The past three years have been hard on some cherished job-hunting myths. Mailing out hundreds of resumes used to produce interviews. Having a sister-in-law check with her HR manager used to get your foot in the door. Working the job boards kept you busy following up on leads. Well they used to.

Today, resumes are shredded before opening or lost in stacks. And networking is arguably the best means of finding a good job leaving your smartphone as an indispensable tool for effective connection-making.

What have you done for me lately?

Linkedin, the highly popular social networking site heavily used by white-collar or those hoping to become white-collar professionals has been described as a living resume. With the ability to post updates on recent accomplishments, users can share with their network accomplishments such as exceeding a sales goal, completing an associate degree, or earning a new promotion. Using Linkedin’s smartphone app, you can post to your living resume from anywhere without allowing your busy day to make you forget or delay posting by the time you return to your home computer.

Making time work for you

If you’ve ever been to a top sales trainer’s seminar, you know that time management is the focus of a good portion of any training session. Job hunters are, by definition, in the business of sales, and their effective use of time is critical for achieving their ultimate sales goal, which is finding the right job in as timely a manner as possible. Most, if not all, smartphones come with scheduling tools already installed and for those who have existing programs for such use; the widespread ability to synchronize those tools onto a smartphone app is readily available. For those seeking to build effective networks whose members will ultimately impact the range and quality of job leads, making use of those gaps between events means the difference between making that great connection at a meet-n-greet and wondering why the phone doesn’t ring.

In today’s world, everyone is essentially looking for their next best job. You may already have a job, but your skills have outpaced the scope of your position, or you’re taking online classes to boost your skills and marketability, but your active networking tasks won’t wait. There’s a difference between having a hectic schedule and managing a sizeable list of daily tasks, including networking activities. Both involve the same 24 hour day, but the latter example, managing time, means that you’ve prioritized and put into action a realistic plan that leads to progress. How you apply the technology available on your smartphone means the difference between success and hectic.

Working the crowd

Networking is not to be confused with sharing business card data. Networking is about building relationships so that someone has the confidence to share with a potential decision maker that he or she is impressed with something positive they know about you. It is also about sharing with others. If you want to stick out in a contact’s mind, send him or her a referral, a relevant blog or invitation to an event important to the contact’s field. Again, using a portion of those slivers of unscheduled time, your smartphone is the perfect tool for both staying on top of your networking contacts and using multiple types of applications to get the job done.

For successful networking you have to make regular, meaningful interactions with your contacts. If you’re serious about expanding your sphere of influence, that list will grow exponentially. Scheduling applications with reminder features are indispensible for your mobile device. Such apps can remind you of routines you need to form, such as sending out invitations, attending a networking event, and keeping you on track to complete a project for the volunteer organization you’ve listed on your resume.

Putting it all together

Whether you’re working, in school, both or between jobs, finding your next job through networking is your business. As such, don’t bother reinventing the wheel. Look for a category of smartphone apps called business productivity apps. Regardless of your type of smartphone, there are plenty of high quality, sometimes free, apps to meet your need.

Today’s smartphone needs to be more than an expensive toy; knowing how to use yours to manage your career through effective networking brings real value to your device.

About the Author: Daniel J. Burton is a freelance technology writer. He lives in the Midwest and enjoys teaching online classes in creative writing.

1. Encrypt Your Backup Information

Set your preferences to encrypt the information downloaded to your computer during sync. Though the information remains unencrypted on the device itself, the logged backup will be unreadable to those attempting to ascertain private information or past whereabouts.

2. Encrypt Your Device

Many smartphones offer data encryption options for the device itself. This prevents information from being intercepted and accessed during transmission. Check with your provider to determine if this is an option for your device.

3. Set Location Services to “OFF” Mode

iPhone and Android devices both have options to knowingly transmit location data. In the setup of Droid phones, users can opt out of transmitting information to Google. iPhone users can select to turn off location services at any time via the setup menu. However, turning off location mode has its drawbacks. Apps and maps that access the users locale to provide pertinent info and tips become virtually moot.

4. Beware of Apps

Just like a computer, a smartphone is vulnerable to viruses and malware that can easily be downloaded in the form of applications, links and ringtones. Check what others are saying before downloading via reviews and ratings. Also be wary of opening spam emails or providing apps with access to location or your contact information.

5. Use Anti-Virus Software

Downloading a TRUSTED application to guard against malware and viruses adds an extra layer of protection against malicious programs attempting to gain location, contact info and private data.

6. Keep Your Phone With You

No one wants to lose their phone, but many casually leave their phone lying about the office, on tables in restaurants and generally in spots others can access. With your smartphone in hand, anyone has access to your past whereabouts in addition to all the other information you carry with you. If your phone is stolen, call your provider immediately to disconnect service and see if they have the ability to “wipe,” or erase all its information.

7. Password Protect Your Device

Setting a complex password is the easiest way to protect your information. In the event your phone does fall into someone else’s hands you will have an extra layer of protection against their access to your data.

8. Surf Safely

Similar to on personal computers, beware the sites your visiting and the data trail you are leaving. Clear browser history and cache regularly and do not visit questionably secure sites.

9. Purchase in a Privacy Filter

We often access our information in public without thinking of the ramifications. Simply a thin shield that prevents your information from being seen from the side or at angle, privacy filters can protect you from the prying eyes of those nearby when sending an email or checking a bank balance on the bus.

10. Keep Sensitive Information On Your Home Computer

Hopefully you’ve taken the necessary steps to keep information on your home computer or laptop safeguarded. Refraining from transmitting highly-sensitive information and files to and from your smartphone ensures one less place to worry about its security.

Despite all of the controversy and anxiety surrounding privacy concerns, you can still use these methods to stay safe while enjoying your gadgets.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqz6LzyFqus

The 3D Screen

There’s a lot we like about this phone but since the focus on this phone is the 3D screen, let’s talk about this first.

As far as size goes, it’s the same size as the original EVO and many other new Android phones – 4.3″

The screen has a high resolution – 960 x 540 – which takes it close to the resolution of the iPhone 4.

Just like with the Nintendo 3DS, the EVO 3D doesn’t require glasses for it’s 3D screen though the viewing angle for 3D is quite small.

Even if you don’t care much about having a 3D screen, I’ll tell you the display is still gorgeous as a 2D screen, one of the nicest out there right now even if it isn’t Super AMOLED.

3D Video

One of the big things I think that is really holding back 3D from gaining a foothold is the dearth of content available.   Sprint is currently working with Blockbuster, Youtube, and game developers to hopefully have 3D movies, videos, and games available at the launch.

Of course, you don’t have to wait for 3D videos to come out with this phone – you can make them yourself with the dual 5 megapixel cameras on the back.  You can record 3D video in up to 720p HD resolution.

If you’d rather not record your video in 3D, then you can record in full 1080p in 2D with the rear video camera.

Also, you get a 1.3MP front facing video camera for video conferencing via Qik.

Under The Hood

If you peek under the hood of this thing, you’ll find plenty of power to keep everything snappy and responsive.

It’s packing a dual core 1.2 GHZ Snapdragon processor and a full 1GB of RAM.

As far as storage goes, it’s not bad but it’s not great either.  You get 4GB of internal memory (which helps the phone perform faster) and an included 8GB microSD card.  You can expand the microSD card to 32GB so more capacity is a simple trip to the store away.

It’s also running the latest version of Google Android – 2.3 Gingerbread.

Battery Life – One of the biggest disappointments with the original EVO was how miserable the battery life was.  I remember one of my friends telling me that he always made sure that when he left to go to work in the morning, he had a spare battery with him because the battery life on it was so bad, it simply wouldn’t last a full day.

The EVO 3D has a bigger battery – a 1730 mAh battery compared to the 1500 mAh battery which should hopefully help the EVO 3D have battery performance on par with other high end smartphones.

Other Specs

4G WiMax

HDMI Connectivity

Size: 5″ x 2.6″ x .47″ (127 x 66 x 12 mm)

Weight: 6 ounces (170 grams)

Price: Unknown

Release Date: Summer 2011

Conclusion

I have to admit that I was a little disappointed to see the kickstand found on the original EVO is gone and while NFC is still and up and coming technology, it’d have been nice to see that added into this phone, but otherwise I don’t have many complaints.

Even if the 3D thing doesn’t really take off, the HTC EVO 3D is a fine phone and a worthwhile upgrade if you’re on the Sprint Network.  And seeing as how Sprint’s unlimited plans are actually unlimited and their wireless plans are a little less expensive than Verizon and AT&T, you may actually want to switch if you live in an area with good Sprint coverage.

What do you think – like it? love it? hate it?

Let me hear from you in the comments below.

While Android and iOS (the iPhone operating system) have plenty of similarities, there are plenty of differences between the two ecosystems you probably want to know about before you make a decision.

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMz9isX-KpY

This video is a bit long (about 8 minutes) but it’ll give you an in depth look at the two different smartphone operating systems so that you can make an educated decision.

So what do you think? Are you going to be making the switch or sticking with Android? Let me hear about it in the comments below.

What To Expect If You Switch From Android To the iPhone

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1JRO-kHMXo

What’s The Same?

Let’s start with what’s not different.  Apple is using the same page for all the specs for both phones which means that just about everything is the same.  Same 1GHZ processor, same retina display, same gyroscope, same Apple App Store, same Facetime, and so on.  If you loved the iPhone 4 but didn’t want to sign up for AT&T, this phone will work pretty much the same from a user standpoint.

CDMA / GSM

The biggest differences between the two phones is that Verizon’s iPhone 4 has a CDMA antenna and AT&T’s iPhone 4 has a GSM antenna.

From the end user standpoint (that’s you), there really isn’t a big difference.  Just two things.  1) With the Verizon iPhone 4, you won’t be able to do global roaming as most other countries use GSM technology so when you take that next trip to Italy, you’ll be S.O.L. if you want to make a phone call.    2)  GSM is able to handle both phone calls and data at the same time so you could, for example, look up directions a hotel while on a phone call.   With Verizon’s CDMA network, if you take a phone call while you’re online, your phone will disconnect it’s Internet connection.  I’ve never found it to be a big deal, but it’s something you should know if you’re considering the switch from AT&T to Verizon.

Three things that remain to be seen are if the call quality will be any better on Verizon’s iPhone 4 and if Verizon’s network can handle the influx of traffic that having the iPhone 4 will deliver.  Verizon has been bragging for years about their robust and rock solid network so this will put it to the test though it will likely be at list 6 months to a year before we really know the answer to that question.  The third question will be if the Verizon version can do a little better about not dropping calls all the damn time.  My brother lives in Minneapolis and hates his iPhone because while it can do data stuff just fine, it drops calls like they’re hot.

Connectivity

Do you remember how AT&T is constantly reminding us that they have the fastest 3G network – that’s actually true… theoretically.  The theoretical max of AT&T’s network is 7.2 mbps vs 3.1 mbps for Verizon’s network.  However, AT&T’s network is so overloaded in many areas that Verizon slaps its ass and calls is sally seven ways ’til Sunday.   However, if you’re in an area with good AT&T coverage, then Verizon will actually be slower.

What Neither iPhone 4 Is

People had been speculating that Verizon’s iPhone 4 would get 4G/LTE technology – it didn’t. This is still a standard 4G phone.

Also, the mythical white iPhone 4 has yet to make an appearance.

To Buy Or Not To Buy

If you’re currently a Verizon customer and you’re thinking about getting the iPhone 4, I’d recommend you wait.  Wait until the next version of the iPhone comes out this summer.  My guess is that it’ll be released for Verizon and AT&T at the same time so as not to give anyone the advantage.

To Switch Or Not To Switch

If you’re currently on AT&T and thinking about switching to Verizon, I’d actually recommend you’d wait until the next version of the iPhone comes out.   Your termination fee will be less (or none if you’re on a one year contract) plus cell phones get out of date and obsolete pretty quickly and while the iPhone 4 is still powerful today, it won’t be two years from now.

Switching From Android

If you’re currently an Android user and you’re thinking about jumping ship to Apple, be sure to read my iOS vs Android comparison post.  You’ll have access to a lot more apps with Apple, but also keep in mind that most apps cost money on the iPhone while most apps are free on Android.  If you have a flagship model (like a Droid) phone, then it’s really a matter of preference.  Tech savvy people tend to prefer Android while the young and hip crowd tends to favor iOS.   It’s up to you.  Both are excellent mobile operating systems and at this point you should be in good shape no matter which way you choose.

What do you think, will you be lining up to get the Verizon iPhone 4 or making the switch on February 10th (or February 3rd if you’re already a Verizon customer)?

Finally, a new 4G Smartphone for Verizon that packs a dual core processor! I was getting a little disappointed that none of the new 4G phones for Verizon’s LTE network would pack a dual core processor, but Motorola picked up the slack where LG, Samsung, and HTC dropped the ball and packed a dual core 1GHZ processor into the new Droid Bionic, making this smartphone the fastest 4G phone for Verizon (and one of the fastest period).

Unlike most of the other recently announced 4G phones, this one is a clear upgrade from a specs perspective and will be sure to impress even when it’s not on a 4G network.

Motorola Droid Bionic - Dual Core 4G Phone For Verizon

Of all the smartphones on the market or soon to be released, this is the one I personally want to own(and probably will as soon as it’s released).

Motorola Droid Bionic Specs

• 4.3″ qHD Screen (960×540 resolution – the iPhone 4 has 960×640 resolution on a 3.5″ screen as a comparison)
• Dual Core 1GHZ Processor (so far unspecified but likely a Texas Instruments processor as all previous Droids have featured TI microprocessors)
• 512 MB RAM
• 4G / LTE Connectivity
• 8 Megapixel Rear Camera / VGA Front Facing Camera
• HDMI Connectivity Featuring Mirror Mode which allows for simultaneous streams of video to the TV and on the device
• Quickoffice (document reading and editing, calendar, conference calling, and other Google apps and services)

Release date and pricing unknown, but it is expected to be released between March 2011 and June 2011.

Motorola Droid Bionic Demo Video

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oSg0CH9qTGI

The 4G phones for Verizon’s LTE network are finally started to be released and one of the first to be available will be the Samsung Inspiration or Samsung 4G LTE Phone, depends on who you ask.

It’s pretty similar in terms of specs to the LG Revolution though it does best or equal the Revolution in nearly all areas.

Samsung Inspiration Specs

• 4.3″ Super AMOLED Screen with improved contrast for better outdoor readability (Seems like 4.3″ is becoming the new standard size screen for Android smartphones)
• 4G / LTE
• Android 2.2 Froyo (not sure when it will be upgraded to Android 2.3 Gingerbread)
• 8 Megapixel rear facing camera and front face camera for video chat
• Features Samsung’s MediaHub (CBS now a partner)
• Skype, MobiTV & Sling Mobile Apps on device all optimized for 4G/LTE

Pricing & Release Date Currently Unavailable

Samsung 4G LTE Phone - Samsung Inspiration?

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eIvDi7nKZY

Display

The iPhone 4 has a much smaller screen at just 3.5 inches, but has a much higher resolution.  The iPhone 4 screen really does look tiny when sitting next to a Droid X with its 4.3 inch screen but the “retina display” on the iPhone 4 looks a lot better and is brighter.

Processor

Both phones have blazing fast 1GHZ processors though the iPhone 4 uses Apple’s own A4 processor while the Droid X uses a Texas Instruments OMAP processor.   It’s tough to say which is truly faster, but both pack plenty of power for running all your favorite apps.

Storage / Memory

Both phones have 512 MB of RAM.  The Droid X comes with 24GB of storage space and is expandable to 40GB.  The iPhone 4 comes in two versions, a 16GB and 32GB version, though neither is user upgradeable.

Battery

Battery life on both phones is excellent.  I’ll admit I was surprised that the Droid X does as well as it does considering the monsterous 4.3″ screen, but it actually outperforms the iPhone 4 though both should last you through the day and you shouldn’t need to keep your charger in your pocket unless you’re using the GPS navigation or watching movies all day long.

Camera

From a specs comparison, the Droid X has the better camera with its 8MP dual LED flash camera, but in real world testing, the iPhone 4 with its 5MP single LED flash camera performs better though both are very close.  The iPhone 4 also features a front facing camera for using video chat via Facetime while the Droid X has no such functionality.

Operating System

The iPhone 4 runs Apple’s own iOS (formerly iPhone  OS) while the Droid X runs Google Android 2.2

Network

The Droid X is a Verizon exclusive while the iPhone 4 is an AT&T exclusive.

Price

Droid X $200 w/ 2 yr contract
iPhone 4 16GB Verision $200 w/ 2 yr contract ($300 for 32GB version)

Other

Both phones have a few extra features you simply can’t find on the other.  For example, the Droid X has HDMI out, can function as a mobile hotspot for up to 5 devices and supports Flash 10.1 for playing videos and multi-media websites.

The iPhone 4 has a built in gyroscope making it a vastly superior device if you like to play games on your phone and the seamless integration with iTunes is great for music buffs.

Overall Winner

I’m not going to declare a winner as both phones have their strong points so pick the one you like the best.  Go to both the AT&T store and Verizon store before making your decision and play around with one – that should help you make the decision.

While most of the features and specs are rather pedestrian at this point (for example, it sadly only has Android 1.5), the major selling point here is that it features Nextel Direct Connect (push to talk) and it meets Military 810F Standards for ruggedness.  That means it’s built to take some abuse so if your job requires you to be out in the field all day on construction sites or the like, this thing is built to take it.

It’s also the first Android powered smartphone to support iDEN.

The price – $149.99 with 2yr contract or $399 if you’d rather not sign a contract.

Specs:

• Android 1.5
• 600 MHz Processor  (Freescale ARM11)
• 3.5 hrs talk time / 96 hrs standby  (1400mAh battery)
• 230MB internal memory for user storage (for apps, contacts, etc)
• 3.1″ Screen – 480 x 320 Resolution (TFT Display)
• Ruggedized – Mil-Spec 810F for dust, shock, vibration, blowing rain
• 2GB microSD storage (included) – support for up to 32GB
• 5MP Camera with LED flash
• Push To Talk (iDEN)
• 4.63 oz (131 grams)
• 4.65″ x 2.28″ x .5″ (118 x 58 x 12.8 mm)

Motorola i1 - Ruggedized Android Phone - iDEN

And with the release of the Samsung Galaxy Beam I8520 (currently only available in Singapore – U.S. and U.K. release date unknown), they’ve certainly caught our attention.

In many ways it’s a pretty standard Android powered smartphone.  It currently runs Android 2.1 with a 2.2 Froyo update expected, its a slightly underpowered with a 800MHZ TI OMAP processor, and has what has become the new standard size camera (8MP and 720p video camera) and 16GB of storage space and of course has an AGPS chip

Samsung Galaxy Beam With Built in Projector.

However, Samsung didn’t stop adding features there and in fact if they could have made it fit, they probably would have included a kitchen sink.

It sports a Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 800 x 480 (a very worth competitor to Apple’s retina display, some would say it’s even better), an FM tuner, Bluetooth 3.0, and an 802.11 B/G/N antenna.  Yes, 802.11 N!

However, the real kicker is that this camera is the first smartphone to feature a built in 50″ projector.  Now you can do impromptu Powerpoint presentations to your heart’s content.   As a business owner who has to do a lot of on location presentations, I can tell you I’m chomping at the bit and crossing my fingers to get one of these puppies.

Again, no U.S. carrier has been announced for this phone and we don’t know when or even if it will be available here, but it’s another worthy contender for title of best smartphone.

You can see the projector in action in this video:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7uCi_cT9IU