How to buy a mobile phone
The mobile phone revolution looks unstoppable. The chunky house bricks of the 1980s have been replaced with lightweight, slim handsets, incorporating the latest in communication technology allied to a strong sense of fashion.
More and more technologies are converging in phone handsets to give the savvy user the chance to communicate with more than just speech. Mobile phones that include digital cameras are becoming the norm. You will also find full-colour screens to facilitate games playing and to display WAP information (web pages redesigned for the small screen size of the phone) and some phones will now take short video clips that can be sent via multimedia messaging. Colour flip screens for viewing digital images are also common and are a big benefit for the dedicated games player. Also available are phones with built-in radios and/or MP3 players for listening to music.
Here’s how you can buy the mobile phone of your choice:
Basic mobile phone features
- Bluetooth: This is a technology that enables electronic devices to communicate with each other without being physically connected. Bluetooth-equipped phones can be used via a wireless headset and can connect to PCs wirelessly to transmit information. Infrared-enabled phones have similar capabilities, but the infra-red ports of the various devices you are transferring data between need to be in line of sight
- Camera: A camera phone can take spontaneous pictures or even video clips. Camera phones have gained in popularity significantly over the past few years. While earlier camera phones used to typically offer 640x480 resolutions, today’s models routinely offer 1 mega pixel / 1.3 mega pixel cameras. The higher-end phones have started offering 2 mega pixel cameras
- Connectivity: A GPRS / EDGE enabled handset allows you to browse the Internet (on the phone itself or on a laptop by doubling up as a modem). A Bluetooth / infra-red capability comes in handy to connect the phone to the laptop or to exchange files with other handsets
- Display: While most phones have a colour screen, a phone with a TFT (thin film transistor) or Active Matrix screen provides a wider viewing angle compared to the traditional passive LCD technology. Also, TFT screens are a must to play games on the phone or to use it to take / view video clips. Some of the upcoming technologies to watch out for are Samsung’s UFB (Ultra Fine & Bright) seen in the Samsung X430 and X100 models and the OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) also pioneered by Samsung in its E700 model. The other parameters to consider when evaluating the display of a mobile phone are size, resolution and number of colours
- Expandable Memory Slot: Memory is an important part of a handset for storing photos, music, video, etc. Memory cards come in denominations of 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB and 1 GB
- Games: If you’re using the phone for gaming, then a Java-enabled phone will give the widest choice from games developers
- GPRS: General Packet Radio System is the means by which second-generation or 2G mobile phones connect to the Internet. A GPRS-enabled phone can collect e-mail and view WAP pages. Costs for such services are based on the amount of data received, though some contracts include elements of GPRS time
- GSM: The Global System for Mobile Communications uses three frequencies for phones – 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 1,900 MHz. A dual-band phone will work on two out of three frequencies (900 MHz and 1,900 MHz). These are the frequencies used in Europe, Asia and most other places except the United States (which uses 1,800 MHz). A tri-band phone will operate on all three frequencies and therefore, in theory, will work anywhere in the world
- Java-enabled: Java-enabled phones are able to run a number of games and applications
- MMS: Multimedia messaging is used by camera phones to send pictures, sound and text all in one message. The recipient needs to have an MMS phone; otherwise they receive a text asking them to access a website that will display the message
- Ringtones: Part of the fashion element of the mobile phone, polyphonic ringtones can be downloaded straight to your phone and even linked to specific callers. The three types of ringtones that are available are monophonic, polyphonic and music ringtones
- Roaming: Roaming allows you to use the phone abroad on other networks
- Services: As speeds of transmission increase and video quality improves, providers are increasing the number and types of service available to subscribe to. The latest news, weather, and sporting results can all be accessed via the latest mobiles
- 3G: The 3G set of technologies available in the latest phones allows the delivery of multimedia content to your device that you can hold in the palm of your hand. Sporting highlights, latest films, video messages, and online gaming all are likely contenders for services your network provider will offer through the handset
Types of Mobile Phones
Depending on their price and features, mobile can be classified into entry level, mid-range, high-end and PDA phones.
Entry-Level Phones
You can opt for an entry-level phone if you’re looking just for reliable conversation and messaging. There are a range of no-frill phones available at modest prices that are good value for money. Some of them even bundle useful features.
Mid-Range Phones
Mid-range phones have an expanded feature list that may include some or all of the following: a camera (typically less than 1 mega pixel), brighter and better display, MP3 and FM capability, infra-red and Bluetooth, GPRS and / or EDGE and occasionally great looks!
High-End Phones
These phones are typically newly launched models. In terms of features, they offer greater memory, enhanced connectivity options, more powerful (1.3 - 2 MP) cameras, touch screens, MPEG4 video, huge displays and business applications.
PDA Phones
Personal digital assistants (PDAs) are replacing daytimers and organizers for people on the go who need to look up and record contacts, appointments and other information.
The capabilities of the latest PDAs and handheld computers have been extended to include web access, email, phone and games.
Even though the PDA market is only a few years old, there are a lot of choices. With some consideration of your needs, you'll soon have the right PDA in the palm of your hand. As the name suggests, these phones double up as PDAs and their functionality in some cases is barely short of a laptop computer.
PDA Phone Types
PDAs can be subdivided into handheld and palm categories based on the presence or absence of a keyboard.
Features of a handheld PDA phone include:
- Larger handsets with full keyboards
- Extra computing power, ideal for a lot of word processing and Internet surfing
- Clamshell design, with a keyboard and usually a larger screen that is touch-sensitive
- Some handhelds can be as small as palm units; others the size of a typical paperback
- Professional models are as large as a hardcover book
Features of a palm PDA include:
- A pen-like stylus with handwriting recognition software and a touch screen for data input
- Geared to users looking mainly to store personal information like calendars or contact lists
- Instead of a keyboard, alternatively, an onscreen keyboard can be used where you can tap each letter with the stylus
- Its pocket calculator size and light weight make it easy to hold in one hand and thus is very portable
PDA Basics
Screen
PDA screens have LCDs (liquid crystal displays) like those found in notebook computers and flat panel displays.
Most PDAs are monochrome models, but colour is becoming increasingly popular. Some colour screens can display thousands of colours. Don't go in for a colour screen if you plan on using PDA outdoors because the screen will get washed out in direct sunlight.
On palm units, screens are roughly 4 inches across the diagonal with resolutions up to 240x320. Typical handhelds have larger screens around 6.5 inches diagonally, supporting 640x240 resolution.
Memory
PDAs employ memory to store the operating system, standard applications and additional programs. Memory is also used for working space and data storage.
More memory is usually better because it increases processing speed. It's difficult to compare storage capacity between models with different operating systems. One model with 8 MB of RAM can store more data than another 8 MB model with a different operating system. Most PDAs already have sufficient memory for typical use.
If you want more storage space, you might want to go in for an expandable PDA, which lets you use memory expansion cards when needed. Expandable PDAs are also useful if they you to enhance your experience with games, Road Atlas or some other type of card.
Operating System
There are a number of different operating systems (OS) used for PDAs, but the two main players are Palm OS from Palm Inc and Pocket PC from Microsoft; both license their systems to third-party manufacturers. Another PDA operating system, which is popular in Europe for wireless devices, is Symbian.
Synchronization
Synchronization refers to a PDA’s ability to share data with the PC so that the information on the PDA matches what's on the computer. It's a two-way process that exchanges and updates information in both the machines. You can connect your PDA to your PC via serial cable or IR (infra-red) port, though many devices support both interfaces.
Web
PDA with a modem and the proper software can connect to the Internet. Some browsers support many features of full-fledged desktop browsers like frames, cookies, downloads bookmarks, and security encryption. Even better, many PDA browsers are shareware or freeware.
PDAs can be used to read, write, send and receive email with the proper software. Depending on the set-up, mail can be synchronized with a desktop application.
There are applications that let you read newsgroups, participate in online chats and use instant messaging.
Handwriting Recognition
All palm devices have touch screen and handwriting recognition software for writing text. Some handhelds support handwriting recognition, but the software isn't always included.
Devices that run Palm OS come with a program called Graffiti, while Pocket PC devices come with Transcriber. Both these programs require that you learn a predefined set of penstrokes to form characters.
There are other handwriting programs that let you customize standard penstrokes to suit your writing style or train the application to recognize how to form characters. As long as you write letters in a consistent fashion, the program learns quickly and accurately.
| Features | Entry Level Phones | Mid Range Phones | High End Phones |
| Blue tooth | No | Yes | Yes |
| Camera | No | Up to 1.3 Mega pixel | Up to 3.2 Mega pixel |
| Display | Mostly colour, some are monochrome | Colour - 32K to 64K | Colour - 64K onwards |
| Games | Basic | Yes | Yes |
| GPRS | Few | Almost all | All |
| Memory slot | No | Almost all | All |
| MMS | Few | All | All |
| Multimedia | No | Few have it | All |
| Ringtone | Polyphonic | Polyphonic | Music |
| Radio | Few | Almost all | Few |
| MP3 | No | Few | All |
Mobile Phone Accessories
Whether giving a mobile phone a unique look, going hands-free, or improving mobile phone’s performance, there’s a large selection of the latest mobile phone parts and mobile phone accessories in our store.
Improving Mobile Phone Performance
- Mobile phone chargers: You can replace your old mobile phone charger or buy a second cellphone charger for the office and keep your battery fully charged everywhere you go. Car mobile phone chargers are also available with us
- Mobile phone batteries: You can replace your old battery or have a second battery charged and ready
- Mobile phone data cables: A data cable can be used to connect to the Internet, synchronize mobile phone contacts and calendar with your computer, or to download ringtones, games, and wallpaper images
- Dual SIM Adaptors: If you carry two mobiles, you can consider using a dual SIM adaptor that allows you to put two SIM cards in one handset. You could use one number for work and one for personal calls
- Memory Cards: Memory cards can be used to expand the memory capacity of the phone. Especially useful if the phone is used as a multimedia or business device
- Attachable Camera: Both Nokia and Sony Ericsson have attachable cameras in case you loves your current handset too much to upgrade to a camera phone
In Your Car
Hands-free car kits allow you to speak comfortably inside the car. Mobile phone car kits include a mobile phone cradle or mount, control unit, microphone, and speaker or FM transmitter. Some also come with an external handset and many charge your mobile phone battery while you drive.
Go Hands-Free with a Headset
Hands-free adapters give the convenience of shopping for groceries, working at the desk, or just about anything, without holding a mobile phone. We have Bluetooth hands-free headsets, Jabra hands-free headsets, and other popular brands in our store.
Corded mobile phone headsets come in three designs:
- Earbud mobile phone headsets: Earbud mobile phone headsets fit directly into the ear. The microphone is located on the earpiece or on a wire that clips to your shirt
- Boom mobile phone headsets: Boom mobile phone headsets feature an integrated microphone that extends out from your earpiece
- Going wireless with a Bluetooth headset: For a Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone a Bluetooth wireless headset is quite convenient/ compatible. The boom-style wireless unit sits comfortably in the ear, without any wires
Other Accessories
- Mobile Cases: Mobile phone cases give the instrument a trendy look. Mobile phone pouches and holsters also help protect your instrument and other accessories
- Stands/ Cradles: Convenient resting places for your mobile when not in use
- Faceplates: Interchangeable mobile phone faceplates create different mobile phone looks to fit your mood or look
- Screen Protector: Helps prevent scratches
Pick a phone that matched your personality
The Photographer
Today’s camera phones have resolutions and features to rival that of compact digital cameras. To take lots of pictures, you’ll need at least 2 mega pixels resolution, plenty of internal memory or slot for memory card and other features like Bluetooth, infra-red, MMS to transfer images to your computer or another mobile phone.
Music Lover
Many mobile phones today come with built-in MP3 players and FM options. Here, both internal and expandable memory is important as that defines the number of songs that can be stored.
Style Icon
Modern handsets come in a wide variety of colours, designs and accessories to suit almost any taste – from electric pink to golden brown to diamond-encrusted.
Gadget Freak
Today’s phones let you take photographs, listen to music, browse the Web, connect to wi-fi… the list is endless. However, phones with a lot of gadgetry can be expensive and chunky, and use a lot of battery power.
Work Warrior
There are Smart Phones – like small computers with mobile phone capabilities that provide email so you’re always switched on. Durable with good connectivity, you can synchronize them with computer and keep all your appointments, to-do lists and other necessary data with you wherever you go.
