Some mobile workers can abandon laptops for smartphones such as Apple's iPhone.
With increasing numbers of workers using mobile computing technologies such as laptops and smartphones such as the Apple iPhone, it can become difficult to decide which hardware is best for the job. Considerations range from size, to scope of work and cellular reception. The variety of available iPhone applications and accessories make the smartphone a much more attractive choice for workers than when it was released in 2007.
The Facts
The Apple iPhone has been available since 2007 and as of early 2010 is exclusively tied to the AT&T nationwide network in the United States. Its primary strengths include its capabilities as a cellular phone, SMS text messaging and web browsing. Heavy word processing is somewhat cumbersome by default, but that can be rectified with attachable or Bluetooth wireless keyboards.
Requirements
The iPhone requires a secondary computer with which it synchronizes information and receives updates from Apple. Requirements, as of early 2010, include a Macintosh computer running Mac OS X 10.4.8 or later with iTunes 8.2 or later, an iTunes Store account, Internet access and an available USB port. For users running Windows, the iPhone requires a system running Windows Vista, or XP Home or Professional, with an available USB port, iTunes 8.2 or later, an iTunes Store account and Internet access.
Specifications
As of early 2010, the iPhone is limited to one screen size---3.5-inch diagonal, 480 x 320 pixels--and three hard drive sizes: 8 gigabytes for the 3G model, and 16 or 32 gigabytes for the iPhone 3GS. The iPhone can connect to the Internet via the AT&T EDGE and 3G networks and can also access local Wi-Fi hotspots. Laptops, by contrast, offer a variety of screen sizes, storage options and can come from a variety of manufacturers.
Size
Because of its incredibly small size and weight---4.5 inches high, 2.4 inches wide, .48 inches deep, and 4.8 ounces as of early 2010---the iPhone is an attractive option for users who do not require heavy processing power or large screens. Laptops can be as light as 3 pounds, but units that small typically have cramped keyboards that can be uncomfortable for long periods of use. All-purpose laptops with screens 10 to 15 inches diagonal range 5 to 8 pounds, which can be ungainly if users travel frequently.
Considerations
The iPhone may not run proprietary applications necessary for some business users, as well as many industry standard applications for detailed photo and video editing. Following a series of updates, Microsoft Outlook users gained better iPhone integration. The iPhone's Safari web browser does not support Flash, which is used for animations on many websites.
Additionally, as of early 2010, iPhone users in the United States are bound to yearly or biennial AT&T usage contracts. Cellular reception varies greatly region to region and even within neighborhoods. If using an iPhone as your primary computing device, it is advisable to perform real-world reception tests before fully committing.
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