Wall-to-wall schedule and a drowning in a torrent of e-mail? A business phone will help you reclaim time - and these tips will show you how to pick the right one for your needs.
Once expensive toys reserved for the higher echelons of corporate life, business phones have finally approached a balance in price and functionality which could benefit executives and knowledge workers alike. Allowing for instant-on access to basic communications and time management, these devices allow for the consulting and manipulation of data such as e-mail, appointments, contacts and tasks, all the while synchronizing information back to ones main computer wirelessly.
Three words: basics, basics and basics
By definition more versatile than your average mobile phone, business phones also tend to carry more bulk - so make sure you pick one that won't make a mockery of your power suit. Also, increased capabilities require increased power, which in this particular case means the importance of good battery life cannot be underestimated. If you're a power user or frequent traveller, pick one that charges via USB, thus letting you top up in emergencies and lose weight for the road.
Furthermore, check for the ability to one-handedly dial a contact and manage incoming messages and reminders. Naturally, good signal reception and voice quality are both requirements, as is 3G for data transfer and Bluetooth support for use as a wireless laptop modem. Wi-Fi is less important as transfer speed benefits are rendered mute by the inherent inability to work with large data files due to restrictions in screen size and processing power. Two exceptions exist, however: foreign travellers wishing to avoid roaming fees and heavy VoIP users.
Getting things done
When it comes to interacting with your device of choice, the value of ergonomically sound data entry options - be it in the form of keypads or thumbboards - cannot be underestimated. A Bluetooth keyboard accessory could let you crank up things a notch, but should never be relied upon to replace built-in entry options as a flat surface is required for use - requiring you to make a full stop. Also, make sure your device has a vibrating alert and can easily be switched to silent mode to avoid embarassing situations.
Once data entry is taken care of, software comes into play. A business phone should out-of-box let you effortlessly check e-mail at pre-defined intervals; view and preferably edit attachments in common formats such as Office documents; look up and edit your appointments; maintain a contacts library; and preferably also manage tasks. The ability to synchronize data and files with a local PC is a requirement, while groupware support for Microsoft Exchange or similar solutions is an added bonus.
Quick tip: for the best selection of frequently updated third party software to enhance the functionality of your device, go with one that runs on Microsoft's Windows Mobile platform.
Kandi, get me one of those doo-dads stat
By now, you're probably wondering whether any device meets our stringent requirements - and we're happy to say that Palm's
Treo 700w is it. Only somewhat hampered by a cramped display and less than ideal one-handed navigation, it performs very well across the board despite its small size, hitting the sweet spot as our preferred business phone for the US market.
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