A Smartphone is basically a cellphone and PDA combined, allowing regular phone communication along with email and text messaging. Internet, fax, and data transfers between your office computer and the Smartphone are also included. There are some pros and cons to consider when preparing to switch over to the Smartphone solution:

Carrying just a Smartphone, there's one less thing to lose. You have Internet access to check email, search for directions, or quickly find info. Scaled-down versions of popular computer applications are available. You use a keyboard instead of a phone pad, making it easier to type longer messages with ease.

The initial investment is about three times as much as a regular mobile phone including the additional fees for the network service access which supports Smartphone features. If you're hooked on a small mobile phone, the Smartphone may seem large and awkward for calling. It may take a bit of time to get used to using the Smartphone. It can be a bit difficult to read text-heavy messages on the smaller screen. Navigating around the Smartphone and using all of the features requires a bit of a learning curve. Ready to invest in a Smartphone? Which one will you buy and what factors affect your decision?

Before purchasing hardware, examine the plans that various service providers are offering very carefully. If you plan to purchase the hardware and plan together, you may get a good discount. Evaluate your plan coverage and usage fees as charges can be costly. It's important to know exactly what the terms are before the first the bill arrives.

After selecting a plan which suits you, your choice of a Smartphone model will be narrowed. Which features are unnecessary for you? The MP3 player and camera may be nice to have, but the big files could clog up memory and make browsing the Internet very slow.

Allow some time to play around with the device, to make sure your Smartphone is easy to use. If it isn't, you may want to add a Bluetooth device to the set-up. Consider the weight of the Smartphone. It's nice to have lots of memory, but is the device so unpleasant to carry that you wouldn't use it? Look at how things are organized on the Smartphone. Does it make sense o you? Can you to find what you want? You may consider purchasing additional software for your Smartphone to customize it to your personal style.

Now that you have a Smartphone, there is free software available; but the standard for Smartphone synching appears to be Microsoft Windows Mobile for Smartphones 5.0. For a review of the Smartphones packaged with Microsoft Windows Mobile, visit Microsoft online.