Best Cell Phones - Cell Phone Shopping 101

Before the advent of cell phones, communications may not have been as convenient, but life was definitely less complex. Since their introduction into society, the design, features and package plans have evolved to the degree that we now have to do research on cost comparisons and option customization, as well as peruse technical manuals in order to learn how to operate these gizmos before we can ever hit that "send" button. Simply put, we need to find the best cell phone for meeting our needs, and it's going to take a good deal of time to do so...or maybe not.

In the interest of cutting through a lot of the red tape when it comes to isolating the different types of cell phones that are available to consumers today, let's take a look at some of the more popular brands on the current market:

Verizon Wireless

Among the many types of cell phones that Verizon offers, there are myriads of features to be considered when shopping for the phone that's right for you ? or your loved ones, if you're planning to surprise someone with the gift of communication.

  • Motorola ? While each particular model offers its own set of standard features and options, some of the perks that you can expect to find include two-way text messaging, wireless internet readiness, speed dialing, one-touch emergency access, vibrating option, dozen of ringer options, 500-entry phone book and SMS messaging.
  • Nokia ? On most models, you'll find standard features such as color display, various timer types, SMS messaging, two-way text messaging, vibrating option, internet wireless readiness and about a dozen more ringer options than that of the Motorola line. In addition, special features may include an alarm, voice dialing, memo recorder, built-in stopwatch/calculator/scheduler, games and custom graphics for screen savers and wallpaper.
  • Samsung ? This company offers a rather advanced line of cell phones, some of which include options such as Microsoft Windows technology, audio/video color clips, an expansion slot, voice notes, voice recognition, full-color screen, downloadable games, speaker phone, built-in digital camera and the ability to work on documents, spreadsheets and other types of Microsoft applications ? all of these are in addition to the standard features that most other companies offer, such as SMS messaging, wireless internet readiness, two-way text messaging, etc.

Cingular Wireless

This company, too, offers a wide variety of cell phones from different manufacturers, each with its own set of standard and special features. The defining factor for choosing Verizon, Cingular or some other type of company over another is often the pricing structure and how much you actually get for your money.

  • Sony ? Some of the highlights that you can expect from this manufacturer include a x4 zoom digital camera, video camera, PC synchronization, instant messaging, wireless multi-player gaming, modem capability, e-mail, picture caller ID, hands-free dialing, multiple language capability, voice memo, to-do list, mobile web browsing, streaming multimedia viewing capability, customizable faceplates, graphics, themes and a great deal more.
  • Blackberry ? This specialized line of cell phones offers a comprehensive package for those who need something more than just a phone. In addition to the basic cell phone functions, this line also offers features which include e-mail that offers up to 10 separate personal or business accounts, Bluetooth wireless technology, high-speed downloads, Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF), backlit QWERY keyboard, icon menu, attachment viewing capability, full PC synchronization, wireless modem, customizable graphics/themes, mobile web browsing and lots more.
  • Audiovox ? Advertised as one of the thinnest and lightest cell phones on the market, the products in this line offer Class 2 Bluetooth wireless technology, high-speed data downloads, Windows Media Player, expandable miniSD memory slot, Windows operating system, digital camera, MP3 player, video capture, infrared port, voice-driven menus, games, polyphonic ring tones, instant messaging, mobile web browsing, predictive text entry, phone book with multiple numbers per name, 175 x 220 pixel color display, hands-free dialing with up to 50 customizable voice tags, modem, four-day standby capacity and a multitude of other features that make this device more like a floating office than just a cell phone.

Siemens Mobile

Siemens offers a couple of different lines of cell phones, including their mobile phone and their next generation products. While these tend to change with the progression of time, since they're specific to particular models, there are some outstanding features that are offered within both of these two lines.

  • Mobile Phones ? Of the many mobile phone models that are currently available through Siemens, some of the features that you'll find include a built-in video/digital camera, instant e-mail access, full-size keyboard capability, Bluetooth technology, comprehensive business features, robust packaging (similar to a rugged laptop), phone pilots, downloads, 3D games, icon menus ? and even a special outdoor model for emergency workers that has sirens, flashing lights and special rescue features. These and dozens of other features are available on the various models in the Siemens mobile phone line.
  • Next Generation Phones ? With their sleek design and attractive packaging, the phones in this line offer a lot in the way of cell phone convenience, including features such as comprehensive multimedia functionality, full line of state-of-the-art entertainment options, virtual assistant, Bluetooth portable car set with wireless telephony technology, music and video downloads, rugged packaging for outdoor use and built-in translators (accommodating languages such as English, Portuguese, Italian, German, Spanish and French), push-and-talk capability (similar to the "walkie-talkie" concept), as well as stunning new designer packaging that targets the business community, young adults, women and much more.

Finding the best cell phone may be a bit complex, but most manufacturers offer enough in the way of available options to provide something for everyone ? no matter what their needs are. Whether you're looking for a cheap cell phone, designer cell phone, rugged cell phone or one that performs most of your daily on-the-job functions, these can be found through local communications merchants, as well as through online major search engines. In addition to cell phone comparisons, you'll also find cellular phone plans, wireless phone plans and cell phone ratings through online research, allowing you to find that "best" cell phone ? whatever it happens to be.

About The Author: Samantha Goode is a freelance technology writer who loves to provide tips to consumers shopping for cellular phones, cell phone plans, and cell phone accessories.

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:51:44 GMT

Powerful quake injures 92 in Japan - CNN


Boston Globe
Powerful quake injures 92 in Japan
CNN - 2 hours ago
(CNN) -- A strong earthquake injured 92 people and destroyed 31 buildings in northern Japan on Thursday, authorities said. People at an auto dealership in Karumai, Japan, clean up glass shards after a strong earthquake Thursday.
Japan's North Hit by Magnitude-6.8 Quake; 95 Injured (Update3) Bloomberg
Powerful earthquake hits Japan, dozens injured The Associated Press
Jerusalem Post - Reuters - AFP
all 766 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 04:51:37 GMT

Pittsburgh Cancer Center Warns of Cell Phone Risks - ABC News


China Daily
Pittsburgh Cancer Center Warns of Cell Phone Risks
ABC News - 6 hours ago
By JENNIFER C. YATES and SETH BORENSTEIN AP Writers AP The head of a prominent cancer research institute issued an unprecedented warning to his faculty and staff Wednesday: Limit cell phone use because of the possible risk of cancer.
Red alert! The cellphone warning has been issued Los Angeles Times
Pittsburgh cancer center warns of cell phone risks The Associated Press
DetNews.com - USA Today - Julie's Health Club - Chicago Tribune Blog
all 436 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:01:03 GMT

Oklahoma determined to have a strong finish - Fort Worth Star Telegram


NCAAfootball.net
Oklahoma determined to have a strong finish
Fort Worth Star Telegram - 1 hour ago
By MIKE JONES "Our whole mentality now is WTLG [win the last game]," Harris said Wednesday. "Come out and finish. It’s national championship or bust.
Sooner, the better Topeka Capital Journal
Players put success on Stoops Daily Camera
SportingNews.com - Chicago Tribune - ESPN - Norman Transcript
all 38 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:03:29 GMT

Bashir Visits Darfur, Pledges Sudan Will Protect Relief Workers - Bloomberg


Voice of America
Bashir Visits Darfur, Pledges Sudan Will Protect Relief Workers
Bloomberg - 4 hours ago
By Paul Tighe July 24 (Bloomberg) -- Sudan's President Umar al-Bashir, indicted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in the Darfur conflict, visited the region yesterday and pledged to provide security for international relief ...
Bashir returns to Darfur New York Times
How Sudan Was Brought to Court TIME
The Press Association - The Epoch Times - Voice of America - Times Online
all 1,663 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 02:39:29 GMT

Dynamo top United at soggy RFK - MLS - Major League Soccer


The Money Times
Dynamo top United at soggy RFK
MLS - Major League Soccer - 1 hour ago
By Charles Boehm / MLSnet.com Staff WASHINGTON -- After two aborted tries on previous dates, DCUnited and the Houston Dynamo finally completed the first of their two league meetings on Wednesday night -- and some of Thursday morning, ...
Mullan, Ching power Dynamo over DC United 2-0 Houston Chronicle
Dynamo outlasts United despite lengthy delay Seattle Post Intelligencer
The Canadian Press - FC Dallas - Washington Post - United Press International
all 144 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:07:00 GMT

"X-Files" movie both satisfies and disappoints - Seattle Times

"X-Files" movie both satisfies and disappoints
Seattle Times - 50 minutes ago
Mulder and Scully are together again in "X-Files: I Want to Believe." The story may be silly, but the agents' romance is compelling as ever.
The X-Files: I Want to Believe AU Review IGN
Scully have I loved Salon
Daytona Beach News-Journal - The State - The Star-Ledger - NJ.com - Youngstown Vindicator
all 557 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 06:01:06 GMT

Obama lavished with airtime -- and criticism - Los Angeles Times


ABC News
Obama lavished with airtime -- and criticism
Los Angeles Times - 1 hour ago
As the media moves to correct itself for glowing coverage of the Democrat, it's entering a period of shallow analysis. By ON THE MEDIA, JAMES RAINEY It seems like just about everybody has spent the last week beating up on the media for showering too ...
Veterans group hits McCain on troop pullout The Associated Press
'Generation Gap' Widens in the 2008 Electorate Wall Street Journal
Boston Globe - New York Times - CQPolitics.com - Right Pundits
all 2,612 news articles

Publ.Date : Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:43:11 GMT

Earn Money With Surveys
RSS to HTML


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

Lets Talk

In the eyes of a teenage girl cellular phones are... Read More

Grammy Award Winners Expected to be Heard on Cell Phones Soon

Trends in music come and go, but the crown jewel... Read More

Making Sense of Cellular Phone Minutes

Cellular phones are different from your land-line home phone in... Read More

Cellular Phone

Technology advances in cellular phone field.Cellular phone shoppers can find... Read More

Limiting Cell Phone Use for Re-Allocation to First Responders

Judging from the 9-11 hearings and many reports by first... Read More

Safer Cell Phone Use For Drivers

Cell phones are great for people on-the-go, but talking on... Read More

Contemplating Selling Your Cell Tower Lease For A Lump Sum?

Many landowners who have leased land for a cell tower... Read More

Cell Phone - Helping You Choose

When the first cell phone arrived onto the market it... Read More

The Pros and Cons of Camera Cell Phones

All the major phone manufacturers are cashing in on the... Read More

Camera Cell Phones -- More Uses Than You Could Have Imagined

I was shopping in the large superstore with my five-year-old... Read More

Instant Messaging through Mobile Phones

Instant Messengers are very popular on PCs, with the advancement... Read More

Cordless Phone Systems

Cordless phone systems offer many features and are ideal for... Read More

Letting Go of 3G - A Viable Alternative for Asian Carriers

Most Asian cellular carriers mulling over 3G have chalked out... Read More

Free Cellular Phone

Free cellular phone offers.You can definitely find a free cellular... Read More

Ringtones Explained - Monophonic, Polyphonic, or Whatever Phonic Rings Your Bell

Downloadable Ring tones - The Latest TrendWhat can you say... Read More

What SMS Users Are Telling Telcos

The recent rollout of 3G-ready mobile devices has caused a... Read More

SMS 101 - Short Message Service Explained

Short Message Service (SMS) is a quick and simple way... Read More

Makes Cell Phones Ring at Airports

International Terrorist and insurgents to detonate bombs to kill innocent... Read More

DECT - A Brief Explanation and How We Could Benefit From It

DECT stands for Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications. Unlike analogue cordless... Read More

Cellular Phones ? Things to Consider When Buying a Phone

Staying connected with a cell phone has become a way... Read More

Family Cell Phone Plans - Comparison Shopping To Help You Choose The Best Plan

With the myriad of cell phone plans that are available... Read More

Samsung SGH-x427m Portable Digital Telephone

Switching cell phone providers allows consumers the opportunity to purchase... Read More

We Have Compiled a List of Wireless Cell Phones General Cautions and Warnings

For the most part, wireless cell phones are safe. And... Read More

Be In When Youre Out

Busy entrepreneurs cannot be at their desk twenty four hours... Read More

Camera Phones - Are They The Real Deal?

It's no surprise If you've become interested in the new... Read More