: 2.8"TFT 65K Color (240 x 320)

* Weight: 6.5 ounces

* Usage Time: Up to 5 hours or

* Standby Time: Up to 200 + hours

The XV6700 is available today through Verizon Wireless' business sales channels. The XV6700 will be available for $299.99 after $100 rebate with two-year customer agreement and qualifying rate plan. Unlimited Broadband access for 59.99, with two-year rate plan.

Palm Treo 700w Smartphone

Palm's Treo 700w Smartphone is powered by an Intel XScale 312 MHz processor and is the first Windows Mobile-based Palm product, making some very smart adjustments in melding the popular Treo hardware with Microsoft's operating system for handhelds. Like its Palm OS-based predecessors (touch screen palm pilots), the Palm 700w with Bluetooth,