Mobile & Cell Phone Information

Selecting a Cell Phone


More Than Just a Phone

Selecting a cell phone is no longer just about mobile communication - it is now a lifestyle choice. If you don't select the phone that fits your personality, you won't be happy with it. New cell phones are beginning to have little in common with earlier cell phones. The new models feature color screens, digital cameras, high-speed internet connections, multimedia games, and music playback. In case you were wondering, you can also use them to make phone calls. It's only a matter of time before everyone has these features on their cell phones.

Text messaging or "texting" is now available standard on most cell phones. It is similar to instant messaging except that messages are sent and received by cell phones instead of computers. Multimedia messaging allows you to send audio, video, and pictures as an attachment to a text message. Multimedia messaging was once seen as entertainment, but is rapidly becoming valuable to the business world. Real estate agents take photos of houses with their cell phones and employment agencies may use camera phones to photograph job applicants - all away from their office.

Dial In On the Options

Cellular providers in the United States use either GSM or CDMA technology. When you buy a cell phone, it is tied to either GSM or CDMA cellular network, but can't be converted from one to the other. If you ever switch cellular providers, you may also need to switch phones. Most cellular providers now have high-speed data networks. These data networks work with high-end cell phones and special network cards you can purchase for laptops. Data networks usually transmit data slightly faster than a dialup internet connection. These networks are still being developed and are yet to be available everywhere. Look for higher speed networks to be much more common by 2006.

If you want to purchase a camera phone, consider what quality of photos you need to take. Most camera phones have less than a one megapixel resolution, which produces low-quality images. If you need to take clear photos, look into a camera phone with 3 or more megapixels.

Voice Dialing and Bluetooth are becoming standard in many phones to make it easier and safer for people to use their phones while driving. Voice Dialing allows you to speak a person's name into your phone, which will automatically find the person in your address book and dial the number for you. Bluetooth lets you connect a headset to your phone without wires. Some luxury cars are beginning to offer Bluetooth connectivity so that you can take calls in your car through the built-in speaker system.

Some newer cell phones are being designed with an emphasis on entertainment. They can be used to play music MP3 files, stored video and even movies, and video games. In general, the newer phones are all getting smarter and more specialized.

After you're done choosing the features that you want, don't neglect the practical aspects. Look at how often you will need to change the battery, whether the screen and keypad are too big and too small. Also, caveat emptor: most cellular providers lock you into a one or two year contract when you purchase a phone from them. If you cancel your service, they will charge you an early termination fee.

About The Author

Deryck Richards is the founder and managing partner of Desktronix. With an extensive educational background in computer information systems, Deryck currently manages hosting and data center operations for Desktronix. He also provides system administration and technical support directly to small businesses as he has since 2000. His areas of expertise include networking, Windows, Linux, and Macintosh systems and he is the author of The Guide to Technology for Small Business. For more information on Desktronix, visit www.desktronix.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

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... typing in "http://www.pwtorch.com" on your Mobile cell phone web browser or downloading the FREE Pro Wrestling Torch app in the Apple store for your iPhone.


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Kansas.com, KS - Jan 4, 2009
Kansas began tracking cell phone accidents in 2003 when state accident reports added "distraction -- mobile (cell) phone" to the menu of possible ...


Teen tells police he was robbed by gang members
Lower Hudson Journal news, NY - Jan 5, 2009
... two identified himself as a three-year member of Vatos Locos - translated as the Crazy Guys - and the two demanded the teen's $110 T-Mobile cell phone. ...


HUNTSVILLE REAL-TIME NEWS
al.com, AL - Jan 4, 2009
A T-Mobile cell phone was stolen between 10 and 11:30 am Thursday from the 2000 block of Sparkman Drive. • A hair brush and a Hershey's chocolate Cookies ...


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News & Observer, NC - Jan 1, 2009
For example, Life Time members can receive 9 percent to 13 percent off their AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile cell phone bills. Thunstrom said such offers can ...


Mobile Phone Nature Photography Wallpaper website launched
PR-USA.net (press release), Bulgaria - Jan 6, 2009
... so stay tuned and subscribe to the RSS feed of www.ForestWander.mobi for the latest mobile cell phone nature wallpapers and backgrounds.


Huntsville's Saturday crime report
al.com, AL - Jan 3, 2009
A T-Mobile cell phone was stolen between 10 and 11:30 am Thursday from the 2000 block of Sparkman Drive. • A hair brush and a Hershey's chocolate Cookies ...


Cell tower could generate funds for Harlem Community Center
Rockford Register Star, IL - Dec 31, 2008
By Katie Backman Harlem Community Center may lease part of its parking lot for a T-Mobile cell phone tower, a deal that, if approved, would generate cash ...

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