Smart phones are advanced phones that offer computing abilities and connectivity. They run full operating systems, combine phone and PDA functions, and allow desktop-like experiences. While media initially raised concerns about productivity, studies show multitasking from smart phones can increase workload handling and company productivity through social media. Smart phones are tools that when used properly need not impact student grades, but overuse for non-academic purposes could. Statistics show smart phones are used mostly by working professionals for both personal and business purposes, with many bills paid by employers, demonstrating their importance in both lifestyle and work.

1. SMART PHONES

2. WHAT ARE SMART PHONES? More advanced phones which offers computing ability and connectivity,Run complete operating system software providing a platform for application developers,Combines the functions of a camera phone and a personal digital assistance (PDA),Have a station with keyboard and external display to create a desktop or laptop environment Boasting powerful processors such as memory, larger screens, and open operating system.

3. DO SMARTPHONES AFFECT PRODUCTIVITY AND COMMUNICATION IN THE WORK PLACE?Media platforms have taken substantial ground in our world, instead of decreased productivity it has surprisingly improved it,Multitasking practice has made things easy in respect of communication whereby young adults can easily handle a much greater workload, which results in productivity,Employees who are informed of social media can easily increase productivity of the company by reaching multitudes through this media(twitter and face book).

4. AdvancementUser friendlyEye catching CommunicationNetworkingSharing (work, pictures, videos, etc.)SMART PHONESSOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

5. HOW DO SMARTPHONES AFFECT THE GRADES/ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF A STUDENT? Smart phones have a time, place and purpose, they are a tool for communication,If used properly and some parameters for a student( time, length of calls and texting), the smart phone would not prevent a student making good grades,If the student is constantly on the phone and not attending business, the problem does not lie with phone however with the behaviour of the individual.

7. Number of people using smart phones 2007

8. Statistics cont.As illustrated above by the graph, the majority of the smart phone users are between the ages of 35 and 44 years of age with an income of + R859 000 annually,

9. Further more 48% of these people use these phones for their businesses,23% of this 48% have their bills paid by their companies while the other 25% pay the bill from their own salary,

10. The rest of the 52% who have smart phones have them for personal use, which shows that people rely on these phone really for the status more than the need for these phones. CONCLUSION... As a result according to the above mentioned information, smart phones has made life more simpler, it has improved productivity and communication boarders have broadened. Smart phones are impressive mobile phones, in fact so advanced that they perform like a mini hand held computer. In most cases employers worry that their employees are wasting company time checking face book and updating twitter, however the truth is that social media can and has improved productivity when used wisely and efficiently(social media today LLC@ 2010). From my point of view smart phones are a form of lifestyle, even if it costs a lot of money people still invest in them because they feel it is worth it. Some would take it to an extend of a symbol of status than anything else. “as the smart phones statistics show, it is the era of smartphones .”