| Mobile phones have become a fashion statement. | | | | the need to fill the phone with files or worry about |
| They come in different brands and catchy models for | | | | storage capacity. Other mobile phones support |
| all kinds of users. The mobile phone sector has made | | | | streaming video and video conferencing. A |
| a significant impact on the field of communication with | | | | Java-enabled phone can be used for downloading |
| new technologies and better connectivity. | | | | games as well as web browsing. |
| What kind of mobile phone are you looking for? | | | | Cameras and Video Recorders: |
| There are many fancy models flooding the market, but | | | | Mobile phones can be used as a digital camera or a |
| you should choose a model depending on your mobile | | | | video recorder. You can take a picture anytime or |
| phone requirements. A mobile phone should offer | | | | shoot a video with most recent models. Some |
| exemplary service for the money you pay. These | | | | handsets have a very low resolution, but many newer |
| days mobile phones use sophisticated operating | | | | phones have scaled up to 2 megapixels for improved |
| systems which perform most of the applications of a | | | | picture quality. |
| laptop. A businessmen or an itinerant person can go | | | | Web Browsers: |
| for smartphones with a good web browser, e-mail | | | | Phones with a web browser allow you to send and |
| facility and other in-built applications. If you are looking | | | | receive mail through Gmail, Yahoo and Hotmail. You |
| for entertainment options, then choose a phone with | | | | can also receive ISP mail through POP3 programs like |
| an MP3 player, FM radio or camera. There are also | | | | BigPond and OptusNet, to name a few. Some phones |
| some basic models for buyers who do not want to | | | | feature Wireless Access Protocol (WAP) browsers |
| pay for sophisticated mobiles. | | | | for wireless Internet access. Few higher-end consumer |
| How are mobile phones classified? | | | | models are capable of providing full HTML browsers. |
| Mobile phones are classified based on their design and | | | | Connectivity: |
| service provider. | | | | Bluetooth technology allows you to exchange or sync |
| Design: | | | | files with other mobiles or devices, such as PDAs. |
| There are many designs and models available. | | | | Infrared enabled phones can also be used for |
| Candybar models are the most common design. They | | | | synchronizing with a computer or transferring files to a |
| are narrow and easily fit into a protective case. Flip | | | | device. However, the device you are sending or |
| phones are compact phones that open up to reveal a | | | | receiving files with must be in your line of sight. |
| keypad and screen. The design prevents accidental | | | | Speakerphone and Conference Calling: |
| dialing. Slider phones have a keypad that lies | | | | A speakerphone is a great choice for multitask. This |
| underneath the screen, giving it a small and chic look. | | | | hands-free option lets you talk while you drive. It is also |
| There are some models with swivel keypads or | | | | useful for making a call while in a group. A large |
| screens that allow for two-handed operation when | | | | number of mobile phones support conference calling |
| used horizontally. There are also tons of mobile phone | | | | for business users or caller groups. |
| accessories to jazz up your phones appearance. | | | | Memory: |
| Network: | | | | While the standard internal memory of a mobile range |
| There are two mobile phone networks, Global System | | | | between 10 MB and 96 MB, a gaming or MP3 phone |
| for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division | | | | may have up to 500 MB of internal memory and |
| Multiple Access (CDMA). Each of these technologies | | | | come with a separate memory card slot. To get the |
| follows different ways of transmitting voice and data. | | | | best use out of your new mobile phone, go for |
| GSM is the most widely used worldwide mobile phone | | | | expandable memory slots. They let you store a large |
| network. There are many GSM phones on the market | | | | number of files on the multimedia phone. |
| from manufacturers of quality brands. Phones with | | | | Battery: |
| tri-band or quad-band GSM can operate on multiple | | | | Generally, the charge carrying capacity of a battery |
| frequencies and can be used abroad. | | | | depends upon the features and usage of the phone. |
| A CDMA network enabled phone is just meant for a | | | | Standby times vary between 10 days and 14 days |
| particular network provider. There is a small range of | | | | while talk times range between two hours to eight |
| handset models which cannot be used with other | | | | hours, approximately. The most commonly used |
| providers. This network provides a greater coverage | | | | battery type is lithium ion, as it has a low self-discharge |
| area but has some pitfalls, such as limited call plans. | | | | rate and a high storage capacity. |
| In Australia, there are three GSM phone companies | | | | Other Applications: |
| with their own networks, Optus, Telstra and Vodafone. | | | | Every mobile phone has a phone book that lets you |
| Telstra also has a CDMA network. | | | | store your contacts. Some models include a voice |
| What features does a good mobile phone have? | | | | dialing feature that lets you make calls without using |
| Mobile phones have an expansive array of features. | | | | the keypad. Almost all standard handsets offer |
| Some meet your basic needs while others are much | | | | organizer applications such as a calendar, alarm clock, |
| more advanced and give you wider options. | | | | stopwatch and calculator. |
| Ergonomics: | | | | What accessories are available for mobile phones? |
| Every phone comes with its unique design and look. | | | | There are many mobile phone accessories available |
| Most mobile handsets, with the exception of 3G | | | | for your mobile. You can personalize your phone with |
| models, are compact. Manufacturers are trying to add | | | | changeable faceplates and mobile phone cases. The |
| more features to mobiles while retaining their small size | | | | two most sought after accessories for a mobile are |
| with the help of flip phones, rotating screens and sliding | | | | Bluetooth headsets and car chargers. |
| keyboards. If you are a beginner, you would be better | | | | Headsets: |
| off with an easy to use intuitive interface. You can opt | | | | If you are the kind of person who needs to use a |
| for more rugged phones if you will be using your | | | | mobile phone all day long, a bluetooth headset would |
| mobile extensively. | | | | be a sensible option. You can conveniently have a |
| Multimedia and Gaming Options: | | | | hands free conversation using Bluetooth technology. |
| Traveling can be fun with features such as an FM | | | | Car Kits: |
| radio and MP3 player on your mobile. Consider mobile | | | | Plug your mobile phones into car kits to utilize the cars |
| phones with memory card slots, as storage capacity | | | | battery power, speakers and aerial. You can enjoy |
| becomes especially important for multimedia phones. | | | | music from your phone in the car with these kits. The |
| Models that have an FM tuner will play music without | | | | aerial and speakers provide enhanced sound quality. |