Cell phones feature many applications by default, and the majority of them are useful. Currently, the most used applications are probably cameras, email and calendars. If not exactly useful, ringtones, wallpapers, themes and games are also popular features on a cell phone.

A smartphone has an operating system (OS) just like your PC or Mac and there are several operating systems available just like there are in the world of PC:s and laptops. Symbian, Linux, Windows Mobile etc.

You could say smartphones are electronic handheld devices that integrates the functionality of a cell phone and a personal digital assistant (PDA). Cell phones become "smart" when we ad capabilities, such as PDA functions, into them.

The big difference between a "normal" cell phone and a smartphone is that you can install programs on a smartphone. There are thousands of different softwares available for smartphones. Some more useful than others. Everything from Office programs to weight watchers.

Before you go and grab a smarphone be shure to check out the programs available for the phone. If you buy a Nokia Symbian phone you will have the largest set of software available. But remember there might be some reasons not to choose a Symbian device, but a Microsoft or Linux device instead.