 | Samsung Jack or LG Fathom: Free with Two-Year Contract |
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 | LG Quantum: $50 with Two-Year Contract |
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 | HTC Surround or HTC HD7: $100 with Two-Year Contract |
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| The allure of the Windows Mobile's operating system for smartphones primarily rests on its familiarity among users who desire the functionality of a miniature, portable version of their Microsoft-based PCs. Windows Mobile phones are made by a variety of manufacturers including Samsung, HTC, LG and Dell. The phones are sold through several major mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. | | |
| Typical costs: | - AT&T offers a handful of phones that run on the Windows Mobile operating system. The Samsung Jack is free with a two-year contract. The phone includes a QWERTY keyboard and a 3.2 megapixel camera and camcorder. Without the contract, the phone sells for $450.The HTC Surround, is offered through AT&T at $100 with a two-year contract. The no-contract or retail/replacement cost for the Surround is $450. The LG Quantum costs $50 with a two-year contract, $400 retail.
- The HTC HD7, available through T-Mobile, costs $100 with a two-year contract, $500 without a contract.
- Dell sells a Windows phone through both T-Mobile and AT&T. The Dell Venue Pro costs $80 with two-year contract. Without a contract, the phone sells for $500.
- Verizon sells one Windows phone, the L G Fathom, which is free with a two-year contract. Without a contract, the Fathom is $300.
What should be included: | - Features vary depending on the phone, but most have a touch-screen interface. Many also include a slide-out, QWERTY keyboard. Cameras will vary from 3 to 5 megapixels.
- Most phones will come with a web browser, 3G or 4G support, Wi-fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
- A Windows Mobile-powered phone can synchronize Outlook and Microsoft document-sharing throughout the organization via Microsoft Exchange Server. The costs for setting up Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 can cost more than $10,000.
- Windows Mobile phones offer full integration with Xbox Live, so gamers can take their games with them.
Additional costs: | - AT&T service plans cost $40 -$70 a month, depending on the number of minutes and other features included. Verizon service plans cost $40 -$90.
- Data plans, required for the duration of the contract, cost an extra $15 -$45 a month. An AT&T data plan begins at $15; an unlimited Verizon data plan costs $30.
- Accessories will vary by phone, but many can be found on Amazon. For example, a screen cover costs $1 -$5, Bluetooth earpieces costs $40 and up, and a protective case costs about $10.
- Insurance coverage on smartphones is typically $5 -$10 per month and generally covers lost, stolen or damages phones. Payment of a deductible may be required to replace a phone, but it's usually less expensive than paying retail for a phone.
Shopping for a windows mobile phone: | - To browse, compare and find just the right phone, go no further than Microsoft's Windows Mobile smart phone site.
- A good launch point for systems administrators interested in installing Microsoft Exchange Server 2003 is the company's TechNet library.
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Article updated July 2011 |
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