The mobile phones today are no longer a fashion accessory, but they are a need. They are used by so many people, of all ages and professions, from the richest to the poorer, and they are used so often and for so many activities that we can say that they had become a part of our lives. There are many companies that are producing good cell phones such as: Samsung, Motorola, LG, Nokia, HTC, Pantech, RIM, Sony Ericsson, Palm, PCD, Sharp, ZTE, Casio, Huawei, Sanyo, Apple and others. Each of these companies is offering many models, so there is definitely a wide range of products to choose from.

So for today we’ll discuss more about a specific model, and we are going to choose the Samsung Blackjack cell phone (the SGH i 607). This is quite a good mobile phone, which has a sleek design, a gorgeous screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. Among its features you will find 3G technology, Bluetooth 2.0, push e-mail capabilities and good call quality. It is a smartphone that works with the Windows Mobile operating system and it also comes with support for Cingular Video and Cingular music services. Among its bad aspects there are the navigation controls which are cramped, it doesn’t have integrated Wi-Fi, and some applications may take a lot of time to load. But let’s not forget that this is an older mobile phone (it was released in 2006), so it can definitely not be compared to the models of 2010. after some time it was replaced by the Samsung BlackJack II, and with other models that are much powerful.



But since for today we decided to discuss about the Samsung Blackjack cell phone, let’s look closely at its technical details. Its connectivity modes are: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, WCDMA 850 / 1900, while its dimensions are: 4.45 " x 2.32 " x 0.46 " (113 mm x 59 mm x 11.7 mm) and a weight of 3.74 oz (which means 106 grams).

It has a 1200 mAh Lithium Ion battery which can last for about 3 hours (180 minutes) when talking and for up to 264 hours (11 days) when in stand by mode. It comes with a LCD (Color TFT TFD) display screen that has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA) and 65.536 colors (16 bit). As we mentioned earlier, it works with the Windows Mobile Standard operating system for Smartphones, version 5, AKU 3. it has an internal memory of 55 MB, and of course it also has support for micro SD TransFlash cards. It has adjustable text size, Digital TTY / TDD and multiple languages support.

For alerts you can use MP3 files, polyphonic ring tones and of course it also has a vibrating mode. As we said it has Bluetooth connectivity, and its supported profiles are: HSP, HFP, A2DP, AVRC, PAN, OPP, FTP, HID, BPP, version 2.0 + EDR and it also supports FTP – Client. Just like most of the phones today it has a PC sync function, so you can connect it using an USB cable and transfer files from the computer to the phone, and from the phone to the PC.



You can add multiple numbers per name, along with Picture ID and Ringer ID. You can also customize the graphics and the ring tones, and you can use MP3 of WAV files. For connecting to the internet it uses HSDPA 1.8 plus EDGE technology, and the browser that it has is the Mobile Internet Explorer plus RSS reader. It has a QWERTY keyboard for writing text messages and e-mails really fast, and on the side you will find other keys such as: scroll wheel, back key on right / volume keys on left / power and a profile key on top.

For writing emails, the protocols supported by this phone are: Exchange, Good, POP 3, IMAP 4, SMTP and Microsoft Outlook Mobile. You can also use instant messaging on this phone, and the supported networks are: AOL, MSN and Yahoo. Of course it has text messaging (SMS and MMS) and a music player too. It has quite a basic camera, with a resolution of 1 mp and with features like: multi - shot, self - timer, brightness and white balance. The camera can also capture videos with QVGA resolution and in 3GPP format. For playing videos you can use the Windows Media Player 10. and among the other features of this phone there is an alarm, a calculator, a calendar, a to do list, voice memo, JAVA games and a speaker phone.

The editors from Cnet are rating this phone with 3.5 stars out of 5, which is quite good. The ratings are 7 out of 10 for design, 8 for features and also 7 for performance. All in all the Samsung BlackJack is a good looking phone, with acceptable features and technologies.

Windows Mobile: the most common operating systems
Windows Mobile is the user part of Microsoft Windows CE (Compact Edition) for mobile devices (handhelds as well as smartphones and PDA phones). It was designed to have a visual and ergonomic close to desktop computers, so not to confuse users. Microsoft has changed its numbering system with version 5, the previous versions being called Windows Mobile 2002, Windows Mobile 2003 and Windows Mobile 2003 SE (there are few devices using this operating system).

Windows Mobile 5, Then the version 6 provided on the market in three versions: Windows Mobile 6 Standard for smartphones without a touchscreen, Windows Mobile 6 Professional for PDAs and finally communicating Windows Mobile 6 Classic PDA without phone function. A number of applications can be included, including mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Its strengths are precisely the ease of integration in a computer environment and the large number of applications available - 18,000 have been validated by Microsoft to date. Side weaknesses: it is very heavy in RAM and computing power, which is resulting in occasional freezes in the case of an undersized memory (RAM). Version 6 will consume, according to Microsoft, about 15% less computing power.



The Symbian
Symbian OS is Symbian Ltd. consortium. it is the heir to the EPOC OS, which the Psion computers are equipped with . Today it is used primarily by Nokia and Motorola, but also in the Sony-Ericsson and some Samsungs. Its major advantage is that it has been designed from the ground up for mobile devices with limited resources. Its philosophy is to preserve the memory and avoid bugs related to memory management. Moreover, its programming is a technique based on "events", which leaves off when the processor does not directly address data. This results in a smaller energy consumption, meaning the  battery life. Nowadays, memory prices and sizes shrinked , so this factor is less important. Another advantage of Symbian is the vast amount of applications currently available: the inventory comprises 30,000. Several user interfaces based on Symbian are in the smartphones . The most common is the Nokia S60.



Palm OS Garnet OS
Palm OS was named Garnet OS since last January. It's the OS that team some Treo models, including the 680. Others, like the Treo 700 and Treo 750, rely on Windows Mobile. The future seems bleak Palm License: Garnet OS, even if it has a very good ergonomics and a huge software base,it is really lagging behind on Windows Mobile. The multimedia management is rudimentary and wireless technologies are poorly managed. In addition to a delay at the OS, the devices are less attractive in appearance as PDAs running under Windows Mobile and innovations are much less frequent because it only contains new Palm devices running on Palm OS. However, one can find good devices according to use, at reasonable prices.



The Linux OS and RIM
A few manufacturers offer smartphones running under the Linux OS. Now , this market is very underdeveloped. The RIM OS is the operating system developed by the Canadian company Research in Motion's specifically made for the BlackBerry .

As cell phones are being replaced by smartphones in being our daily companions . Some important tools and options have been develloped to suit the consumer use  :

1. Data security in case of theft
The damage far outweigh the calls made on his account - which can be quickly blocked. The text may contain material both sensitive and essential.

2.  Lock the access to your files
The access code is the minimum security measure. Now some smartphones (eg the newest Toshiba) also include a fingerprint reader. Access to records is restricted to persons who have registered their biometric profile. Note that many people can do on a single device, the owner can then share their smartphone with colleagues if they wish.

3. The  touch screen for easy navigation
A touch screen is very convenient to navigate, but some users prefer a knob or a navigation button, in which you can navigate with one hand. A touch screen is not necessarily more fragile than a regular screen, but the price impact. Some precautions: do not press the screen to avoid shocks and falls, use only the pen provided with the camera, at a pinch use a finger, and do not forget to remove it from your pocket before sitting down!




4. Choosing a Pro multiband needed
As for cell phones, frequency bands used vary from one operator to another and from one country to another. One should choose a model multiband to get the best networks where they are available, at least tri-band if you leave in U.s , a dual band would be enough if you are located in Europe , or quad for some Asian countries.

5.  The Wi-Fi
A few models also have access to wireless LAN: Wi-Fi When available, Wi-Fi allows access to the Internet much faster than the mobile phone networks (from the 3.5 billion). This may also be interesting in the context of communication outside the package. Indeed, the packages are based on the amount of data transmitted, and someone who communicates a lot of files can easily exceed its package.

6. Command and voice recognition
The control and speech synthesis can not only call people in the address book or dictate the number to dial, but also (for example, in certain models of HP) to dictate or listen to e-mails ( email hands free).

7. Pro Various types of keyboards
The choice depends on the type of keyboard use which will be made. A simple numeric keypad, like a normal phone, is to be reserved for the experts of the thumb and predictive texting, but become tedious when used intensively. A QWERTY mini keyboard allow its users  to write their emails almost as fast as the office. It is often possible to connect an external foldable keyboard. This does not perhaps give the comfort of a laptop, but can still be quite useful.

8.Costs of Wi-Fi
A person traveling abroad would also appreciate not paying extra fees for international access (roaming) operator for internet surfing, through a gateway account (such as Skype Out, Wengo, the new Barablu...).

9.  Bluetooth: the alternative
The Bluetooth can connect to other devices: headset, another phone, handsfree, car speakers, computer, printer, GPS ... the latest  version, Bluetooth 2.0, was released not too long ago  which is the speed of 720 kb / s to 2 Mb / s while consuming less energy. This allows, for example, reducing the time required to transfer a file, or send a photo to another mobile or a printer over a dozen meters.



10. A default navigator
Smartphones not equipped with GPS can not however work as navigating devices , using an external GPS module (sometimes called GPS  antenna,it contains the electronics for receiving, decoding and communication )The GPS receiver is placed under the windscreen and communicates with the smartphone via Bluetooth.

Tired of your old simple phone ? Since the trend now is to have a smartphone you want to purchase one and you are a little bit lost in what the market offers . Here is a simple guide to help you make your choice :

The screen to process documents
In all cases, a good screen quality and size is best, either for processing documents or view photos. A smartphone has naturally a bigger screen than a conventional mobile phone. For comfort, choose a screen as large as possible.



The graphical input through the stylus
Another approach is the graphical input on some of the touch screen using the stylus. Some can achieve a very good speed. It is a question of taste and habit.

Personal choice of navigation
The navigation is mostly a personal choice: some people prefer a knob or a mini-trackball (like on the BlackBerry Pearl) to navigate.Others prefer the more intuitive approach of the touchscreen.

Choose broadband to communicate your data
The smartphone is used primarily to communicate. The network connection is a paramount. A broadband network is necessary if one wants to communicate a large amount of data. Despite claims by the operators, 3G and 3G +  are still far from covering the whole territory. And though we are speaking now about 4G , it is still a technology that needs to get mature .

Synchronize your data with the web!
The navigation is more a personal choice: some people prefer a knob or a mini-trackball (like on the BlackBerry Pearl) to navigate. These systems can, in fact, to navigate with one hand while the touch screens require both. Others prefer the more intuitive approach of the touchscreen.

The GPS system on your Smartphone
Some smartphones offer a GPS function, thereby reducing the number of devices in the pocket, especially since it is preferable not to let a mobile GPS in the car. However, we have only the GPS (TomTom, Viamichelin ...) provided by the manufacturer of smartphone. Unless you buy and then install another software. A true multimedia platform!  Like many of their similar conventional multimedia mobile phones, smartphones include camera, video camera, MP3 player. The criteria for these functions are identical to those phones, which are added multimedia playback functions.



A powerful battery for mobile
The battery life is very important to look at twice before you decide. Designed for mobile use and professional, a PDA-phone constantly out of power would cause many problems. This is something even more important that some functions are extremely energy-intensive, such as 3G communications, the Wif-Fi and GPS. In addition, these devices contain powerful processors (more than a normal phone), which also consume much energy.

Assisted GPS
Some smartphones or PDA-Phones offer an enhanced version of GPS: the A-GPS. The smartphone then based in part on the mobile network and the data connection to speed up GPS tracking. In addition to that, this solution provides maps up to date.

Get a suitable size for your needs
The sizes vary from one cell phone to another. Too large or  small , everyone has its avantages.Take it into account when making your choice. The small terminals are discrete but often have small screens and reduced autonomy. The large size often offer more features, large screen and good battery life but at the expense of "portability".

Tired of your old simple phone ? Since the trend now is to have a smartphone you want to purchase one and you are a little bit lost in what the market offers . Here is a simple guide to help you make your choice :

Here are some advices you should know when buying you PDA cell phone :

1-Pocket PC
Pocket PCs are more expensive, because of their power and their functionality. Driven by the operating system Microsoft Windows Mobile, their integration with a desktop PC running on Windows is perfect. Thus, a regular Windows easily find its bearings. The current edition is Windows Mobile 7.



2- Screen and Multimedia. The rise of the equipment used in PDAs can take advantage of new functionality, particularly communications and multimedia. So if you want to enjoy these features, make sure that the screen displays a sufficient number of colors and good resolution. Usually, the resolution of a PDA is 320x240 pixels, but it requires improved technologies, their resolution passes slowly at VGA (640x480) and their readability of the screens is necessarily improved. But their introduction is still recent, the performance of the assistant may be still down compared to a PDA using a conventional screen.

3- Software
The multimedia capabilities of the wizard are also defined by the software provided. Although you'll still be able to download the software separately, a good pack office / multimedia pledge of quality and professionalism from the manufacturer.

4- Connectivity
Personal assistants have communication interfaces more or less advanced. We find for example a single serial port on the assistants at low prices, or the support of Bluetooth or WiFi on midrange models or high-end, via traditional USB 1.0 or 2.0, used in large majority.



5- Materials and components
Like desktop computers, PDAs are powered by a processor and RAM . Although the overall processor PDAs with Palm OS had a lower frequency compared to processors with Pocket PC PDAs, their performances are similar. To use your current personal assistant, you should have at least 64 MB of RAM, preferably expandable by adding a card-type Flash or SD Card. Besides the RAM installed, you can find the ROM. Your applications are stored in RAM, it is important to check its storage capacity to avoid being run out of space. Another factor related to the material that should be considered before the purchase is the battery life.

6- Accessories accompanying the PDA
The accessories that you can find  coming with the PDA: a cigarette lighter socket, allowing you to save battery power when you're away. In addition, some models have an integrated optical sensor for taking pictures or videos. We can also find models with a GPS module, but reserved for the high end devices .

7- The Palm system
Often less expensive than Windows Mobile Pocket PC, Palm target customers more professional than the previous. The Palm community is very important and active, but Palm has stopped  the making of operating systems to focus on products. The advantages of models running on Palm OS are their stability, their quality and their great software library.

8- Processor
The CPU power and memory are chosen according to application and use that you want the PDA for .

9- Handset GPS
An integrated PDA GPS antenna and software saves space requirements and ease of use compared to a separate solution.

10- Accessories
Multiple accessories - transport, protection of the screen or the shell, Supports, In-car chargers - are available at an additional cost.