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BlueSuitMom's Working Mom Must Haves: Cell PhonesBy Rachael Bender, Co-founder of BlueSuitMom.comWhen we asked our readers what the number one product was that made their life easier as a BlueSuitMom, the answer was unanimous: a cell phone. Particularly a smartphone, Blackberry, or iPhone. We’ve teamed up with BillShrink.com to recommend the latest phones for the busy working mom.
For the Techie With tethering capabilities, homebrew / open-source applications, seamless syncing, and an evolving platform, the Palm Pre and the Motorola Droid (powered by Android 2.0) should be on every techie's wish-list (if they don't already own one!).
For the Texter Being one of the first phones to fully integrate an instant messaging client, the Sidekick series arrived as a gift-from-heaven to texters and instant messengers everywhere. The latest Sidekick LX (2009) boast 3G and HSDPA capability, a full keyboard, and numerous improved social network capabilities—whether your love is Twitter, Facebook, MySpace, or all—you'll experience a better messaging experience as the functionalities are now native to the cell phone. If the Sidekick isn't your giftee’s cup-of-tea, any current full-key BlackBerry should satisfy any texter’s needs.
For the Chic Geek No phone giving list can be complete without Apple's incredibly popular iPhone. The latest iPhone 3GS provides every geek (both male and female) with faster hardware, multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, and more apps than you can possibly imagine (or use). The recently released Motorola Droid is no slouch either—with its Android 2.0 mobile operating system and free, turn-by-turn navigation, your special geek will definitely love either phone.
For the World Traveler Released since 2007, the BlackBerry Curve 83xx series is a sturdy bet. Battle tested, practical, and reasonably priced—an unlocked GSM-able BlackBerry Curve 83xx will enable you to purchase minutes for cheap for whatever country you're visiting. Just pop in the SIM card and chat away. If you need GPS, consider the 8310 series, and if you need Wi-Fi, check out the 8320.
For the Avid Photographer Want a cell phone camera that can actually take pictures worth printing? The Sony Ericsson C905 and the Nokia N86 will easily stand up against any of the latest point-and-shoot digital cameras. Both phones come equipped with an 8 megapixel camera and features and functionality you'd expect from any modern multimedia phone. The Sony Ericsson C905 supports quad-band, 3G/HSDPA speeds and is the cheaper of the two. If you can afford its current ~$400 price tag, the Nokia N86 features wide-angle lens and variable aperture and is quite possibly one of the more advanced camera phones on the market today. I love my cell phone and have found myself taking more and more photos and video clips as I capture those rose-smelling moments. As I integrate the use of different applications in my day-to-day, I continually find the need for another hand to hold the device while I snap the photo, use the navigation, or listen to the external speaker. In these times I use the Gorillamobile. Sporting Joby’s signature articulated tri-pod design and different clip options, the Gorillamobile allows me to take fun photos while riding my bike, share videos with my seatmate on the bus, hold my Mp3 player in my car (better than that beanbag), or wear it as a fashion-forward bracelet. I have even mounted my heavier SLR to the Gorillamobile to take some “artsy” shots. With three-legged, spider-like articulation and recently released Gorillatorch flashlights, Joby makes tri-pod design fun and functional. Website: joby.com
For the Pragmatist Let's face it, sometimes you just want a phone that works. If you don't need to live-stream your dinner or send minute-by-minute updates to your Flickr account, the Nokia 5310 and the Samsung Intensity are both no-frills phones that just work—and with their attractive price tag, your wallet will be sure to thank you. We've found many other great products and services that are either Must Haves or Great Finds. You can read our recommendations and those of BlueSuitMom readers in the following categories:
Over the next year, we'll continue to add to the list, so if you know of something we missed, please send us an email. |
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