Choosing the Right Devices for Your Mobile Life

May 13th, 2010 by Michael Brancato | located in Tips and Tricks | trackback

It seems like every time I turn around, there’s a shiny new gadget that promises a better, easier way to stay connected and get more done. But one person can only have so many devices… and choosing the right one(s) can make the difference between staying productive and being frustrated.

Do you ever wonder whether you should carry a smartphone, tablet, laptop – or all three? Here are a few questions I ask myself before I pull out my credit card; I hope they’ll help you, too.

• What are you going to use it for? This is the first question to ask yourself when you’re choosing a device. Does your job require special software that requires a certain type of computing environment? You need a laptop. Do you primarily use web-based services, without the need for graphics software, fast processing speeds, or a lot of available memory? All you need is a tablet. Is your business mainly conducted on the phone and in person? Get the best smartphone you can buy.
• Where are you going to use it? The environment you work in every day plays a big role in what device to buy. For instance, if you’re on a construction site, a tablet is a risky choice – a laptop in a rugged case or a smartphone that can be safely buttoned inside a jacket might be a better fit. If you’re in an office most of the day, lugging a power-hungry laptop to meetings might be overkill; a tablet will let you take notes, and has the battery life to last for most of the day. If you’re outside a lot, or in a hectic, fast-moving environment, a smartphone will keep you connected via voice, email, and text – without the worries of plugging in, finding an Internet connection, or damaging an expensive device.
• How much do you have to spend? The cost of smartphones, tablets and laptops varies widely. You’ll pay a premium for brand name and computing power – and even more if the device you have your eye on was released within the last three months. If you’re willing to be patient, and wait until the device you want has been on the market a while, you’re likely to get a better deal.

The details matter. Within each category – smartphone, tablet, and laptop – there is also a range of choices. On any device you consider, here are a few things to check for:

• Security standards. Very important if you’re sending confidential information.
• Ease of use. If you do a lot of email or texting, be sure to test out different keypads and keyboards before making your choice – it can have a lot of impact on how quickly you’re able to get work done.
• WiFi capability. Do you need to be connected on the fly? Make sure your device can connect to WiFi.
• Apps or other compatible software. Make a note of all the apps or other software you need – and make sure the device you choose works with them.

Take your time. Ask around. Read reviews from people you trust. Don’t make a rush decision – and you’re far more likely to make a smart choice.

Good luck out there!

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