Although smartphones are packed with more features than most individuals will ever actually use, there are some key features to consider when picking a smartphone. The first, and arguably most important, feature is the keyboard. Smartphone keyboards come in different shapes and layouts. Because smartphones are designed for data input, chances are you will be using the keyboard a lot. Whether you plan to e-mail, text message, browse the internet or a combination of all three, you will be using the keyboard to perform these operations. Smartphone keyboards are used so often that there is actually a term called "BlackBerry Thumb," which refers to users who have developed arthritis of the thumb due to typing excessively on their BlackBerry smartphones. The best way to determine what kind of keyboard suits you best is to get a little hands-on experience. Even if you plan on ordering your smartphone from the internet, it is worthwhile to take a trip to your local electronics store and try out their selection of smartphones. You really can't tell if your fingers will be too big for a smartphone just by looking at a picture. Also, a hands-on experience can help you determine whether you prefer the traditional QWERTY keyboard layout, or if you might be interested in using a different layout.

monthly costs

Before spending a couple hundred dollars on a smartphone, it is important to consider the total cost of owning one. If you want to tap into the full internet and e-mail capabilities that your smartphone offers, you will need to purchase a separate plan in addition to your current cell phone plan. Here is a breakdown of the costs of a data plan from the major mobile service providers:

Cingular Wireless

Data Connect-Access e-mail and the internet via a Cingular Wireless Smartphone

5 MB-$19.99 per month
10 MB-$29.99 per month
20 MB-$39.99 per month
Unlimited-$44.99 per month

BlackBerry Data Access/Connect-Access e-mail via a Cingular Wireless BlackBerry

4 MB-$39.99 per month
Unlimited-$49.99 per month

Sprint PCS

PCS Vision-Access e-mail and the internet via a laptop or Sprint PCS Smartphone

40 MB-$40
Unlimited-$80

Verizon Wireless

Choice Bundle-Combines a voice plan and data plan into one convenient bundle

Core Choice (450 Anytime Minutes along with unlimited data usage, IN calls and night/weekend minutes)-$79.99 per month
Extra Choice (1350 Anytime Minutes along with unlimited data usage, IN calls and night/weekend minutes)-$109.99 per month
Max Choice (4000 Anytime Minutes along with unlimited data usage, IN calls and night/weekend minutes)-$169.99 per month

In addition to the considering the cost of a specific service, it is important to choose a service provider that is reliable and well-established in your area. Take some time to read local user reviews about the service providers you are considering, and ask your friends, family or coworkers that use the service provider you are considering what they think about their quality of service.

what not tips  

• You should never have to pay the full retail price for smartphone. Whether you buy it online, from an electronics store or cellular phone store, you should receive some form of discount. Online and electronics stores normally run sales, while cellular phone stores will offer a rebate incentive for buying a smartphone and signing a service contract.
• Protect your investment! If your smartphone does not come with a case that provides protection, spend the extra twenty to thirty dollars to buy one. A smartphone is a big investment, and you don't want it to get damaged.  
• If you plan on frequently using your smartphone, make sure to look into its connectivity features. Features such as a USB port, Bluetooth and expansion ports can prove invaluable. Buying a smartphone that is not compatible with your desktop computer or laptop can turn into a real headache.
  

compare TOP PICKS                                            (skip to side notes)
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Level of Competition:   8  [?]
WhatNot Latitude:        6   [?]

	Motorola Q	Blackberry 8700g	Palm Treo 700p
	Best Pick - The Motorola Q has received high ratings and reviews for its call quality, multimedia features and productivity tools.	Most Popular - The BlackBerry 8700g is one of the most popular smartphones among consumers.	Great Alternative - The Palm Treo 700p is a solid smartphone that offers reliable performance and plenty of features.
bottom line	The Motorola Q packs all of the smartphone essentials into an ultra thin and attractive package.	Although the BlackBerry 8700g is lacking in media capabilities, it makes up for it in the areas of performance and productivity.	Although the Palm Treo 700p may not be the most well-advertised smartphone on the market, it holds its own when compared to other top of the line competitors.
retail price	$349	$349	$ 399
service provider	verizon	t-mobile	sprint
operating system	Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0	BlackBerry	Palm OS 5.4.9
keyboard layout	QWERTY	QWERTY	QWERTY
size	4.57 x 2.52 x 0.47 inches	4.3 x 2.7 x 0.7 inches	4.4 x 2.3 x 0.9 inches
screen size	2.5 inches	2.5 inches	2.5 inches
screen resolution	320X240	320X240	240X240
bluetooth	yes	yes	yes
touch screen	no	no	yes
camera	yes	no	yes
ports	Infrared, mini USB and Mini SD	Infrared, mini USB and Mini SD	SDIO/MMC, USB
ram (memory)	64 MB	16 MB	32 MB
memory	128 MB (Flash)	64 MB (Flash)	128 MB (Flash)
wi-fi	no	yes	no
battery life	4 hours talk time	7 hours talk time	4.5 hours talk time
other features or comments	* Windows Media Player 10 for music and video * Outlook Mobile for e-mail * Speakerphone and voice dialing	* EDGE network for web browsing * View all popular file attachments (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) * Speakerphone and voice dialing	* Documents to Go 8 Suite allows you to edit Word, Excel and PowerPoint files * VersaMail 3.5 for e-mail * Speakerphone * Photo Camera ID
unique concerns	* No Mobile Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)	* No camera or media player	* No OS update available