Mobile Device/Handheld/Smartphone Purchasing Guide for LSPs:
Introduction:
ISC Support Statement: This handheld purchasing guide is intended to give Local Support Providers assistance and guidance when considering a handheld computer purchase. Information Systems & Computing (ISC) supports certain classes of handheld computers, notably Smartphones and BlackBerry devices when connecting to ISC's central services. ISC will make a best effort attempt to assist LSPs with PDA issues in other circumstances, though with the exception of support for devices compatible with ISC's Microsoft Exchange server, we cannot guarantee central computer system interoperability.
As always, faculty and staff should speak with their LSP to determine which product(s) are supported or recommended before choosing a device.
Life Cycle: ISC suggests that LSPs adopt an expectation of a 2-year life-cycle when making mobile device purchasing decisions for the following reasons:
- These devices are subject to more day-to-day stresses than a conventional laptop or desktop
- Rapid development by vendors means that these devices are being improved (and will be made obsolete) at a faster rate than conventional computers
- For devices with wireless capabilities, radio receiver efficiency is increasing dramatically, saving both battery life and improving signal quality over devices that are only a few years old
Recognizing that there are a variety of mobile devices which meet different needs, this LSP purchase guide for 2008-2009 presents three configurations:
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| PDA with integrated cellular phone |
Primarily email centric device. Requires specific back-end infrastructure |
Traditional PDA with mobile computing functionality but no cellular connectivity |
Recent Trends Affecting Purchasing Decisions
Apple
- The iPhone OS software supported ActiveSync as of version 2.0, which allowed for synchronization with University Exchange and Zimbra servers. With that release, the iPhone has become a supported and attractive candidate for those wishing to have access to their groupware applications in a mobile device.
RIM
- The 4.6.x and 4.7.x versions of the BlackBerry operating system offer increased features, improvements in web browsing, and generally enhanced stability. However, the BlackBerry OS still does not support TTLS-PAP inner authentication which is required for AirPennNet. BlackBerry users who wish to use Wi-Fi will need to continue to use AirPennNet-Guest for the time being.
- Sprint Nextel, in collaboration with Research in Motion, have finally released a new iDEN BlackBerry, the Curve 8350i. This is a much needed update from the 75xx series and should be considered as an upgrade for all users needing Push-To-Talk and BlackBerry functionality on the Sprint network.
Palm
- In an announcement sent out on October 19th, 2009, Information Systems and Computing announced that support for Palm OS would be discontinued as of February 1, 2010. Please consider migrating any users away from Palm OS before this date.
- webOS devices became supported as of version 1.2 of the webOS platform. This platform is initially be available on the Pre, which was released with initial exclusivity on Sprint. The platform is a worthy competitor to Windows Mobile, the iPhone, and Android.
Windows Mobile
- Windows Mobile 6.5 has been announced and has begun shipping on devices. Users needing a Windows Mobile device should consider getting one with Windows Mobile 6.5.
- With the release of Windows Vista, there is no longer a standalone ActiveSync application for Windows Mobile. Instead, Vista includes a new Mobile Device Center control panel that handles synchronization duties previously handled by ActiveSync.
Other
- As mobile devices gain access to more sensitive information, it is strongly advised that all mobile devices require a password for use after a timeout. The Policy on Server-Managed PDAs requires this for all devices managed by University servers. Password locking is still a good idea for devices not affected by the policy.
- Vendors have begun shipping handhelds with three different Secure Digital (SD) storage card standards: SD, MiniSD, and MicroSD. Be aware of the type of expansion media your device of choice supports. For more information, please see SanDisk's website.
- Traditional handheld PDA sales continue their downward trend. Be aware that smartphone devices are consistently cannibalizing traditional handheld sales and vendors are reducing or eliminating their stand-alone PDA divisions.
- 3G network (third generation high speed cellular network) availability is growing in the US. If your users are getting newer smartphones, keep in mind that not all of them are 3G capable. At this point, it does not make sense to purchase a smartphone that is not 3G-capable if a suitable 3G unit is available. Receiving data on non-3G devices is like continuing to use dial-up when broadband access is just as cheap.
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References:
Hardware vendors:
Other industry sources:
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Page maintained by Jordan McClead
updated
October 21, 2009
Next update as needed
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