Ringle.in

Is Mobile Phone a Basic Need or Luxury?

Sat, 29 May 2010 09:32:00 -0400

In early days, keeping a mobile phone was a costly affair so it was a status symbol and people were in minority to afford a mobile phone. Time passed and slowly a mobile phone becomes a part of life.

Now it is neither a status symbol nor luxury electronic gadget. It is a basic need of a person. We are so attached to our mobile phones that it is difficult to pull on without it. Without mobile phone set we find ourselves incomplete. We do not home without mobile set, any case we forget it to carry with our whole day exercise of business, and personal or social get disturbed.

Today a person can forget his pen or purse but not a mobile phone. Hardly is it 1% mistake forgetting a mobile phone at home or in office. Obviously, it keeps ringing and where is the recess to forget it. Also some day like Sunday, when there is little need of the mobile phone habit keep alerting its absence? A child grows to young and then an old man keeping his mobile phone in his pocket. What is change only model of phone or color?

It is not surprise that there are the people in our society who are not conform to mobile phones, but today they are less in number. But fact is that the same people have their sons or daughters, who love their mobile phone like their leg or arm. Today mobile phone is essential as it is used at every moment for a modern person. It is gifted as other stuff on birthday or in marriage ceremony. It is used in conveying congratulations or condolences to a friend, booking air ticket; booking home used cooking gas, calling a mechanic for the car etc. Think the area, which is not covered by the mobile phone.

Mobile phone is playing an important role in modern life. Without a mobile, a business is next to impossible, and then only businessman should keep it to carry out their business, but a big NO. Today let it be a student, a service man; mechanic, salesman, and vendor, auto rickshaw man all are in possession of a mobile phone to carry out their work. People are in habit of keeping more than one mobile phone; a person has two or more phone sets in his hand. Whatever we call mobile phone is a basic need not only of a man but also of our society.

Prepaid Cell Phones - Are They Right For You

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:12:00 -0400

In today�s world of communication technology, there�s a lot out there to consider before investing in a cell phone plan. With a multitude of carriers offering scores of options, it isn�t always easy to isolate the one package out of the many that would best suit your needs. Sometimes, the mainstream choices aren�t available to folks who are inhibited by particular circumstances, such as poor credit or other types of financial constraints. In cases such as those, prepaid cell phones can be the proverbial lifesaver. You don�t have to be financially restricted to consider a prepaid wireless plan, however. Many people choose to purchase this type of service in order to avoid contracts which would lock them into services for a designated amount of time and money.

As with anything else in this world, there are positives and negatives that are attached to the option of a �pay as you go� cell phone. Depending upon your needs, priorities and preferences, you may just find that the option of prepaid time is the best cell phone plan for you.

PROS

Unlike cell phone packages that are more standardized, prepaid wireless plans don�t require you to sign a contract.
Since you�re required to pay for the minutes that you use up-front, there�s no monthly bill to work into your budget.
For those who suffer from a poor credit history, there are a number of cell phone providers who offer a �no credit check� cell phone option.
Often, you�ll be able to find cell phone offers that don�t require a deposit to be put down in order to obtain a phone and purchase minutes.
If you have teens or younger children that will require a cell phone in order to stay in touch with you throughout the day, prepaid cell phones are a wonderful option, since there�s no age requirement in order to purchase minutes. Parents simply buy the phone, and their kids can purchase the minutes that they need at most local convenience stores, department stores or pharmacies.
Unlike most cell phone deals, there are no hidden fees that are tacked on by cell phone carriers who offer the prepaid option. Since everything is paid in advance, you save on taxes, as well as activation fees and termination fees. Basically, it�s one price to buy the minutes, without the extra charges hanging over your head.

CONS

When you purchase a specific amount of minutes for your phone, the device no longer works once the time has been used. In some cases, you�ll have to apply for a new phone number if the minutes have been zeroed out or the time in which you have to use them has expired.
If you should opt for a prepaid cell phone, then you can say �good-bye� to the idea of cheap long distance calling. The fact is that prepaid minutes average about twice as much in price as mainstream calling plans.
While you may be able to find some cell phone specials for your prepaid unit, you�re more inclined to find that you won�t be entitled to many of the services that standard cell phone users enjoy. For instance, don�t expect to have wireless web access or to be able to use your phone in analog areas. Even if you do have access to special services, you�ll have to pay a lot more for them.
The actual phones are typically much more expensive, since cell phone companies aren�t as inclined to offer as many deals for the prepaid variety.
If you have younger children that need to carry a cell phone, they�ll need to learn how to activate a prepaid phone card, if the circumstances should call for that and an adult isn�t present to assist them.

Prepaid Cell Phone Carriers

Depending upon your location, there are often several options for cell phone carriers that will provide prepaid phones and services. First, you�ll need to decide which type of service that�s best for you � purchasing a phone through a carrier and then committing yourself to buying minutes from them within a designated time-frame or purchasing the type of cell phone that allows you to simply buy cards with a specific number of minutes whenever you need to add time to your phone. Here are a few to consider:

Cingular Wireless � Offering two options for prepaid cellular customers (Pay as You Go or Pick Your Plan), Cingular doesn�t require a credit check, deposit or annual contract. Depending upon the plan you choose, you may receive unlimited calling to other Cingular customers, free night and weekend minutes or the ability to roll over unused minutes to the next month.
TracFone � After purchasing the phone, which is relatively inexpensive and can be bought at most local department stores or online, consumers can buy cards which offer a designated number of minutes (typically 40, 100, 200, etc.) to be used within a certain amount of time. Time can be added whenever you desire, which will then extend the expiration date to match the newest purchase. If the minutes go lower than 10 and you�re near the expiration date � or if the expiration date is met without purchasing extra minutes � then you should expect to lose your phone number and have to re-activate service and have a new number assigned.
Verizon � This carrier offers both prepaid calling cards and prepaid personal accounts, giving a bit more in the way of options than some of their competitors. Customers can enjoy no monthly fees, universal fees, weekly surcharges or short-minute penalties, and minutes can be purchased online. Verizon also gives you the benefit of viewing your calling history online.

Are Prepaid Cell Phones the Best Option?

Whether or not to commit to a prepaid cell phone really depends upon your personal needs and preferences. If you don�t want to be locked into an iron-clad contract, have a credit check performed, provide a security deposit or pay a set monthly fee, then you may just want to stick with a prepaid cell phone. If, on the other hand, you want the security of no expiration dates, the ability to use as many minutes as you need without constantly purchasing new cards or specials such as free night/weekend minutes, then a standard cell phone plan is probably more in line with what you�re looking for, after all.

About the Author

Samantha Goode is a freelance technology writer who loves to provide tips to consumers shopping for prepaid cellular phones, cell phone deals and cell phone carriers.

Cell Phone Accessories - A Guide To Wireless Phone Accessories

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:07:00 -0400

Cell phone accessories are a big business on the commodities� market today, and most folks have invested in at least one of the many options that are available for outfitting these handy little communications devices. From the practical to the bold-enough-to-make-a-statement, cell phone users of all walks of life can find just what they�re looking for in order to personalize their equipment.

Car Chargers

Whether you�re on a road trip for vacation or find it necessary to do a great deal of on-the-job traveling, there may be times when it isn�t convenient � or possible � to find a place to stop in order to recharge your mobile phone battery when it runs low. For those who need something that�s adaptable to life on the road, cell phone chargers are available which allow you to plug your cellular phone in to the cigarette lighter, making it possible to charge the device directly from your car�s battery.

Hands-Free Sets

With the focus on safety, many states are considering a variety of laws that will abolish the use of cell phones while driving. One practical suggestion would be to invest in a hands-free set � also known as a wireless headset � that will allow you to continue driving without having to forego the conversations that may become necessary while you�re driving. They�re safe, convenient and � since some cellular phones respond to voice activation � round out the package to make the driving experience as safe as possible.

Faceplates (Cell Phone Covers)

For those who take their cell phone experience a bit more personally, a myriad of faceplates are available to spice up the look with a design or color that reflects your personal tastes or interests. Bold, bright colors, patterns, specialized logos � you name it; they can be found to fit your particular brand of cellular phone and are easily interchangeable with other cell phone faceplates, if you prefer a new look every now and then.

Cases

Without a case, it can be pretty inconvenient to store your cell phone when you�ve finished using it and are away from home. Women often toss them into a purse, but this is problematic, as well, since the buttons are sometimes activated when an item inside makes contact with it � even when the buttons are locked, it isn�t difficult to unlock them when something inside of a purse rubs against the device. Cell phone cases typically have a clip on the back that will allow you to attach them to a purse, belt or pocket, making it much easier and more convenient to keep track of the device when it�s not in use.

Belt Clips/Holsters (Cell Phone Holders)

As an alternative to the cell phone case, which completely covers the device, belt clips and holsters allow you to attach the unit to your belt, purse or pocket while keeping the bulk of the phone uncovered. Just a simple click on or off, and you can make a call when you need to and clip it back into place without a lot of fuss. The added perk to this type of accessory is that you don�t have to struggle with a plastic covering that can hinder your ability to quickly place or answer calls when necessary.

Antennas

If you find that your cell phone reception is lacking, due to the area in which you live or travel frequently, then you might be in need of an attachable cell phone antenna. There are many options available, offering different levels of power, complete with internal or external boosters, as well as a wide variety of styles and prices to fit every budget. These are typically quite easy to attach and often have a very modest price tag, making them great gift ideas for those times when you just don�t know what to give for a gift-giving holiday or other special occasion.

Phone Straps

Another way to spruce up your cellular phone is to attach a colorful strap. These are available in various styles, such as beaded, with cartoon character figureheads, with holiday figures or other specialized baubles that make your cell phone experience a bit more fun. For the youngsters, there are lots of fun characters from which to choose, as well as bright neon shades which can help kids to identify their phones and make a sassy presentation when they don them at home, school or during those times when they�re just on the run.

Radiation Shields

Since the threat of radiation exposure through the use of mobile phones has sparked a number of studies by medical researchers, who have shown evidence that the radiation contamination is so significant that it can penetrate 1 �� into the brain when the cell phone is held to the ear, then a radiation shield is a great asset, indeed. Easy to attach and effective enough to virtually eliminate the exposure to this deadly element, radiation shields are available in a variety of styles and prices, and may be purchased through cell phone carriers or online.

Designer Keypads

There�s no better way to jazz up a cell phone than through the addition of a designer keypad. Kids especially love the bright colors and flashing buttons that can be found � some of which even come in packs of interchangeable keypads, allowing them to change their look whenever they get the urge to do so. No matter what your tastes are, you�ll definitely find something that you like when you go keypad shopping for your cell phone!

Personalize Your Cell Phone

Will all of the options to personalize your cell phones these days, they can be used as an expression of your very self, or just to spice things up a bit so that you�ll be able to locate your phone at a glance. Just as the first land lines � which were nothing but black boxes that offered nothing in the way of mobility � have evolved through the years, so have mobile phones. With the choices that today�s market has to offer, there�s no need to walk around with a dull, black hand-held unit that reflects nothing about who you are. Instead, you can use your cell phone as an extension of your interests, hobbies and personality � for a very reasonable price.

About the Author

Samantha Goode is a freelance technology writer who loves to provide tips to consumers shopping for cell phone batteries, wireless headsets and cellular accessories.

Smartphones - Are They Really A Smart Decision

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 03:46:00 -0400

First, there was the standard land line phone system; then came the cell phone � a convenient little portable item that everyone adopted a �must have� attitude toward. Progress didn�t stop there, however. Now, we have the Smart Phone � the answer to the on-the-go lifestyle that demands immediate access to whatever electronic needs that we happen to have, in addition to the ability to phone our family and friends for a chat whenever the whim presents itself.

To be sure, Smart Phones are capable of extraordinary electronic feats, but convenience � especially that of the technological variety � always comes at a cost, and this one comes with quite a hefty one. The bottom line is that, if you plan to buy a Smart Phone, then plan on paying a visit to the loan officer of your local bank on the way to the store. These electronic marvels are designed to bring true computer capability right to the palm of your hand, but most people will have to put some serious thought into the type of financial commitment that they�ll have to make in order to become the proud owner of a brand new bouncing baby Smart Phone.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Smart Phone

Just like anything else, Smart Phones have their bright and dark sides and, depending upon how much you�re willing to compromise, they�ll either be a great investment for you, or not at all worth the money that you�ve invested.

Pros

For those who, until now, had been carrying around a mobile phone and PDA, this combines the two into one unit, without losing any of the capability of either format.
This is definitely a multi-media friendly device, offering the opportunity to enjoy both audio and video files � or both, if you prefer � without a lot of hoopla.
Cell phone software companies have taken quite kindly to the Smart Phone and are fully supportive of it when it comes to developing software that�s compatible with these units � especially those in the game and entertainment industries.
If accessories are your thing, then you�ll love the number of add-ons that you can purchase to go with your new Smart Phone � including those which utilize Bluetooth technology.

Cons

Unless you have very good vision, you might have trouble reading the screen on the Smart Phone � it�s smaller and the resolution isn�t as sharp as that of a Pocket PC.
Text messaging and other text-related capabilities are compromised as a result of the limited text-entry that�s intrinsic to these devices.
Unlike the Pocket PC, Smart Phones are missing some applications that are critical to some users. Among these are Microsoft products, such as Pocket Excel and Pocket Word.
You may be told that you�ll have nationwide coverage, but the reality is that coverage of that type only includes larger cities with higher populations. As a result, there�s quite a menu of non-service areas.

Smart Phone Features

Much like a mini-computer with telephone capability, these devices are often seen as handy little items for meeting most or all of the needs of those who are on the run, but want to have access to their PC and phone service, regardless of where they roam.

Cell phone service is certainly one of the major perks of the Smart Phone � complete with voice mail. Just as in the case of mainstream cell phone varieties, specific service plans can be purchased for these, depending upon your particular needs and preferences.
Internet connectivity is also an available Smart Phone feature, allowing you to retrieve wireless e-mail messages and gain access to search engines and other online goodies. Just pop open your flip phone and jump onto the web.
If you�re interested in games, the Smart Phone offers those, as well. A variety of computerized games can be played � either online or through special software � just as if you were using your home PC.
Office functions, such as certain Windows or other Microsoft programming, are also available, allowing you to create and store files for future use.
If you�re bored and have a bit of extra time on your hands, you can even gain access to online movies through the video feature that the Smart Phone has to offer. Or, if you prefer, you can listen to your favorite tunes as a result of the audio features.
Photography is also an option when you invest in a Smart Phone. Just as with the mainstream camera phones, these devices offer instant pictures that can be viewed on-screen immediately after they�re snapped. These units, however, are more than just cell phone cameras, so if you�re looking for something more, think �Smart Phone�.

Smart Phone Pricing

Although these have been compared to PDAs on a certain level, Smart Phones are definitely more sophisticated � and more compact. As compensation for these conveniences, however, you must be willing to pay a hefty price. Typically starting at about $600 and ranging into the thousands, Smart Phones may be all the rage, but if you�re planning to buy one simply for the novelty of it all, then you should save your money and stick with something a bit less progressive.

Keep in mind that additional costs will be incurred in order to establish phone service and gain internet connectivity. That equates to the price of the unit plus the additional charges for basic services and any special features that you choose to opt for � all of which can add up to an exorbitant amount of money.

The best way to keep down your expenses is to take the time and effort to do some online research before you make a commitment to buy a Smart Phone or specific service plan that you�ll need in order to fully utilize all of the features that it offers. By simply typing �smart phone comparison� into the keyword area of any major search engine, you�ll have cost and feature comparison information at your fingertips, which will help you to determine which one is right for you � if, indeed, any of them are. Is investing in a Smart Phone a wise decision? Only you can decide.

About the Author

Samantha Goode is a freelance technology writer who loves to provide tips to consumers shopping for smart phones, pda phone and blackberry pda.

Cell Phone Safety - Am I Really At Risk

Sat, 01 Aug 2009 03:42:00 -0400

It�s a sad commentary on the way of the world today, when you stop to think about the fact that people will go out of their way to avoid radiation exposure � such as in the case of x-ray technicians who shield themselves within a protective booth or by donning lead aprons � and, yet, those same people will walk around, day after day, with a cell phone attached to their ears without concern. Cell phones, cellular phones, mobile phones, wireless phones...call them what you will � without proper precautions, they can still pose a significant threat to those who use them.

SAR Absorption

The CTIA � or, Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association � has defined SAR (specific absorption rate) as �a way of measuring the quantity of radio frequency energy that is absorbed by the body�. In plain English, SAR indicates the amount of radiation that your body is being directly exposed to through the use of devices such as cell phones. Every time you use a cell phone, you�re holding a machine to your head that sends electromagnetic waves directly to your brain. These waves, which are the equivalent of microwave energy, are transmitted to the brain through cell phone antennas and � depending upon how close that receptor is to your head, as much as 60% of that radiation is absorbed. So much so, in fact, that they can penetrate 1 �� into the actual brain. That was the bad news...even worse is that many models exceed that limit. In effect, you�re slow-cooking your brain in the very same way that a microwave oven cooks dinner on a busy day.

Through various studies, evidence has indicated that there�s been a significant increase in brain tumor occurrences among cell phone users. In addition, researchers have also discovered that the impact of cell phone frequencies (which cause the brain to be bombarded by radiation or microwave energy) also appears to cause genetic damage within human blood. It�s believed that the auto-immune system is negatively impacted, as well. The potential for long-term adverse affects, then, is astounding and may include diseases such as Alzheimer�s, cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Children and Cell Phone Safety

If all of that concerns you � as well it should � then think, for a moment, about how many children are using these phones on a regular basis. You�d be hard-pressed in today�s society to find a child or teen who doesn�t, at some point in the day, have one pressed to their ear. The odds of developing something devastating are even more likely, since their skulls are thinner and their brains are still in the process of growing. Between that and the fact that, due to their age, the number of cumulative years in which they�d receive exposure to the harmful radiation that�s associated with these phones will be greater than those of an older generation, it�s a frightening prospect, indeed.

Although it�s certainly a great convenience to be able to carry a portable phone around in your purse or pocket, and has � in some cases � helped to save the life of someone in jeopardy by enabling folks to dial 911 without having to search for a nearby phone, it�s not an even trade-off and children should never use such devices, except in an emergency. One of the biggest problems that parents may face today is that, since cell phones are convenient � and popular among young people � keeping their children cell-phone-free may be next to impossible. Whether it�s necessary to have youngsters stay in communication with family members when they�re away from home or simply to use in the event of an emergency, many parents feel forced into providing them for their kids and don�t give much thought to the possible dangers that their children may be exposed to, as a result.

Reducing the Risks

Cell phone safety must be made more of a priority by adults and children alike. Until such time when the dangers that are intrinsic to these types of devices have been nullified, there are certain steps that can � and should � be taken by those who find it necessary to use phones such as these.

Only use a cell or mobile phone when necessary
Limit the length of your conversations when utilizing a cell phone
Invest in a hands-free set-up so that the phone�s antenna isn�t near your head
Purchase a cell phone with an external aerial
Research the SAR for the unit that you�re thinking of purchasing
Invest in a SAR Shield for your cell phone

Protecting Yourself with a SAR Shield

With a history of reducing radio frequency radiation by up to 89%, the SAR Shield offers significant protection against the damaging effects that are experienced by those who use cell phones on a regular basis. This attachment operates using the same principle as the technology used for the U. S. Air Force�s Stealth Aircraft, which makes it invisible to radar systems. Due to its winged design, the SAR Shield is able to conform to any size cell phone. In the case of an external antenna, simply bend it around the antenna and you�ll be protected from most of the harmful radiation waves for the lifetime of the phone. For those which house an internal receiver, the SAR Shield attaches directly to the phone�s hard outer shell. For the best results, this should be attached on the upper portion of the cell phone�s structure, so that it doesn�t interfere with any other attachments, such as belt clips. For more information on how to purchase a SAR Shield, visit www.sarshield.com.

It�s All About Choices

It stands to reason that people would prefer to keep a cell phone handy, whether for the purposes of emergency access or just to remain in touch with those who may need to reach them when a �land line� is unavailable. That being the case, the next best thing would be to exercise as much caution as possible when using a cell phone, including the willingness to invest in any device that might help to reduce the amount of radiation absorption in order to practice cell phone safety � for both you and your children. So, if you�re determined to use that cell phone, consider purchasing a SAR Shield...and breathe just a bit easier when the phone rings.

About the Author

Samantha Goode is a freelance technology writer who loves to provide tips to consumers shopping for cellular phone reviews, comparison of cell phones and new cell phones.

Cell Phone Ringtones Bring Your Phone To Life

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 03:38:00 -0400

Cell phones have revolutionized the way people communicate. Within 20 years cell phones have moved from luxury devices to devices of necessity. Cell phone ringtones are one of the most popular accessories used in cell phones. The annual sales of cell phone ringtones reach approximately $3 billion.

Ringtones have changed the soundscape of modern communication. A ringtone is the sound made by a cell phone to indicate an incoming call. The cell phone makes the ringing sound in response to a special ringing radio frequency sent by the cellular service to indicate incoming calls. They were initially provided in cell phones so that the user could differentiate between its own cell phone rings from other cell phones'. However cell phone ringtones have become even more diversified leading to personalization of cell phones.

Presently many ringtones such as sing tones, voice tones, caller tunes, monophonic tones, polyphonic tones, true tones etc are available freely and on payment basis on the internet. From Britney Spears to Shakira, crying babies to diving fighter planes, all sorts of ringtones are available. Cell phone ringtones started out as simple rings and beeps, but present day ringtones are generally polyphonic. Polyphonic ringtones use two or more independent melodies playing synchronously. Current cellular phones can play four to forty tones and notes simultaneously. Polyphonic ringtones have literally silenced monophonic tones due to their superior and pleasant quality. They can play guitars, drums, pianos and other sound instruments.

Cell phones are available with preinstalled tones. If the user is not satisfied with them he can download ringtones from the internet or from other phones. The usual formats for ringtones are either MP3 or MIDI.

The latest cell phones can store quite a lot of ringtones. There are facilities available for storing different ringtones set for different people on the phone book. In addition, different ringtones for SMS (short messaging system), MMS (Multimedia messaging system) and voice calls can also be kept. Voice ringtones are a fad these days. Ringtone downloads of voices of famous people, movie stars and other popular voices like that of the Star Wars characters Yoda, Chewbacca, R2D2 etc are available. Yoda is particularly popular with the phrase “Answer the phone you must”.

Vibrational ringtones are used in noisy places, while traveling, by hearing impaired, places where silence is mandatory like movie theaters libraries, hospitals, meetings etc. With vibra ringtones the cell phone vibrates to get the attention of the user.

Cell phones have moved from being simple communication devices to a kind of adornment and fashion statement. Ringtones help make the cell phone appear more lively and attractive and thus reflect on the personality of the user. By Susan Jan

Feeling Unique With Your Personalized Polyphonic Ringtones

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 03:21:00 -0400

There is a whole hysteria caused by polyphonic ringtones out there so there is no way you haven�t heard about them by now. They are now in fashion because the technology that produces them is very advanced and because, together with mobile wallpapers and other types of cell phone accessories, they make life fun and attractive.

Polyphonic ringtones, as the name says, mean different sounds and tones, as opposite to monophonic ring tones. Ring tones are sounds made by your phone, usually your mobile phone, in order to indicate an incoming call. A polyphonic ringtone has as an advantage the fact that multiple notes can be played at the same time using different instrument sounds such as drums, guitar, etc. The ring tones business has developed together with mobile phones, and now120 individual notes can be heard with various instruments played simultaneously to give a more realistic sound.

So, why are polyphonic ringtones so important to us? Well, from the very first ring tone, people have had the desire to step out of the crowd and to have their own specific print on their accessories. If you come to think about it, it�s only natural that every one wants to have personalized ring tones, sounds with which to associate his/her personality. And that�s exactly the reason why polyphonic ringtones are so appreciated nowadays. They offer just that � distinction and variety.

Imagine yourself at the office, together with plenty of colleagues owning cell phones with the same ring tones as yours. When one of the phones rings it would be ridiculous not to be able to differentiate your own. But, thanks to polyphonic ringtones, you don�t have to worry about that anymore. You�ll be able to recognize your phone from thousands. Another advantage of polyphonic ringtones is the fact that you can have different ring tones for every member of your family, for friends or other important contacts. This gives you the possibility to know who�s calling before looking at your phone�s screen. Last but not least, polyphonic ringtones are easier to hear in a noisy crowd so you don�t have to check your phone every 10 minutes and to be sure you haven�t missed any important call.

Besides polyphonic ringtones, there are also other ways to make your cell phone different from the rest – through mobile wallpapers. Mobile wallpapers are images of different types (saved with different extensions) which can be placed on the screen of your cell phone. These mobile wallpapers are also a good way to step out of the crowd and show personality.

However many instruments there are at the user�s disposition, making your cell phone resemble your personality isn�t so easy. Choosing polyphonic ringtones that might bother those around you is a problem. Imagine talking to your boss when the phone rings. Your loud inappropriate ring tones might bother a serious and conservatory person. Fortunately you have a wide range of options. One of the most popular choices of polyphonic ringtones is music, but it�s not the only one. Polyphonic ringtones can also be a speaker�s voice in the background. Another choice would be to compose your own polyphonic ringtones. This is a good idea only if you�re good at it and couldn�t find the right polyphonic ringtones for you. If you decide to compose your own polyphonic ringtones you have to know that you�ll need the right equipment to do it. You can record your ring tones with the help of the computer or other devices and then download them into your phone.

So, now that you know how to adapt your phone to your personality, let�s see how and where one can get polyphonic ringtones. Contrary to many people�s opinion, polyphonic ring tones aren�t expensive. You can actually find a lot of websites which offer free polyphonic ringtones and in a wide range of choices, too. However, the latest and funniest polyphonic ringtones it will cost you some money. The price of a polyphonic ringtone starts from two dollars and is usually twenty-five seconds long. People all over the world have made a real habit in buying ring tones for their mobiles, regardless of their cost. This habit has made ring tones sellers to become popular and rich.

Besides the fact that polyphonic ringtones keep you and your cell phone in fashion, they can also be a very good and original gift for the dear ones. Since many people nowadays use polyphonic ringtones such a gift can be a pleasant surprise for friends and family. Ring tones, together with mobile wallpapers, can be a good and funny way to say �Happy birthday�, �I love you�, etc. — Amelie Gam

Different Ringtone Formats

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 02:45:00 -0400

Ringtones are musical sounds that a mobile phone or cell phone plays when an incoming call or text message is received to the handset. Because the popularity and technology advantage of mobile phones over basic landline telephones, ringtones can be downloaded to a handset and used to personalize a callers ringing tone. The fact that users can choose what ringtone there mobile phone rings too, is the biggest selling point and the main purpose of ringtones popularity.

There are various different formats of ringtone, and each format of ringtone is more suited to a range of different manufacturers and models of mobile phone. Many people who purchase a mobile phone think that they can receive any type of ringtone; this is not the case in many situations.

At the moment, there are currently 5 different formats of ringtone available:

RTTTL, which is short for Ring Tones Text Transfer Language, is a simple text based format that you can use to make/create ringtones that can be uploaded or transferred onto your mobile phone via various mobile phone uploading techniques e.g. Infrared, SMS, and Bluetooth.

Monophonic ringtones are very basic ringtones, most commonly found on older mobile phones such as the Nokia 3210. Monophonic ringtones are only capable of making one sound at a time; hence monophonic. Each tone or sound is created at a different frequency creating a melodic, but simple sound. RTTTL is the basis behind monophonic ringtones.

Polyphonic Ringtones are compatible on mobile phones that can produce the playing of up to 16 separate tones simultaneously. Polyphonic ringtones are slightly more musical than monophonic ringtones, but there is still no real comparison to a real life song. Most modern mobile phones support polyphonic ringtones.

MP3 ringtones also know as real tones, real music tones and true tones are ringtones that are complete emulations of CD quality music. As the name suggest, MP3 ringtones are just MP3 music files that are assigned as ringtones. This allows the user to have perfectly quality sounds coming from there mobile phone, which for the first time has allowed mobile phones to produce real life sounds such as signing and voices. Many people now download full track albums to there mobile phone and simply use the files for recreation, such as using the mobile phone as an MP3 Player, then assign the MP3 file as a ringtone. This has seen a big surge in ringtone sales as it allows consumers to kill two birds with one stone.

With today's technology increasing and the market for mobile phone content rapidly expanding, we have seen the creation of video ringtones. Video ringtones are simply small video clips with a MP3 file assigned to play in the background, so when you receive an incoming call to your mobile phone, the video and ringtone is played. Although video ringtones have been around for a while now, they have never really become main stream and could be a new market for many mobile ringtone websites.

The author of this article is Michael Thomson, the Marketing Director of Schnozberry, an online source for downloading ringtones and various other mobile phone content.

Cell Phone Plans - Choices Abound!

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:50:00 -0400

The Future Is Flexible

Gone are the days when the only way you could afford a cell phone was to buy into a lengthy cell phone plan. In those early days, a cell phone plan included a seemingly ironclad contract that lasted a minimum of three years. There simply were no choices. If you wanted a cell phone you had to buy the phone and commit to being tied to a contract; like it or lump it.

Thankfully those days are over and today because of the number of service providers, choices abound! Today�s cell phone plans are designed with the consumer and their multitude of choices in mind. The wireless customer can choose an affordable cell phone with many choices and combinations of cell phone plans. That�s the good news! There is bad news though, with the large volume of information available today, where does a person start to look and how do they decide what to choose?

Choices, Choices, Choices

That�s the reason for this article. My goal is to help guide you through the myriad of choices that are available and to introduce you to the world of prepaid cell phones, family plans and shared plans for multiple cell phones. I�ll be giving you some suggestions on how to match the best cell phone plan for you and your lifestyle. I�ll also be giving you an idea where to find some ratings and reviews.

There are a few things to consider when making a decision. Once that�s done you can look into the various reviews on what�s currently available. Some internet sites provide ratings for the cell phone plans they advertise and are always striving to inform the customer about their newest offerings and hottest deals.

Decision Helpers

Hardware & Software.
What�s Available?
The prepaid cell phone � Diamonds & Dust.
Contracts � Bundles of Bargains.
Companies you can count on.
What�s your style?

Hardware And Software

The Hardware

When it all comes down to it, isn�t it all about the phone? This is primarily one of the first of the decision making factors because it determines what kind of phone you�ll get. This is especially true when you are looking at what can be a very expensive purchase.

Almost every cell phone company provides the most simple or the most complex cell phones with their prepaid cell phone packages. Companies such as Verizon, Cricket, and Nextel all offer easy consumer friendly �pay as you go� options.

If you chose a contract, there seems to be a formula but some companies have very enticing offers especially if you are changing service providers. The basic rule of thumb seems to be:

$50.00 price reduction for a one year contract.
$100.00 price reduction for a two year contract.
$150.00 price reduction for a three year contract.

As mentioned above some service providers offer up to a 75% discounted price for a top of the line cell phone in exchange for a three year contract. As a particularly good salesman told me �you can always get out of a contract these days, you just have to pay it out�. Because the cell phones offered by most service providers are top of the line items from Motorola and Nokia and the contract is so consumer friendly it will be easy for you to stick with a contract for three years.

The Software

The service provider is the most important software factor when choosing between a prepaid cell phone and cell phone plan contract. This is an important issue because even the best phone is only as good as its signal.

Buyers beware however; some service providers� piggyback on top of more established lines. If it�s a case of first come; first serve and your service provider piggybacks, you could be the first one off. This results in dropped calls and unreliable air space. Not a good outcome to your purchase. So do your research diligently.

What�s Available?

Because it�s all about the phone, ask yourself the following questions. What kind of phone do you want? Do you want one that is bare bones or one that has it all? Does the cell phone company or service provider offer a phone that comes with family or shared plans? If you chose a family plan, are both phones equally efficient? Do you want a cell phone that doubles as a palm pilot or camera?

All these questions will determine where you want to look when making your choice between a contract and a prepaid cell phone plan. There may be some features that you can live without. Knowing this upfront will help you determine what is best for you. There are numerous websites that provide ratings and reviews of what is currently available. Surf the web and research Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Nextel, Cricket and Cingular.

The most popular plans these days are shared plans or family plans. Family plans are useful to the small business because each employee can have a cell phone and the company receives just one invoice. This is a good way of keeping track of communication expenses. This applies to a small business but one invoice is a good way to monitor family budgets as well.

Prepaid Cell Phones�Diamonds & Dust

Diamonds

Prepaid minutes can be less expensive than contract minutes.
No Credit checks, no hassles!
No monthly bill, you�ve paid upfront.
No service fees.

Dust

Extras costs more, long distance and roaming fees can be very expensive.
Not all services are included, you may not be able to surf the web.
Your phone only works in analog areas (quite common in more remote areas).
Prepaid minutes can be more expensive on a minute by minute basis. Read the fine print.

Contracts � Bundles Of Bargains

The most attractive feature about cell phone contracts is the bundle concept. There are numerous cell phone plans to make it easy for you to adhere to a contract and get a bundle of great deals. You can get special �add ons� like three way calling and call display. You can purchase a relatively nice cell phone at a reasonable price. As mentioned above contracts are not the iron clad document they used to be. If need be you can get released from them and you do get nicer phones!

Companies You Can Count On

Tried & True

There are so many cell phone companies and service providers these days, who can you, count on? For the best hardware (the phone) and the best software (airtime and air quality), you could choose cell phone companies that have been in the communication business for a long time. Verizon is one of these companies. They have a long standing tradition of superior customer service and product dependability. AT&T is also a long established communications company with impeccable standards.

Up & Coming

There are also some new cell phone companies and service providers who are making a good name for themselves because of the attention to quality as well. Check out new companies such as Nextel (a proud sponsor of NASCAR), T-Mobile, Cingular and Cricket.

There are reviews you can read about the latest and newest technology about all of the above companies so go to each company�s websites and check out how their phones rate against each other.

What�s Your Style?

Truly today, it is all about you and your unique lifestyle. This is the most important decision making factor of all. You know what you need in a cell phone plan. The key is finding the best one that will serve your needs best. Don�t be intimidated or overwhelmed by the number of choices out there. Just keep in mind; it�s all about your unique communication needs. Read these two short scenarios. They will help to show you what could be right for you.

Your job takes you all over the world. Your friends have a hard time keeping track of you because you are always on the move. You pay your bills on the internet and phone your family periodically just to let them know you�re �OK�.

You�re still in school and living at home. Your parents want you to keep in touch but you�re sick of pay phones. Borrowing your friend�s cell phone is getting old but you still need to check in.

The first scenario indicates that a prepaid cell phone would suit your lifestyle well. Make sure you prepay your minutes and avoid those pricey extra airtime costs. Use an international company such as AT&T so that you receive global coverage.

The second scenario indicates that your family needs a shared plan like the family plans currently available. Surf the web and research companies like Verizon and AT&T.

The Bottom Line � Choices Do Abound!

So there you have it, the future is flexible and choices do abound. I hope you have found this article helpful as you make that choice between a prepaid cell phone and a cell phone contract. Keep in touch!

� 2005 www.cell-phone-n-plans.com

About the Author Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers about cellular phone plans including prepaid phone plans, family cell phone plans and shared cellular plans. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.

Buying A Cell Phone - Making Smart Choices

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:37:00 -0400

Whether you're buying your first cell phone, upgrading to a newer one or contemplating a new cell phone plan, it's a good idea to thoroughly research your purchase. There are a multitude of companies, cell phone plans and rates available. You can pick from family plans, prepaid time cards, and plans tailored to your specific needs. The list, like the beat, goes on. The purpose of this article is to help guide you through the large amount of choices. This article includes some suggestions to help you decide which cell phone and cell phone plan is right for you.

One of the things to consider when looking for a new cell phone is what cell phone accessories you need and want. It's also wise to acquaint yourself with some websites that rate and review cell phones and cell phone accessories. Cell phone companies such as Nokia, Motorola and LG provide easy to use quiz's to help determine what cell phone is right for your busy lifestyle. Because you are busy, I have done a little homework for you and have come up with some ideas to help you make the right choice when buying a new cell phone.

There are a few factors to consider when buying or upgrading your phone. Part of what you want to look for in a cell phone is what rates are available if you are buying more than one phone. Many cell phone companies are currently offering “family plans” which make owning more than one phone very attractive.

The following are some guidelines to consider when researching a cell phone and cell phone plans purchase:

1. Economy

Advances in technology have revolutionized the communications industry. This technology has introduced the world to digital cameras and has also revolutionized the world of cell phones. This technology has enabled a cell phone to act as a camera and in some cases to fit in the palm of your hand. This is why the sky is the limit in the cases of some cell phone prices. You can pay as much as you like for all the internal options that a cell phone is equipped with. To further drive up the cost of your cell phone purchase, there are numerous cell phone accessories that are essential to the safe operation of the unit and some which are simply frills.

If funds are limited but you still need a reasonably good phone and corresponding cell phone plan, there are companies that provide cell phones free of charge with the purchase of a phone plan. These plans were previously called contracts and most of them were fairly long term (at least 3 years). This is no longer the case. Many companies like Verizon, T-Mobile and Nextel will provide a phone for free and won't insist on a lengthy commitment.

Some Options To Consider:

Prepaid Cell Phones � Are they right for you?

If you are considering a prepaid cell phone, it is a good idea to ask yourself how often will you be using the phone. A prepaid cell phone can be more expensive than a regular monthly rate and contain hidden charges and restrictions. If you need a cell phone simply for occasional use, a prepaid cell phone is probably a good choice.

Family Plans � You Control who pays the bill.

Many companies are offering “Family Plans”. This is making owning a cell phone even more economical. These cell phone plans allow the owner to provide a family member or in the case of small business, an employee, a cell phone. The principal owner of the plan pays for the air-time (at a discounted rate) and long distance. Using a family plan for a small business is a great way to keep track of cell phone expenditures and keeping the telephone budget low.

Cell Phone Accessories � The costs add up!

When something shows up on the market, you want it�now! In the marketing world, you are known as an “Early Adopter” and Early Adopters always pay more. Communications companies love you! You are ultimately their test market to find out what consumers are willing to pay for the newest features and latest gadgets available as cell phone accessories. There are numerous pages on the World Wide Web of cell phone accessories. Numerous pages; so where to look? Start with Verizon or T-Mobile as they provide stylish phones free of charge. These cell phones come with many accessories included in the start up cost. If economy is an issue with you, stick with the basics. You will only need to buy the following items:

Handsfree Car Headset
Battery Charger

It isn't a very sexy list but if economy is important to you then that is really all you need. BUT if economy isn't number one on your list of what to look for in a cell phone, read on.

2. The Latest And Greatest � Can You Say “E A R L Y A D O P T E R?”

If you want the latest in technology, be prepared to pay for it. A minimum of $200.00 will buy only the most basic of cell phones. In the case of pricing for cell phones and cell phone accessories the sky truly is the limit. Nokia, Motorola, LG, Ericsson and Kyocera provide an established name in cell phone technology and they also provide cutting edge features in their repertoire of cell phone offerings. Check out their web sites for the latest and greatest in cell phone offerings.

3. Style � Looking Good For A Price

Many companies include face plates as a catchy cell phone accessory. You can wear your heart or your favorite sports team on your sleeve. Motorola, for example carries a cell phone face plate that features a major league hockey team. You can even pick up a purse to carry your cell phone to the most elegant occasions. Check out these “must have” little numbers on the Motorola site or one of the many other sites on the internet selling these aftermarket accessories. If you love color and need to match your cell phone to your Mercedes that is possible too!

Would you like something a little different? A cell mate is the thing to have. This cell phone accessory allows you to dress your cell phone. This item was adopted by Ashley Judd who is reported to have many different plush covers for her cell phones. These items are available from a limited number of cell phone companies and other manufacturers. Type your brand of cellphone and “cell mate” into your favorite search engine to find a unique cover for your cell phone.

4. Reliability � When You Need Your Cell Phone To Be Dependable

One of the most important features when looking for a cell phone is dependable service. There is no point in having a cell phone and the most up to date cell phone accessories if the phone is not reliable. Some cell phone companies advertise that they provide the best cell phone service but unfortunately this isn't always true. Ensure that you deal with experienced cell phone service providers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

5. Rate Plan Flexibility

Phone plans � finding what's right for you.

Family plans, call home plans, free included cell phones and prepaid cell phones! There's a multitude of choices but what is right for you? Your lifestyle will indicate what type of phone plan you need. If your cell phone is your main source of communication and half your life is spent on your cell, you need a plan that will guarantee you the most air time for the least amount of money. If you have children and want to give them the opportunity to have a cell phone but want to control the amount of time they use it, a family plan may be the right choice for you. Perhaps you need to call a certain phone number regularly, then a “call home” plan is the choice that serves your needs best. Do your research to find the best fit possible. Gone are the days when you had to fit the cell phone plan; today companies such as Verizon and AT&T make sure that the cell phone plans fits you.

The Choice Is Yours � The Sky's The Limit

As you can see, there are lots to look for when shopping for a new cell phone. This article covered only a portion of the information available on the World Wide Web and in the Marketplace. I hope you found it helpful in your search for just the right cell phone company for your unique lifestyle. Keep in touch!

� 2005 http://www.cell-phone-n-plans.com

About the Author Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers about cell phones, cell phone plans and cellular accessories. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.