Cellphones
Introduction
| Warning! | Do not talk on your cell phone while driving, period. |
| Warning! | Cellphones can be used to steal data. |
One of the biggest players in the world of wireless are cell phones. Think about it. They are used everyday by mostly every person. It's impossible to go through a day without seeing a person using a cell phone (unless you isolate yourself from the rest of society).
Uses and applications
| Of Note | Cell phones may or may not be banned in your school. Some teachers and administrators have a problem with it. You can decide to stick it to the man by prancing around with your cell, but it will probably get it confiscated. |
What are cell phones used for? To create a verbal connection with others using a similar device (although people usually forget about this with all the added on features with cell phones nowadays). Back in the old days, people had no mobility with their phones; it was usually corded to the wall or had limited range. Then in the mid 1980's, cellular networks were introduced.
Other features
Cell phones can now do a variety of other things, besides making a call to another person. It includes:
- sending text messages using SMS (short message service)
- Taking pictures and videos
- Access the Internet
- Store music
- Upload stuff
- Connect to laptops
- Games
- Get directions (GPS)
- View streaming videos
Cell phones are not as one-dimensional as they once were. You can basically do anything with them nowadays. (They are still breakable. I am not recommending jumping on them, setting them on fire, etc.)
| Of Note | Not all cell phones have these features. It depends on the make of your phone and the service you have. And some of these features need you to pay for each use, which can add up. |
How Cell Phones Work
Cell phones are a combination of a radio and a telephone. It operates by sending a signal to a cell site base, with antennas. Then, it implements a large number of radio cells, to provide more channels, and allow a large number of people to connect to the same network.
The cell phones have a low power transceiver, which allows it to send voice and data to the nearest cell site base. When the cell phone is turned on, it will automatically connect to the station with the strongest signal. As you move around, it will change to the station with the strongest signal. This gives you a great range.
Cell phones are similar to walkie-talkies, except instead of operating on only one frequency, cell phones use two frequencies; one for transmitting and one for receiving. They are either analog or digital. Older systems (AMPS, TACS, NMT) are "analog" and newer systems (GSM, PCS) are "digital". Analog cell phones are referred to as an older generation. Digital are part of the newer generation and allow more users on a cell base. Analog cells transmit the message directly to the carrier. Digital cells convert it into 1s and 0s that are converted back on another person's phone. The difference is that digital provides a better quality of sound, shorter battery life, and more secure than analog. Analog cell phones has greater coverage, greater availability and cheaper.
| Of Note | Cellphone transmissions can be transmitted because they do operate like a radio. Be careful not to reveal important, personal information when you don't need to for security reasons. |
Types of Cell Phones
There are many types of cell phones. Of course, the type you pick doesn't matter. You pick the one that is right for you.
- Brick - These are old school. They are probably extinct by now. They're called a brick for a reason. Picture a brick with buttons on a side and an antenna. That's what it would look like.
- Clamshell or flip phone - A phone that opens up like a clam. It flips open. This is a popular one now a days.
- Slider or slide phone - The display slides over the keypad. This design prevents people from accidentally dialing a number.
In addition, there are many different cell phones for a variety of people.
- Cheap Phones -- for those who mainly just use address books and phone calling/receiving; great for those who tend to lose/break their phones.
- "Fashion Phones" -- slim, incredibly compact, but often packed with features.
- Smart Phones -- these are usually palm computers coupled with phones; the laptop and cell phone rolled into one; Palm Treo dominates this market.
- Multimedia Phones -- specialize in audio/video streaming and playback; the iPod and cell phone rolled into one.
- Business Phones -- specialize in e-mail, typing e-mail replies, reading office documents and tying into office data and applications; Blackberry dominates this market.
 Motorazr is an example of a clamshell |
 The Chocolate by LG is a slider |
Finding the Right Cell Phone for you
When picking a cell phone, you'll have to determine several factors. Like how important is a cell phone to you. Or if you can make money using a cell phone. If your just using a cell phone just to make calls, you don't need all the added functions like camera, video streaming, etc. If you’re a person who likes technology and experimenting with them, then opt for a high-end cell phone. A good place to compare reviews is [www.cnet.com]. Imagine picking a cell phone like picking a car. You want something stylish, or something that can get you through the day? It's pretty much your choice. You can also get the advice of your friends. Well you, and your budget, and your parents.
Cell Phone Plans
Cell phone plans can rack up a lot of money if one doesn't be wary about it. Having the right plan is extremely important. Choosing the right plan requires financial discipline and being very responsible, like not using more minutes than you have.
- If you like talking to friends and family, make sure to get some unlimited "night and weekend" minutes, when you can talk without watching the clock.
- Decide if you need additional services, such as text messaging, Internet, picture/video uplink; make sure that these services are included or reasonably priced if you need them.
- Prepaid plans might be worth considering if you have problems keeping track of the minutes that you talk, or if you tend to overspend your budget of minutes; alternatively, you can get a service that allows you to check you usage of minutes online.
- If you get in trouble on your cell phone plan, because you underestimated the minutes you would use, or you used services that you didn't plan for, you can negotiate with you cell company. They do want your business, and might give you a break.