It’s the ultimate mobile – a device that doubles up a phone with a powerful pocket computer, delivering power and flexibility in one small handset. When you pack a smartphone, you’re not only getting more functionality than a standard mobile, you’re also getting a device that allows you to add more sophisticated applications for both business and pleasure, as and when you like. From GPS Satellite Navigation and enhanced video-editing tools to spreadsheet editors and movie-viewing software, there are hundreds of add-on third-party applications available. Familiar versions of desktop PC applications are further enhanced by the mobility and high-speed connectivity that mobile phone technology can now deliver. Operating systems: Microsoft’s Mobile: Microsoft’s Mobile platform offers a Windows environment, including Office and Windows Media Player. A wide range of third-party apps are available and there are an increasing number of Windows Mobile-powered devices appearing on the market. Symbian S60: Symbian S60 is available on a number of handsets which use traditional mobile keypads with software optimized for this style of use. The development of software such as UIQ (User Interface Quartz) has allowed more flexibility with jogwheels and touchscreens. The latter means you can use a virtual keypad or handwriting recognition for inputting data. Palm OS The Palm OS is also available on a few smartphones, the Palm Treo 650 being the only current model in the UK. This offers a touchscreen, keypad and dial navigation, plus compatibility with many Palm OS apps. Software The type of operating system you choose will determine the range of applications you can use. A number of websites offer a wide selection of mobile software plus you can check out the sites relating to a specific OS. You’ll find a host of categories to choose from, including travel, entertainment and multimedia, with hundreds of applications to enhance your phone experience. Memory As well as their built-in storage, most smartphones support memory expansion via slot-in flash memory cards. A number of types of card exist. These can be used for boosting memory, transferring files or storing apps and content. Capacities range depending on card type. 3G or not 3G? 3G will speed up any data transfers from web browsing and email to video downloads and streaming. 3G services offer a much richer variety of content options; streamed Mobile TV services and video calling are just some extra services you’ll be able to access via 3G. Connectivity Most smartphones include Bluetooth, USB connectivity, and Infrared. Wi-Fi is increasingly being offered, including several Windows Mobile Pocket PC, PE, and some Symbian S60 devices in Nokia’s Nseries and Eseries. All smartphones offer good software for connecting and synchronizing data with a PC.