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Choosing the right Mobile Platform
(Operating System)

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BlackBerry
7 OS
BlackBerry 7 is the latest generation of OS from
RIM. They have added exciting new powerful features and innovative apps.
Near Field Communications (NFC) allows you to connect with other NFC labeled
devices and smart tags. Augmented reality introduces new ways to interact
with the world around you.
Who should consider
BlackBerry 7 OS
Nobody does Push e-mail better. RIM invented this technology
and delivers e-mail faster with better encrption technology, and greater
reliability.This technology is still favored by IT Managers globally as
it offers over 600 permissions that can allow adminstrators to remotely
control a users device.
RIM devices are rather basic
looking compared to iPhones and Androids. Their elegant qwerty keypad
is very intuitive and easy to use. Unlike the other mobile platforms,
BlackBerry devices are bandwidth friendly and capable of compressing data
to about half that of Androids and iPhones. That means it is not as likely
to exceed a fixed data limit with a 'Berry compared to the other platforms.
If the Blackberry is the Prius of SmartPhones regarding Bandwidth usage,
the iPhone and Android models are the Hummers. Those full sized screens
and browsing experience can come with a price.
Battery life is clearly best
on the BlackBerry devices as well. To sum it up, the Blackberry devices
will not provide quite the browsing experience as the Android and iPhones.
They will blow the doors off these devices for e-mail delivery speed and
battery efficiency though.
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 PROS
Best e-mail Platform
Most Battery Efficient
Uses very little data
Most secure
CONS
Browsing fair
Calendar fair
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Android Gingerbread 2.33
OS
There's a good reason that Steve Jobs declared war on Google's Android. Google ripped off Apple's design and offered it to the public for cheaper. They also offered features (Adobe Flash) and functionality (4G) that Apple to this day still lacks. As most of today's Androids are shipping with Gingerbread 2.33
OS, that's the one I am going to compare. This open source platform is
the most user friendly and customizable. I started with an HTC EVO Android in June of 2011. It came with Android 2.1OS and a verison of Flash Lite. I immediately received an over-the-air upgrade to Froyo 2.2 OS about a week later. That version upgraded my Flash to 10.1 Since then, my device has upgraded itself to Gingerbread 2.33 OS. If you wish to stream videos
that utilizes Adobe Flash, this is also the best OS platform to go with.
Currently, it is estimated that Google owns 53% of the Smartphone market.
Who should consider Android Gingerbread OS
Android devices offer the most computer realistic browsing experience.
That's because they have the fastest and largest processors. They also have
the largest screens and can actually be considered "mini Tablets".
Heavy browsers, gamers and developers generally prefer this mobile platform.
There are tons of free applications, games and productivity aids. Unlike
RIM and Apple, there are many manufacturers making Android devices. LG,
HTC, Motorola, Samsung, Pantech and Sony all make there own Android models.
That means getting more bang for the buck when it comes to features per
$. Androids are probably the best call for those wishing to leave their
laptops home when on travel. That's because they provide the closest experience
to using a full sized computer.
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PROS
Best Browsing
Full Adobe Flash 10.1
Great calendar
Most Value per $
APPS are cheaper than Apple
Open Source Linux based
Supports 4G Today
CONS
-Big screen = bad battery life
-Some devices are very large
-Super AMOLED screens are a whopping $185 to replace.
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Apple
5 iOS
With it's easy to use iTunes interface, Apple
creates their own eco-system. Unlike other companies, they seem to create
products that seamlessly integrate with their other products. Now,
5 iOS supports the enterprise with Microsoft Exchange to securely push
e-mail, calendar and contacts. This new OS actually protects data by encrypting
it: in transmission, at rest on the device, and when backed up on iTunes.
Like BlackBerry, it is now possible to deploy iPhones accross an enterprise
using configuration profiles. The
devices are stable, the OS is stable, and the battery life is now actually
quite good. iCloud and Siri may be the best arguments for Apple 5 iOS.
The iCloud allows you to store and sync data with your device. Siri, is
a voice automated assistant that seems to work very well, providing you are in an area that has data connectivity.
Who should consider
Apple 5 iOS
No one offers more apps than
Apple. Their performance and device stability lead the industry. The iPhone
4S combined with Apple 5 iOS equals surprisingly good battery life. These
devices are sleek looking and make a fashion statement. Anyone who wants
the best Smartphone made to date should take a hard look at the iPhone
4S with 5 iOS. I went from BlackBerry OS to Google's Android platform
2 years ago. Last week, I personally made the move from an HTC EVO (Android)
to the new iPhone 4S and am glad I did. The only feature that I had to
sacrifice was Adobe Flash. So far...It was well worth it! I was even easily
able to sync my Outlook data wirelessly using Exchange Activsync. Nice!
Anyone with multiple devices will appreciate the iCloud. It stores content
and wirelessly pushes it to all of your devices. Consumers and Businesses
should consider this platform. It's awesome!
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PROS
-Looks, feel, performance
-Rugged glass display
-Great e-mail & Calendar
CONS
-Battery not user changeable
-Memory not upgradeable
-No 4G available yet
-APPS cost more
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Microsoft Windows 7 Mango OS
Microsoft Windows
was one of the first Smartphone platforms. If you thought your old desk
top was unstable though, these were buggier. Fortunately, when Microsoft
reached their Windows for mobile 6.5 OS, things improved dramatically.
Unfortunately, that was about the time Apple put out their iPhone 4 and
Android developed FROYO 2.2 OS. It looked like Microsoft OS was going
to join PALM, Symbian and WebOS as failed platforms. At the last minute,
NOKIA partnered with Microsoft on a new OS. Why they would name it Mango
beat me. Sounds messy and sticky but who knows. NOKIA is building he Smartphones
while MS provides the OS. The first of these devices was just launched
in the US by T-Mobile. The device is called the Lumia. Reviews have been
good. I cannot endorse what I haven't tried but Mango merits mention and is one to watch as I believe it will come on strong.
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PROS
-MS knows Windows best, they invented it!
CONS
Too new to know yet
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Palm
OS, WebOS, Good OS, etc...
The Palm TREO was one of the first and best of
the SmartPhone Platforms. What RIM BlackBerry did for e-mail, PALM did for Calendar. Palm later replaced the TREO OS with their WebOS.
This was one of the first cloud based operating systems and was actually quite
good. I feel their devices, like the Pre and Pixi were meager offerings and
the weak link. Palm ended up getting bought out by HP for their WebOS
patents. HP couldn't do anything with their $500 WebOS tablets until they
dropped the pricing to $99.99. Good technology was the only real challenger
to RIM's Blackberry technology. With Microsoft Activsync being FREE, Good and RIM have both had to fight an uphill battle to survive. |
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Time to get a new device! |
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