Browser: How well does the browser render complex pages? We were particularly impressed by the Palm Blazer browser and its ability to reformat complex content to make it usable on a small screen.
Size and weight: You may think a device is small enough until you have to carry it with you all the time. Make sure it's large enough to provide the user interface you need, but not a microgram bigger.
Radio performance: There is some variation in how radios are implemented between platforms. One device may be able to do voice/data communications in a low-signal or high-interference situation, while another can't. If you're doing side-by-side testing, include wireless communications in a variety of locations.
Phone-function integration: Are phone functions an add-on to PDA functions or are they tightly integrated? For example, can you scroll through a list of received calls and easily select numbers to add to your address book? Symbian is especially strong in this area.
Device as modem: For some situations, you may want to use your wireless device as a modem for a laptop. Does the platform support this natively? If not, can you buy a utility that makes it possible?If it hasn't occurred yet in your enterprise, it will: Some gadget buff will flash his new smartphone and brag about how he can answer e-mail on the golf course. Suddenly, you'll have the kind of grassroots enthusiasm usually reserved for the latest firing on The Apprentice. Next thing you know, you'll be determining the feasibility of deploying wireless devices companywide and furnishing employees with secure access to e-mail, instant messaging, databases and other key business applications.
