Guidance on...Mobile Devices
Of course, an iPad
Wow, what an invention. We are asked on a regular basis about the benefits of an iPad. Some try to convince themselves that they will use one in lieu of a computer. I tried that approach with my wife. Didn't work!
For those we have setup, everyone loves them. Some complain about the lack of ease with printing, but you can get around that.
The iPad you see is a shot from the movie Up! when he was lifting off. Aside from looking great on the iPad, it was one of the most touching movies ever - for those of us who are more romantic than the rest (wait a minute, is this a technical web site?)
Backup your phone data
Whether you are using a Blackberry or an iPhone, ensure that you regularly check to ensure that your phone data is being saved to your computer on a regular basis. Then, if you have issues with your phone, you can restore your contacts, calls and other information. You can look at your program (Blackberry Desktop Manager for instance) to ensure that it is setup to run a backup of your phone information on a regular basis.
Choosing and purchasing a phone
Unfortunately for this one, it depends. We've been iPhone users for a year now and really enjoy them. Easy to see and read. Easy to use. Prior to that, we were Blackberry users and they served their need -- certainly more business oriented than the fun to carry iPhone.
For your individual needs, it's best to go to a store that sells phones for your preferred phone vendor. Hold the phones and look at them to see if you like the way it feels. Next, ensure that it can do what you want. If you are a real estate agent for instance, ensure that there is software to perform the functions you need (i.e., mls browsing, electronic lock box management, etc).
Protect your mobile device
For longevity of your phone or mobile device, it's important to protect the screen and, in some cases, the phone itself. Enclosing your device in a contraption (we like Otter Box products) to protect it from spills and falls (not to mention dust and grime) will pay off in the long run.
Take a look at the Otter box line of products to get an idea of how to protect your equipment.