The cell phone market originally began in the early 1970’s with Motorola’s introduction of the DynaTAC 8000x. Although the phone did not become available in the retail market until 1983, the phone’s launch did spark a radical change in wireless communications. Previously, wireless communication had been limited to the business elite, most options available at the time tended to be large and heavy in size, usually weighting 20 pounds and requiring an entire suitcase in order to accommodate the required equipment. With the wireless revolution of the 1990’s the world of communication as we knew it, changed forever. It used to be considered a social sin to be caught on cell phone in public, now it has become a demonstration of social popularity. Yet at it’s core the wireless industry has become a fashion statement on its own, various wireless options that are available express more than basic wireless needs; color, shape and size of a cell phone can speak a lot about a character. We here at SuitUpp are famous for having our cell phones close by. Here we have two of our associates’ reviewing a checklist on a cellphone on what needs get done while our model Max is getting ready to model a Black with Blue Stripe Nautica Suit. Indeed the wireless revolution has gone a long way in the last 30 years. Yet in the technological age, technology itself has become bolded into a fashion statement, indeed people’s phones have now become a statement of taste and fashion. In this blog we will go over the various wireless solutions available and the pros and cons of each choice.
Smartphones
IPhone: Apple’s IPhone has revolutionized the way cell phones are used in our day to day lives. Apple had been rumoured for years about developing a “1-button” wireless solution, a feat many thought to be impossible. Over time apple has associated a specific lifestyle and image into the face of their products. This image speaks of energy and youthfulness while innovative. The IPhone change the way we view our cellphone, it has become more than just a tool for calling and texting, it has become a necessity of our daily lives.
Pros: User Friendly OS, Apps offer limitless potential, Portable PC, ITunes offers simple backup options, Camera, Multitouch touch screen
Cons: Touch screen is expensive to replace if broken, Apps cost money, Older IPhone models may not support newer IOS (IPhone Operating System) features, Expensive, Enabling 3G network lowers battery life, Touch screen may frustrate some users, Not available on every wireless network
Android: Android is not specifically associated with a model phone, but rather the operating system used by the phone. Google, has long since has an image of productivity via means of a happy workplace. The android sought to implement the best parts of Apple’s IOS while adding on extra features that google hoped would attract more of the wireless market. Unlike the IPhone, android is currently offered on a wide range of wireless carriers. The image associated with Android is: Young, Adventurous, Energetic, Professional, and up to date.
Pros: Apps, Portable PC, Google’s syncing software is easy to use, High Resolution Camera (2.0+ Megapixels depending on phone model) , Wide range of Wireless Carriers
Cons: Some QWERTY keyboard hybrids do not offer much use for touch screen, no Multitouch support for US models for touch screens, Expensive, Some models are bulky
Blackberry: Blackberries were the original Smartphone when Research in Motion (RIM) entered the wireless market in the 90s. Blackberries were the first portable device to offer email access to those who were away from the office. These phones became increasingly popular among the business and political elite, specifically in the US and Europe. Research in Motion (RIM) which is based out of Waterloo, Ontario, offered users a quick and efficient way to remained connected to the office, the introduction of the QWERTY keyboard in later models allowed those that were used to using a standard PC an easy transition. To top RIM began offering a free messaging service to all blackberry users, a service dubbed blackberry messenger. With more professionals seeking to stay communicated, Blackberry messenger skyrocketed RIM as the dominate Smartphone producer in the market. Blackberry’s image is associated with the business and political elite. Maturity, Business savvy, Hardworking and Always on the go, come to mind.
Pros: Blackberry Messenger, Quick email access, QWERTY keyboard, Camera, Easy synchronization software, Easy transition from Laptops to Blackberry is what make the phone successful.
Cons: Touch screen models tended to have issues, newer models tend to offer high resolution cameras while other models don’t offer a camera at all, Expensive, Tend to be bulky, Limited App
Regular Phones
Clamshell (Also Known as Flip Phones): The Clamshell was a hit when it was first introduced in the late 1980’s. Back then people liked the idea of having a portable phone that you could flip shut when you were done making a call, making the phone both portable and efficient by having a microphone close to the mouth. Ironically the first flip phone (MicroTAC 9800X) offered little portability at all in accordance to today’s standards; in fact the reasoning behind the flip was just to give the consumer something around the same dimensions as a regular house phone. Flip phones over the years have given birth to several popular wireless options, the most famous being the Motorola Razr. On the negative side these phones tended to be more expensive because they sometimes include two LCD screen. Having two LCD screens in a slim phone did draw back on durability. Because of the introduction of Smartphones, Clamshells have gone down in price, making them an inexpensive option. The image associated when owning a clamshell phone is: Youthful, Spontaneous, energetic, and popular.
Pros: Portable, Lightweight, familiar design, Easy to use
Cons: Durability, Having 2 LCD screens does cut on battery life, texting may be confusing for those unfamiliar with T-9, Limited internet accessibility
Sliders : Sliders first made their introduction into the marketplace in the mid 1990’s, these models were first made famous by the movie “The Matrix” where neo is seen using a Nokia 8110 slider phone. Nokia did so well in sales for this phone that in 2003, Samsung decided to produce a phone specific to the movie. The Samsung SPH-N270 was offered during the release of the Matrix Reloaded, and is now considered collector’s items. Previous issues of phone tending to break because of constant sliding have long since been resolved. Sliders do offer an inexpensive option because unlike Clamshell’s tend to only have one LCD screen. For individuals that feel like they need to physically hand up after a call, sliders offer a mid-way solution. Some sliders do add the benefit of a QWERTY keyboard, which would attract those that like to texts. The image associated with slider phones is: Young, Connected, Tech Savy and outgoing.
Pros: QWERTY keyboard models offer a simple to use interface for texting and internet access, Battery Life, Easy to use
Cons: Slider may wear over time, not all sliders include QWERTY keyboards, Forgetting to lock phone may place unwanted calls
Candy Bar: Candy Bar phones were the original cell phone (Known today as bricks because of their size), these phones tend to offer a simple dialpad with a front screen display and no moving parts on the phone itself. Because these phones are limited with the equipment the carry they tend to be the most economical phones available. Indeed Candy bar phones are offered in a wide variation of colours and sizes allowing the consumer a diverse choice in selection, today they still hold a dominate grip in the cell phone market. Candy Bar phones offer simple taste with a sense of still being connected, these phones tend to attract people that just want a simple way to communicate. The image associated when owning a Candy Bar phone is: Connected, Simple and Social.
Pros: Simple to use, Inexpensive wireless solution, Durability, Portable, No Moving parts
Cons: Forgetting to lock phone may place unwanted calls, Some may find candy bar phones too small for their liking
Like in most things in fashion, a cell phone choice comes down to personal taste, a size, colour and features of a cell phone says a lot about a person. Given that each phone type and model offers it’s own advantages and disadvantages. We here at SuitUpp use a wide variation of phones we use among the staff, some us are dedicated IPhone users, while others like to keep things simple with a simple QWERTY slider phone, we find it interesting of how much a phone really says about a person’s personality.
What are your thoughts on cell phones? Reply to our post or send us an email at marco@suitupp.com ; we would love to hear your stories!
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