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David Berlind, Executive Editor, ZDNet
tells "Apple's iPhone to step aside, there's
another phone in town called the Helio."
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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 just goes on and on, as does the choice of models they produce.
Remember also to match up your choice with compatible , and exactly which you should choose depends on what you want from your phone. But here are the answers to some frequently asked questions 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 for a high speed data connection, enabling faster 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 earphones and microphones 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 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.
What should I know about Airtime?
Whether you're making or receiving a call, Airtime is the time that elapses from the moment you press SEND to begin your call until you press END to terminate your call.
Whether you're making or receiving a call, Airtime is the time that elapses from the moment you press SEND to begin your call until you press END to terminate your call.
Airtime and other measured usage are rounded up to the next full or whole minute at the end of each call for billing purposes. |
Unintentional 911 calls - How do I disable my phone's emergency key feature?
9-1-1 Emergency Call Centers across the country have reported high levels of calls dialed accidentally by way of a shortcut 911 key. Some wireless phones are programmed to dial 9-1-1 by pressing a single shortcut key on the phone keypad.
Home Calling Area? What is that?
In the Home Calling Area, you pay only your local airtime rate plus any associated long-distance charges, taxes, and fees. This may also be referred to as "home area,"" "home coverage area," or "local calling area."
What is/how to use 3-Way Calling? How much does it cost?
Three-way calling enables you to add a third party to a two-way conversation. Three-way calling is charged at a flat rate. There is no per-use charge associated with this feature. However, you will be charged airtime and applicable roaming and toll charges for all calls simultaneously when you use 3-Way Calling to have a conversation with more than one person at the same time.
What are Anytime Minutes?
Anytime refers to package minutes included in your plan that are used 24 hours a day.
Can you explain the difference between Peak and Off-Peak?
Peak and Off-Peak refers to package minutes included in your plan that are used during different times of the day.
Most rate plans that include Peak and Off-Peak minutes follow this schedule in your local time zone: note that few carriers differ from this schedule.
Peak: 7:00 a.m. to 8:59 p.m. Mon-Fri
Off-Peak: 9:00pm - 6:59am Mon-Thu, 9:00pm Fri - 6:59am Mon
Are Night & Weekend Minutes the same?
Night & Weekend refers to package minutes included in your plan that are used during designated night and weekend hours.
Most rate plans that include Night & Weekend minutes follow this schedule in your local time zone:
9:00pm - 6:59am Mon-Thu, 9:00pm Fri - 6:59am Mon
Night & Weekend minutes are usually bundled in combination with Anytime minutes
How do I change or update my service plan?
Depending on the type of account you have, some customers will be able to change their service plans online on the carriers home page.
What are my options for wireless privacy?
The FCC requires that cellular providers transmit your wireless number when you make a call, if technically feasible. This means that when you place a call, your wireless number will be displayed if the party you are calling has Caller ID. You have an option to limit transmission of your wireless number. To further your knowledge on this, contact your cellular service provider on the correct way to block your number when calling out.
What if I need to cancel my service? What is the process for canceling my service?
You have to call your Customer Care department and they will handle it for you. Be aware that if your contract with the provider is not expired at the time of cancellation, you may be charge a cancellation penalty.
My phone was stolen, what should I do?
You should contact your Customer Care department as soon as possible to report your phone stolen so that you will not be liable for any calls not made by yourself.
I need a cell phone, so how do I get started?
First thing would be to have an idea of the phone features you need, what your budget limitations are, an estimate of how many minutes you might use the phone per month, and if you'll be traveling a lot. Then look at plans being offered and pick one that would suit your needs.
How can I tell what carrier can provide me with the best service coverage?
All cellular carriers have areas where there are dead spots which means very little or no cellular service. All carriers can tell you that they cover certain areas, there is always a risk that certain areas will have low or no service.
Can I insure my phone?
In case of loss or damage, yes you can insure your cellular phone through your cellular carrier. There would be a monthly cost and a deductible that is determined by each carrier
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