Smartphones – What is this Craze All About?

Smartphones have brought computer like capabilities to phones. Not only are you able to carry data around with you wherever we go, it also gives you the ability to edit that data any place – any time.

In today’s “reality” based generation, we’re always looking for the opportunity to capture and relive a moment. And we want to share that moment with others. Smartphones give us the opportunity to express ourselves impromptu with entertaining results.

These smartphones come packed with Internet access, email capabilities, address books, and a whole lot more. Cell phones have come a long way since their first debut. Be careful not to confuse these newest toys with sandbox devices.

Sandbox devices are tools that come pre-loaded with things like calendars, calculators, and a notepad. What differentiates them from smartphones is that users can add (download and install) additional programs to smartphones and they seemingly become mini portable computers for the people who use them. That – and the ability to edit the content that sits on them – is what makes these phones “smart.”

Some of the more popular brand names include the Blackberry, PalmSource, Nokia, and Windows CE. Yet the craze is extending to even some off-brand company names. Today, it’s hard to find a cell phone that does not offer some sort of “smart” technology because it’s in such a high demand. The convenience of having information at our immediate access is phenomenal – so much so that thousands of programmers have jumped on the opportunity to build unique applications specific to these small machines.

As a result, you can find tons of games, databases, GPA systems, weather reporting programs, and even small encyclopedias on these things. Of course a mini keyboard is available for the text-messaging fan or for people who just cannot seem to get away from the office.

Is this a phase? That’s highly doubtful. The market for these devices extends from the highly technical and professional all the way to the pre-teen socialite. The product crosses all demographics and thanks to decreasing costs – it sees no economic boundaries as well. The Wikipedia encyclopedia claims that “Out of 1 billion camera phones to be shipped in 2008, Smartphones, the higher end of the market with full email support, will represent about 10% of the market or about 100 million units.”

Attempting to do the same with a bulky desktop computer or laptop is too cumbersome. Even some of the smallest peripherals (digicams, digital cameras, etc.) do not give us the same opportunities that smartphones do. Being able to carry around a device for communication, creation, recording, and editing simply compliments the need for today’s generation to do more and then do it, faster!