Smartphones on Campus
With the explosion of smartphones in the market, ITS would like to help minimize confusion and assist with getting the best device for your needs.
There are four main types of smartphone on the market -- Android, Blackberry, iPhone, and Windows Mobile. The FacTS Center currently recommends the Apple iPhone, based on it's exemplary feature set, value, and ease of integration with campus infrastructure.
Android (Google) devices come in a variety of models, from different manufacturers. You can find Android-based devices with any range of features, from having full keyboards to compact touchscreen only models. All Android devices will allow a user to send and receive email wirelessly, while some provide full integration with Exchange, allowing users to have access to email, contacts, and calendaring.
Blackberry offers a variety of different models, all running Blackberry software. Most Blackberries have QWERTY keyboards, along with all of the features you’d typically find in a cell phone. A Blackberry can be connected to your computer, and is capable of synchronizing your calendar, contacts, and tasks with Microsoft Outlook. A Blackberry is also capable of sending and receiving email wirelessly through Exchange.
*Note: ITS has installed a Blackberry Enterprise Server, which allows Blackberries to integrate with Exchange. Blackberry users wishing to synchronize wirelessly will be required to purchase an access license ($70). Without the license, users will still be able to access their inbox wirelessly, but they can only synchronize their calendars, contacts, and tasks via wired connection to their computers.
iPhone (Apple) comes in a couple of models, differentiated by features, speed, and storage space. The iPhone is capable of sending and receiving email, as well as accessing contacts and calendars through Exchange wirelessly.
Windows Mobile devices also come in a variety of models, and are available from different manufacturers (Samsung, Motorola, HTC) as well. You can find a Windows Mobile phone with any range of features, from full keyboard models to slim touchscreen models. Windows Mobile devices are capable of sending and receiving email, as well as accessing contacts and calendars through Exchange wirelessly.
Canisius College is now eligible for state contract pricing through both Verizon Wireless and AT&T Wireless. For information regarding device and service pricing, please visit the links below: