Mobile Phone Buying Guide

Cell phones are now on the threshold of triggering several technological revolutions in just one go!

The early cell phone was a simple but heavy and large hand-held telephonic device that came with an antenna that could be pulled out to for a better reception. However, today cell phones are light weight, slim, small, and pretty looking and have built in antennas that offer clear reception and enhanced voice quality.

Because cell phones are so easy to use and portable they have become the choice of most callers, and more so for those who are on the move frequently. Cell phones can be defined as low-power, two-ways radios having a single channel that facilitates communication.

If you are interested in buying a mobile phone, you need to know some of the most important features of the gadget. Let’s take a look at how you can buy and save on mobile phones.

While the starting price for mobile phones is as low as under $20.00, there are many others that boast of unique technologies and remarkable and revolutionary designs and cost over $400-$500. With such variation in price, it becomes extremely difficult to find a mobile phone that offers you everything you need (including features you don’t need) and more. However, if you don’t require some features that are part of the service you have opted for, you can simply request your mobile service provider or MSP to cancel the additional features and make substantial savings.

Here are the three most important things you need to ask yourself before buying a mobile phone:

1. Why do you need a mobile phone?
2. What are the key features that you require?
3. What kind of accessories do you need?

Why do you need a mobile phone?
For many people a mobile phone is a status symbol. Some people even change mobile phones as often as they change their clothes, while a few others prefer to have a mobile handset that is simple to operate and easy to pocket. Depending on the type of user you think you are, you need to sit down and make a list of things you want to do using your mobile phone. Armed with this list you can now surf the internet and pick some handsets that match your list of requirements.

Essentially, there are three types of users and they are:

Only want to make and take calls. For these users cheap mobile phones with basic features are the most suitable. A basic handset will allow you to make and take calls, access your voicemail, send and receive text messages, besides offer you features such as calculator, alarm, ringtones, address book, calendar, games etc. These phones will help you contain your bill but may limit the choice of mobile phones. You also may not be able to access internet on your mobile phone. Some such models are: Sony Ericsson W850i, Motorola KRZR K1, and Nokia 3110.

Exploiting technologies to their benefit, these users are the second type and usually prefer mid-range cell phones. Now, more than ever before there are many technologies that can be found in mobile handsets. These help a savvy user communicate in more ways than just mere speech. Also, features such as digital cameras are now standard for most mobile phones and allow people the convenience that greatly outweighs the low image quality belted out by these mobile cams. Further on, a color screen makes the experience of playing games more exciting and interesting. Mobile phones belonging to this range include other important features such as WAP, Video shooting, Multimedia Messaging or MMS, Radios, MP3 Players, and voice recording etc. Some mobile phones belonging to this category include: Sony Ericsson W880i, Nokia 6300, and Sony Ericsson K810i.

Portable Office users always prefer mobile phones that are top-of-the-range and feature-packed. If you are an executive on the go who need to be connect to his/her office while away from it, these hi-end mobile phones are made with you in mind. Also known as Smartphone these mobile phones allow you to do so many things that it can be a bit overwhelming initially. From taking images and sending them to your friends instantly, you can even print your images from your mobile phone! Take video phone calls, access TV channels, watch the news on the go, and enjoy a host of other facilities at the tips of your fingers. Moreover, you can connect your Smartphone with your PDA or laptop or desktop and access data, or co-ordinate activities whenever required.

Finally, don't let the look of the mobile phone fool you; always consider all factors before you buy a mobile phone!

iPhone 3G Review

To begin, I honestly have to say that the iPhone 3G is by far, one of the best devices I have ever had the pleasure of using. Working with IT applications for a living, the use, functionality, ease of navigation and stability are items I deal with every day in the corporate world.

Before getting the iPhone 3G, I used an At&T Tilt pda, which I absolutely loved. The advetising for the tilt was that you did not need your laptop while traveling on business. I do usually bring my laptop when traveling, but I have to admit, with the tilt I did not use the laptop as much as I could e-mail easily which is a large precentage of my job.

That being said, the iPhone 3G goes way beyound the tilt device and lets me work, organize my life, and entertain me with video, podcasts and music. The new applicatons for the iPhone make the phone even more useful.

Now I can keep track of what I am watching on Ebay, bid on them, and pay for the items I won. The Facebook application keeps me in touch with my friends. I did not use Facebook much before, as I did not have time when at a computer to go to Facebook, and now, when I find myself out and about waiting on something (like getting the oil changed for the car), I use this time to items like Facebook.

One item of the tilt and Microsoft Office Mobile operating system it had, was the mobile internet explorer was pretty much useless to surf the internet. The iPhone on the other hand lets me surf the internet just like I was in front of a computer. So far the only item I have found that does not work is flash slideshow and virtual reality 360 panoramas on the web (that is a hobby of mine, I love taking 360 panoramas for the web). I'm sure soon they will come with an update so I can view those items as well.

So my review of the iPhone 3G is one of praise for Apple (and believe me, I am no Apple/Mac fan, but that is another story for another time). The iPhone may not do everything that any phone can do, but all in all, it can do more than any mobile device I have ever used.