Virtual Assistant Forums | Work from Home

lsmapp · #1 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008

I'm due to upgrade my cell phone and I'm trying to decide if I'll use certain features enough to spend the money on a smartphone or not.

The smartphone I want would have wi-fi access and ability to view/edit documents. It is pretty expensive though, even with the credit from my cell phone company I'm eligible for.

I do have a laptop and I wonder if I'll really use the smartphone features enough to bother spending 300 on a phone? Or should I just get a free phone and take my laptop with me when needed?

Any ideas are appreciated - or share your work-away-from-the-house solutions - thanks!!!

Rebecka Melson · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008

I think you should go with whatever you prefer. I just have a regular cell phone and laptop.

eve_k0802 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008

I actually switched providers and got a new smartphone (The Blackjack) for free because I chose a larger data package. It's great when you need internet access and a place doesn't have WiFi. I just tether my phone to my laptop, and I'm working away. I love having my email and internet access wherever I am.

VBP · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008

It really is a personal preference. If you are very mobile and it's critical that you have interenet access, then perhaps a smart phone would be the better option, especially to be able to stay on top of client projects and email etc.

I don't have either. I have a regular cell phone and a desktop PC. I recently pondered about getting an upgraded cell phone or laptop. If and when I decide, I will probably go with the laptop. My eyes are shot as it is, and the thought of staring at such a small screen does not do it for me! :-)

I would like to add that as Eve pointed out, the services on the smart phone are really good. My husband has the Blackjack and loves it because he needs to be accessible at all times.

VBP · #5 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/21608

Above is a link that talks about this very thing!

Kerans VA · #6 (**permalink**) 04-09-2008

Hi Laurie,

Great to see another Albertan here!

Regarding your question about a smartphone, I have a Palm-based Treo 755 and love it. I have had various Treo's over the past 6 years, so I am rather biased. I really like the integration of the contact list with my phone, so it's easy to identify callers and also to make calls. My calendar comes up with any appointments for the day and I use the memo application for the seemingly endless passwords one must keep track of. I can also access my email, so it's handy if I am out running errands to see if a client has emailed me in case of anything urgent. I use text messaging quite often for friends and family and have used the camera on occasion. It is Bluetooth capable, which for me is a must in the car, I have occasionally used the video camera in it, it has GPS which I have never used and the MP3 player I used in my last Treo, but I now have an iPod, so I don't take advantage of that program. I can sync it with my laptop, which is a great timesaver if I am entering in a lot of dates into my calendar or any other extensive data and it is a good backup system.

It really is up to you whether you want to spend the additional money, but I would recommend it only if you think you are going to really put it to use or you have a specific need for it. As a new VA, I would consider this more of a luxury item and personally would spend money on new software or a new program you would like to purchase that might better benefit your business. The new cell phones have a lot of the programs that the smartphones have now, which wasn't always the case.

Hope that helps and good luck!