Mobile ’smartphones’ could soon brush aside traditional phones, laptops and PDAs as the business devices of choice, it has been claimed.

Mobile Computing News reports the expanding number of applications which can be used on the gadgets could see them overtake other communications methods.

Some smartphones can now run the likes of word processing, spreadsheet and email software on their operating systems.

This makes them more attractive to firms looking to pair devices with desktop computers and laptops.

Smartphones can also be used to access low cost voice over internet (VoIP) packages, allowing employees to make cheap calls.

Mobile Computing News also reported some people would not be put off by the higher cost of smartphones thanks to their range of functions and hefty capacities.

Airborne internet access also took a step forward this week, with the Times reporting that American Airlines has installed the web on some of its flights out of New York.

Passengers can use laptops, PDAs and smartphones to log on during these flights thanks to a Wi Fi device.

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Bright business future for smartphones

Higher-end phones which can support a number of applications could be the future of business mobile contracts, experts have said.

Technology publication Mobile Computing News says smartphones running open operating systems could overtake PDAs and less advanced mobile phones.

Many smartphones support software running spreadsheets and email, which can be useful for workers looking for devices which synchronise smoothly with PCs.

They can also be used to log on to voice over internet software (VoIP) so the user can make cheaper calls, potentially offsetting the costs of some subscriptions.

Mobile Computing News reports although smartphone contracts can be more expensive than traditional business mobile deals, the extra capacity and functionality is making them more attractive to firms.

Elsewhere, in-flight access has become a reality thanks to an American firm running a new service on flights from New York.

According to the Times, Amercian Airlines has started offering Wi Fi on the routes, meaning people with smartphones, laptops and PDAs can access the web while airborne.

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Trying to save money wherever you can is important to us all. Car insurance should be no different. Do not assume that your agent knows everything about you and your vehicle.

Drivers should take advantage of all discounts that many providers offer, that can significantly reduce the cost of car insurance. Understanding discounts and how they can affect auto insurance premiums can help smart shoppers make better decisions about their coverage and possibly save themselves some money in the process.

Read below to identify possible discounts that could help you save on auto insurance this year. Other than discounts, there may be some other ways for you to save on your insurance premiums. We will go over several discounts that can help with your current situation.

First, there are discounts for Auto Safety features. Certain states will give you discounts for anti-lock breaks. Make sure you know if it is two or four wheel anti-lock break vehicle. Automatic seatbelts and airbags are frequently discounted on your insurance premiums. In most states, a defensive driver class discount may apply. If the principal driver usually 55 years old or older has completed an approved defensive driving class a discount could apply. Keep in mind that most states will only approve this class if it is voluntary meaning that it was not the result of a violation or infraction.

Some insurers will give you a discount for having multiple vehicles. In some cases, this will only apply if you have two or more drivers. If you have a clean driving record, meaning you do not have any tickets, accidents or suspensions in the last three years (some companies require five years) then you could be eligible for a safe driver’s discount.

Many companies will reward you with staying with the same insurance company for many years without any accidents reported. They will offer you a renewal discount. It makes sense, you have carried insurance with a company for several years, and have not had an accident, your insurance company likes you and wants to reward and keep your business. Some companies honor you with a discount if you had prior limits on your previous policy. They discount you because they understand you are a better risk.

Conversely, if you do decided to change insurers a proof of prior insurance discount may apply. Most insurers request at least 6 months of consecutive insurance from the previous insurer. If you are a full-time student who meets certain grade requirements and are unmarried and usually under 25 years of age (some states the age is 21) you could be eligible for a good student discount. If you own a home, including condominium, town home, or mobile home, which is used as a principal residence, a discount could apply. Military personnel either currently active or retired from any branch of the US military a discount could apply. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft device, a discount could apply.

You could lower the cost of your insurance in other ways.
For people who own older cars, it may not be necessary or cost-effective to protect them with collision and comprehensive coverage. By comparing the book value of your vehicle and the premium that the insurer has offered, you may find that it cost as much for the insurance as it does for the vehicle. If the car is worth less than $2,000, you will probably spend more insuring it than it is worth. The whole idea of driving an older car is to save money, so why not get what is coming to you.

In addition, keep in mind that the type of vehicle you buy could greatly affect your premium. A flashy red sports car is usually going to cost more to insure than a mid sized sedan. This is also true of vehicles that are on the list of most stolen. There are many ways that policyholders can save on their insurance. Knowing more about auto policies and premiums can help consumers take advantage of less obvious discounts while ensuring that they have the appropriate protection for their vehicles. The last way to save is to assume more risk. If you chose higher deductible on your Personal Injury Protection or Comprehensive and collision coverage will lower your premium as well. The deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance company begins paying the rest.

Understanding how discounts affect your insurance rates is important to save you money.