Jennahway Huerta
Staff Writer
Smartphones are more than all the rage, they are almost an essential part of college life.
Since the first mobile phone weighing just over four pounds was created in 1973, the size and shape of mobile phones have changed dramatically.
And smartphones, mobile phones that are all-in-one, portable phone, organizer, email device, camera, SMS device and more, are everywhere nationally.
People are purchasing smartphones because they can do things much more quickly than their standard mobile phone since they do not normally come with a data plan or Internet.
Smartphones also come readily available to access social networks such as Facebook and Twitter.
Popular smartphones include the iPhone, various models of the Droid which runs on the Android and BlackBerrys.
“I chose my iPhone for the variety of applications, the ability to have a conversation while searching for other information, access to email wherever I am, as well as the calendar function that allows me to stay on top of my appointments,” Jennifer Mojarro, assistant director of employer relations.
Internet applications and marketing have been the key factors to maintain the overall smartphone market sales year to year.
The smartphone posses sophisticated software and a wide range of capabilities.
Most are Wi-Fi-capable and they generally connect to the Internet at high speeds.
People like to be able to check their email wherever they go and do not necessarily want to travel with a laptop continuously.
“I decided to get a smartphone so that I would be able to check my emails at anytime of the day,” Megan McDevitt, sophomore history major said.
“I find it nice to have breaking news on my phone and being able to email anyone from anywhere.”
Smartphones may be more expensive but as sales increase, prices become more competitive and there are many to choose from.
Wireless providers such as Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile and Sprint offer a variety of phones and offer sales throughout the year.
Some of the key features are the fast 4G speeds, while allowing simultaneous voice and data capabilities.
A majority of the smartphones contain brilliant technology, which is always combined with a sophisticated yet stylish look.
“I recently purchased my iPhone. I wanted a smartphone because I have a busy schedule and all the features make life more convenient,” Kristen Chapman, junior biology major, said.
One may have communication at the palm of their hand, but smartphones can lead to distractions.
The phones can be a huge problem when they ring during a lecture or presentation or when a student is more focused on scrolling through their Facebook news feed than they are with learning.
A vast amount of instructors tend to find cell phones disruptive and in order to avoid these distractions they have cell phone policies in the classroom.
“Cell phones are a distraction,” Sue Caple, assistant professor of marketing, said.
“I feel that students using them to text or check messages in class is discourteous to me and also fellow classmates who are presenting.”
“When I am in class I have to make sure my phone is on silent or completely off because it’s easy to get distracted and go on Facebook,” Alicia Wong, sophomore business administration major, said.
“I see people all the time consumed in their phone and not paying attention,” Wong said.
Jennahway Huerta can be reached at jennahway.huerta@laverne.edu.
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