The notable selections and their respective manufacturers are:
– Android (Samsung, HTC, Nexus, LG, Sony, Motorola)
– BlackBerry (BlackBerry)
– iOS (Apple)
– Windows (Nokia, Samsung, HTC)

The choice is often very clear, but you will ask because you hope that you will hear the answer you want to hear, or find someone to reaffirm your choice in smartphones. The following are some examples of this, and if you find yourself agreeing with any of these then there is no need to ask, just head straight to a shop.

• Security – Obama can’t use an iPhone (http://www.tomsguide.com/us/why-obama-cant-use-iphone,news-17949.html). The choice of BlackBerry is very clear in this article.
• Want – You already want the phone, so what could be more satisfying than buying that which you want?
• Enjoyment – You enjoy customizing your phone. Do not let someone deprive you of your joy. Enjoy all the tinkering you could possibly want with the phone that makes you happy.
• Apps/Accessories – You have already invested time and money on your favourite applications and accessories. Starting this process again is not an option.
• Money – Head straight to your nearest phone shop and get the phone and plan that is within your budget.

However, if you are not restricted by the circumstances above, see some points for your consideration below.

1. Support – iPhone users have the luxury of making appointments with Apple geniuses and have them guide you through setting up and troubleshooting your device. For other phones, you have to find the genius within you, or within your buddies.
2. Applications – There is only one iOS device, the iPhone. iOS application developers only have one set of hardware specifications to deal with. As such, iPhone applications usually run smoother and are more stable than applications for other platform. Apple’s App Store also has a large variety of apps and games.
3. Battery Life – If you are a heavy user, you need a phone that will last throughout your day and night. Although an extra battery pack can be used for any phone, it may be inconvenient and a bit impractical to carry a battery pack and a phone together. Choose a phone that will allow you to swap in a fresh battery as and when it is needed.
4. Data Storage Space – Music, videos and photos can take up a lot of storage space. Do not underestimate the high definition videos and photos that new phones are capable of taking; they are huge in size. Choose a phone that allows additional storage to be added, like a Micro SD card.
5. Size – If you often watch movies on your phone, choose a phone that has a bigger screen size. It may also be more convenient for viewing websites and reading e-books.

Currently, my phone is an Android Nexus 4 phone. Since I choose apps that run on multi-platform (Android, iOS and preferably Windows as well), I have the flexibility of choosing a phone that I need or want without losing my ability to use my applications and data. My next phone will most likely be a Samsung Galaxy Note III. I want it for its capability to be used as a phone, mini-tablet and “micro-mini” computer. It will also allow me to scribble down my thoughts using its stylus, the “S-Pen”.​

The Samsung Galaxy Note 2 is a “Phabet” (Phone Tablet hybrid). It has a screen size of 5.5 inches, a 720 x 1280 pixel resolution with a pixel density of ~267ppi. The low pixel density of ~267 ppi makes the Note 2’s screen display not as sharp and clear as the iPhone 4S (330 ppi) or the Galaxy S3 (306 ppi). At the core of the Note 2 is a quad-core 1.6 GHz Cortex-A9 processor with 2gb RAM which makes the Note 2 a very powerful smartphone that runs applications swiftly and smoothly.

I have always wondered if the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 was a suitable smartphone for me. When opportunity presented itself, I grabbed it and spun it around for 4 weeks. Hence, this is a real world experience review of using the Galaxy Note 2 – not a review based on specifications.

I received the Note 2 the day before going off on a 4-day vacation. With a 64gb sd card inserted, together with the app iSyncr, I synced my iTunes library of about 5,000 songs and then copied 5 movies onto the sd card. These will have given me hours of entertainment.

The Note 2 was paired with my car’s sound system via bluetooth. With Navigon the turn by turn navigation app, the Note 2 was a great GPS device that played my songs and guided us on the drive from Vancouver, BC to our destination Osoyoos, BC, Canada. The 5.5-inch display provided a wider view than my regular iPhone 4S or my dedicated Garmin GPS.

Although the Note 2 has a  low pixel density of 267ppi, but because of its  5.5-inch screen size, watching movies was comfortable. It would have been much better if its pixel density was above 300 ppi. The speakers produced the best sound I have heard coming out of a smartphone.

The 8MP camera was capable of taking sharp pictures.

Due to its screen size, reading and replying emails was very comfortable. I didn’t need my iPad for this task anymore. During the 4-week trial period, about 90% of my email tasks were performed on the Note 2. However, due to the content and nature of the other 10% of emails, those needed to be attended to with my notebook or desktop.

The Note 2 eliminated my need to carry my iPad for reading, while waiting for appointments or to connect to my web server for some small tasks. However, when there was a need to VPN into my office server, I still needed my iPad. The Note 2 nor any Android or Windows device would also not allow me to perform this task; Windows 8 phones are not VPN capable yet; the Android devices are VPN capable on spec but is a no-go for me since the Android 2.3. My experience was that if you have a problem or need help with an Apple device, you can make an appointment with an Apple Genius at the Apple Centre. However, if you need help with an Android or Windows device, you need to find the genius in you.

The Note 2 provided Internet connectivity to my notebook and Macbook Pro without any problem. The Internet through this access point was pleasantly fast via the LTE network.

During the short period I tested the Note 2, I did not find any use for its multi-window capability. I guess if you were bored enough with your texting partner, you could easily watch a movie while texting at the same time.

With its 3100 mAh battery, the Note 2 battery life easily lasted from 7am to 9pm for me.

Although the size makes it comfortable for many uses, the size and weight of the Note 2 made it a burden for me to carry around in my pants or jeans pocket. It is not my go to device but I did not mind it as much.

For most usage, it was a great smartphone that eliminated the need for an in-between device from phone (to tablet) to notebook/desktop.

The S-Pen when used with the Note 2 was a great device. Its ocr capability easily coverted my free-style writing to text with great accuracy. Hovering the S-Pen over the heading of emails showed some of its contents. Hovering the S-Pen over a calendar entry showed the contents of that entry. I did not have enough time to explore more features of the S-Pen.

Apart from the useability of the Note 2, as a phone, it was awkward putting it to my face. Maybe the mic was further away from my mouth as the people I conversed with over the other end of the line sometimes thought I sounded very nasal; like I had caught a flu or was having allergies. Generally, as a phone, it was not suitable for me.

Earbugs with wings allows me to enjoy good music on my portable devices. I love listening to great music while on the move. It is always a challenge for me to keep my ear piece in place.  Normal earbugs will not stay attached for me to enjoy music on the go.

Bose® MIE2i in-ear headphones for iPod, iPhone and iPad features their proprietary StayHear silicone tips.  Advanced materials and design allow the tips to nestle inside the bowl of the ear while also naturally conforming to the ear’s upper ridge. The StayHear silicone tips fits my ear securely when I am using it with my iPod Nano while working out in the gym. The MIE2i includes an inline microphone for taking calls at the touch of a button and switching seamlessly between calls and music, thus making it a good iPhone companion for me.  If your device manufacturer is other than Apple, the MIE2 (without an i) mobile headset is designed for your Android, BlackBerry or Windows phone.

When I prefer to be free from cord, I will use my Jaybird Secure Fit Freedom F4 bluetooth earbugs. It features patented sports ear cushions which hug the top, back and lower surface areas of the ear, all critical to lock in for sports and the formation of my own ear lobes. It stays securely in my earls for hours without falling out. The Jaybird is compatible with any A2DP Bluetooth stereo device including iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, Windows, Blackberry Phones, Moto Actv, (iPod nano with JayBird Bluetooth adapter), PC, Mac and gaming devices.

Having researched extensively on other makes of in-ear headsets, I find the Bose® MIE2i and the Jaybird Secure Fit Freedom F4 to be the two earbugs with wings that can stay in my ears for hours.

Usage of tools, gadgets and devices are not restricted to their original intent. If you are creative, you will be surprised at the versatility of what you already have on hand.

My watch has the following functions:

My watch is a 6th generation iPod Nano with a Hex Vision Plastic watch band.

What is your watch?

Pacsafe® is a brand of high-quality smart travel gear with built-in innovative anti-theft technology.  Their gear includes adventure backpacks, urban and leisure bags, women’s bags, photography bags, motorcycle bags and travel accessories such as straps, cables and locks.

The Pacsafe Slingsfe 200 Anti-Theft Sling purse is constructed of PacSafe’s nylon twill, high-tensile stainless steel wire and features the following:

• Slashproof, adjustable shoulder strap
• eXomesh slashguard front panel
• Main zippered compartment
• Front zippered pocket
• Headphone port
• Slip pocket on back
• Electronic gadget pocket
• Back wall zippered pocket

My iPad hides from the eyes of iPad snatchers in this purse while being sling across my shoulder. It does not look like an iPad case or bag at all. This purse will prevent thieves from cutting the straps or cut into the bag with the features show in the following sketch:

For trips that needed a water bottle or additional things, I will use the Pacsafe Metrosafe 250 GII Anti Theft Shoulder Bag.