I can remember when the iPhone was first announced and released; how I sulked at it in various ways. The idea of a phone that was used (almost) completely via touchscreen just sounded like a recipe for inconvenience and defects. Applications and features were but a shrug-aside to me as well. Having a $500-$600 price tag (yes, I remember their original cost) didn't help me dig into the hype either.
Fast-forward four years and now I can't wait to upgrade my beyond-minimalist cell phone to a smartphone (my eye is on the HTC Evo 3D, though the Photon 4G has also caught my attention). It's a bit funny that something I held with such maligned thoughts is now the latest thing I'm looking forward to incorporating. A family member and myself will be upgrading, hopefully some time shortly into August. I'm still asked by some of my other relatives why I really feel the "need" (I prefer the term "strong desire") for such a feature-ridden device when I essentially get most of them between a regular phone and my MacBook. Well, I'm going to give a list of reasons that have made me succumb to the smartphone hype. Conversely, I might also do a list of things I'm not looking forward to with the upgrade to a fancy new device.
Device Price
This point is more than what it seems, I'll be the first to admit (data plans), but for the sake of this list, I'm focusing on the cost of the phone itself. As I mentioned above, the iPhone wasn't the cheapest price upon release. And while you can technically buy pretty much any phone without a carrier, the cost essentially rivals the iPhone's original cost. But when the time comes for an eligible upgrade at listed price, smartphones are actually at a decent price point. $200 for a recently released Evo 3D or the upcoming Photon 4G really isn't that bad of a deal for the phone itself. It's generally best to wait for new technology to become accepted before jumping on the bandwagon. Smartphones are all the rage now, resulting in more competitive pricing, which starts on the phone itself. I'm fine waiting a few years to get a more full-fledged device for a better deal.
Just about anything is an upgrade from this (my current phone)
Several Available Options
When the iPhone was released, one could essentially call it the start to the smartphone craze. It's continued to be a good enough device (reliability proving my skepticisms wrong), but I don't like giving into a(n expansion to a) field that has limited options. Although, now that other companies have jumped on the bandwagon and are continually providing more options, enticements have begun peaking my interest. As I said, I like the iPhone more now than originally. However, I still regard it as a basic and underwhelming device; one that would probably disappoint me with everyday use. But there are far more choices out there, many of which I consider better. Since I have larger hands/thumbs, a big screen is practically a necessity for me, and that's something devices like the Evo offer. And while I no longer deem it a necessary feature, the inclusion of a physical keyboard is something I'm fond of. Each carrier has options with that, but if I looked around two to three years ago, I'd have a tough time finding a satisfying device. Now, however, it's tough to choose between two devices...or four. But it's always better to struggle choosing from more options than to scratch your head at justifying the purchase of something there's a limited selection for.
Easier (and Better) Organization
As a college student (even with only a year left before graduating), it does well to stay on top of things. This can become challenging and cluttered, with the organization of papers, dates and other things (not just for clas ses). Something I faced on an almost daily basis was writing down little bits on my (physical) calendar and pieces of paper to remind myself of what to do. Needless to say, convenience wasn't the first word to come to mind. With a smartphone at my hands, I'd be able to better manage keeping track of what I need to put down. As any other college student can testify, there are still professors who don't allow or look fondly on the use of laptops in clas s even with the dominance of technology in our lives. My next best option? Try something a little more inconspicuous with the use of a smartphone. Even if I were to wait to put something in my digital calendar until after clas s for example, it'd still be more fresh in my memory than it would be after a 20-30 minute walk back to my apartment. Not to mention the lack of handwriting would make editing information WAY easier (because we can all attest to instructors changing due dates, some more frequently than others). And silly as it might sound for a guy to say, but this could come in handy when I do grocery shopping (side note: data > paper for short bits, paper > data for longer material aka books).
Sometimes all it takes are nice looks
Finally Have a Real Camera/Camcorder
I'm the kind of person who loves to capture things that catch their eye. Unfortunately, I've only owned one regular camera/camcorder and, because of how poorly designed the battery tray was, it ran its course before having an ideal lifespan. Since then, I've had not but the abysmal camera on my less-than-minimalist cell phone. As a result, I couldn't tell you how many times I've said "oh, I wish I had a camera/camcorder to see this again." While I'm fully aware that a smartphone camera/camcorder is bare-bones compared to higher end capture devices, I just need something that will be "good," not top-of-the-line. If you gave me a $600+ camera I wouldn't know what to do with it. While I try to take the best photos possible, I think having even 5-8 megapixels with up to 720p camera/camcorder would be more than sufficient for what I desire. And while I still view the 3D craze as a gimmick, having the option for photos and videos on the Evo 3D still makes for a nice addition and twist, as the 3D effects won't be limited to what others (filmmakers) provide.
Unlimited Texting
If it isn't clear by now, I'll just come out and say it: I'm generally a late adapter. I prefer to wait and see how things unfold. Among the areas this applies to is texting my contacts. I never really jumped on to that until I had a cell phone for a couple years or so, and even then it's taken some time before I did it frequently. Unfortunatley, the current plan my family and I use only allows for the first 100 text messages to be free (it's 25 cents for each additional message, if I recall correctly). Again, I think anyone can agree that 100 text messages today is like 50 pages in a long-running book series such as Harry Potter or Dark Tower. There are a limited number of options for which data plan my family and I will decide on, but about the only restriction we'll face by taking the least expensive option is how many minutes we can talk before paying more. Text messages and data sharing are unlimited and included. In other words: it'll make conversing with my friends and other contacts that much easier. I'd still use the phone itself, obviously, but about 80% of my communications occur via text messages. They're a generally easier and cheaper option (since you can view the message when you want/need to and respond correspondingly), which is something I'll be looking forward to enjoying more freely.
Hit Up the GPS
It might be a small touch, but every little bit does contribute. The advantage to having a GPS on its own is the convenience of directions right before you. Not to mention you save paper and ink (thus trees and money). If I need to suddenly find somewhere to go (like a decent auto repair shop, since my car loves being a money sinkhole), then I have the power to conveniently find one right in my pocket. Or perhaps my friends will want to go somewhere, a place that I've no idea about. Type it into Google Maps (for example) and I'll be on my way.
Gaming Break
Another small advantage, and though I'm not crazy about the idea of smartphone gaming overall, there is some potential. The games that seem to involve physics are pretty neat and the racing games, while certainly not ideal, are designed well enough for enjoyment. Not to mention I've read and heard that games from the PlayStation and GameBoy have been emulated for release on smartphones. Come on, how can I deny my inner, nerdy kid side the chance to play Pokemon Yellow and Silver from my phone?
Lolcat says "I can has Pokemon?"
Even Better Internet Accessibility
Just like smartphones, internet has been on high emphasis these days. And portability is the way to go (desktops are just about on their way out). And while devices such as laptops are great for this, you can get the same or similar results on a smartphone. They're also smaller/more portable and, depending on your location and available internet options, can be faster. Since I'll be back in Orlando for this academic year, I should have 4G connections at my fingertips. By comparison, the internet we have at our house in my hometown is...less than ideal. Even if big brother might be watching, I like to take an "ignorance is bliss" mentality (if you can enjoy it even more, then why reject it?).