Accessorize your smart phone with the right add-ons and make your phone work harder.  By adding a protective case and a set of headphones with a built in microphone to your phone, you can enjoy optimal functionality from your most frequently used personal technology tool.  Whether you use a BlackBerry, Android, iPhone, or other smart phone, manufacturers have the right accessories to meet your needs.

Identify your needs

Everyone uses their smart phones differently.  That means that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, so consider the following when you select your accessories.

Protective case

• Make sure that the case will protect your phone from shock if it gets dropped.
• Be practical and don’t let the sales person sell you something that won’t meet your needs.  For instance, do you really think that you will go deep sea diving with your iPhone?  If that scenario is unlikely, then forgo the $300.00 water-resistant protective case.
• Consider how you will carry the phone and when you will be using it.  If it lives in your bag or on your desk, chances are that you don’t need a belt clip.  However, if you take your phone with you when you jog, or when you’re running around the office, you might find a belt clip useful.
• Research name brands and case styles.  Read reviews written by people that don’t have a vested interest in selling a specific product.  Check out cases from companies such as INCASE and BELKIN.

Headphones and microphone

Identify your phone usage style.  Do you mostly use your phone as an MP3 player, or is the phone constantly attached to your ear for back-to-back conference calls?  Or perhaps a combination of both?  The great news is that there are many different audio accessories to meet your needs.

• Bluetooth devices are wireless and make it easy to take phone calls when you are on the move.  While most Bluetooth devices are intended for phone use only, several Bluetooth models will also playback music.   Unfortunately, if you are an audiophile you might not be satisfied with the sound quality that most Bluetooth devices offer since current technology is unable to fully reproduce high fidelity audio signals.  Consider devices manufactured by ALIPH, PLANTRONICS, and SENNHEISER.
• Traditional over-ear headphones with inline microphones will give you the best surround sound experience and often have a noise-canceling feature that makes it easy to make phone calls and listen to music.  The drawback to over-ear headphones is that they are large to tote around when you aren’t using them.  Check models manufactured by BOSE and SENNHEISER.
• Ear buds with inline microphones are ideal for anyone that wants to have one device that will make phone calls and play music.  Most ear buds have a small button that will let you easily toggle back and forth between phone calls and music.  With the correct fit, ear buds are noise isolating.  Look for models manufactured by BOSE, KLIPSCH, SENNHEISER, and SHURE.

Learn more

Before you run out to buy accessories for your smart phone, consider your needs, do some research, and talk to the mobility experts at All Covered at 866-446-1133.