Cell Phone FAQ – I Have A Few Questions

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This question keeps on cropping up as the line up of phones we have to choose from just keeps on getting wider and wider. Which of course is a good thing overall, just think how much complaining there would be if only a handful of different models were available. So instead we complain that there are too many!

Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Kyocera, LG, Sanyo, Siemens, NEC, Panasonic, Handspring, Palm, Audiovox, Qualcomm, Philips, Denso, Hyundai, JRC, Mitsubishi, Neopoint, Novatel, Oki, Bosch, the list of cell phone manufacturers just goes on and on, as does the choice of models they produce.

Remember also to match up your choice with compatible cell phone plans, and exactly which you should choose depends on what you want from your phone. But here are the answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about cell phones, to help when you are considering a new purchase.

What is GPRS?

GPRS stands for General Packet Radio Service (it can also be known as 2.5G) and this is the latest improved standard on GSM networks for a high speed data connection, enabling faster browsing of the internet via the mobile web for example.

Is analog dead now?

No not at all, although digital cell phones are much superior their coverage is still not total, so if you live or travel in a rural area then you should consider buying a dual-mode phone. This can operate on analog as well as digital networks so the likelihood that you will be out of touch is considerably lessened.

If you are wearing a hearing-aid then analog phones will also give you a better chance of compatibility, as most digital cell phones are not suited for use with hearing-aids, though manufacturers are addressing this problem.

What is a Tri-Band phone?

This is a phone you can use around the world, so you can take it with you on foreign vacations or business trips. A different digital frequency is used in Europe and Asia than is generally found in North America, so you won’t be able to take your cell phone with you to many countries around the world unless you have this Tri-Band capability.

What about safety?

Cell phone safety is an important subject, and one which continues to be researched by scientists. Currently there are no proven links between cell phones and cancer.

Cell phone accessories like hands-free car kits can also make things safer when you are driving your automobile.

What’s all this about roaming?

Roaming is when you are using your cell phone outside of your home area, and therefore additional charges may apply. Take this into consideration if you travel a lot as roaming charges (an indicator light or logo will show when you are roaming) when you compare cell phone plans from carriers like Cingular, T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless, Verizon Wireless, Nextel, Voicestream, Tracfone, Sprint PCS and others as roaming rates can vary considerably in some areas.

The best free cell phone deals should sort out your roaming concerns.

Are Camera Phones good quality?

Yes they are, and getting better all the time with more pixels of memory available than before for better picture clarity. Cell phones with video cameras are now available as well, and some footage of events broadcast on TV news networks around the world have been thanks to ordinary citizens using these gadgets.