1: Form Factor



"Form factor" refers to the size, shape, and style of a mobile device, as well as the physical features it includes. Although Windows Mobile smartphones have similar capabilities, they come in a variety of form factors, and the characteristics of them may make it easier or harder to access the features needed by a particular user. For example, a lightweight device with a numeric keypad and small screen might be ideal if you're primarily interested in making and answering phone calls. However, if you plan on reading and answering a lot of e-mail or text messages, you'd be better off investing in a slightly larger device with a QWERTY keypad and a bigger screen. You also need to consider the cellular technology used by your preferred network. Most of the rest of the world has standardized on GSM technology, but the U.S. has both GSM networks (AT&T, T-Mobile, others) and CDMA networks (Sprint, Verizon, others). For more on this, see the sidebar on the next page.


Finally, you need to consider that advantages and disadvantages of screen interface. Some Windows Mobile smartphones have touch screens that allow you to control and interact with the device by tapping on the screen. Other smartphones are controlled by pressing buttons and keys on the device.
 This article describes five smartphone form factors currently available and discusses their suitability for different users and tasks.


Bar-style


The bar-style (or candy bar-style) phone is probably the most common smartphone form factor. The device has a solid bar design without slide-out keyboards or flip covers. It has either a numeric keypad or a QWERTY keyboard underneath the screen. Both touch screen and non-touch screen smartphones are available in this form factor.


Strengths: Bar-style smartphones are generally small and thin, making them easy to carry and slip in and out of your pocket or purse. The keypads on the face of the device make them ideal for one-handed use. The models with QWERTY keypads make it easy to respond to text messages and e-mail. 


Bottom line: Bar-style devices are great for anyone who wants the power of a smartphone in a form factor similar to that of a typical cell phone. It may not be the best choice for someone who needs to do a lot of e-mailing and Web browsing on the go, due to small screen, keyboard/keypad, and key size. However, a fair amount of bar-style smartphones have screens that are comparable in size to those on slide-style devices. Be sure to compare the two styles before deciding on a device.


Bar-style smartphones include the Motorola
Q Global and HP iPAQ 510 (non-touch screen)
and the Palm Treo 800w and i-mate
Ultimate 8150 (touch screen).