Category: Cell Phones

By David

Without any doubt, the present times are noted for an ever evolving development of wireless connectivity as several kinds of gadgets are being introduced into the market from time to time. Today, amongst all, the use of wireless cellular devices takes the lead in the life of the modern man. In many developed parts of the world, the number of cell phones floating around actually exceeds the number of people.

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Would you like to get a free wireless cellular phone?

As a result of the increasing demand for mobile phones and the competitive mobile phone market, many cellular network carriers are making strong efforts to get more customers. Owning a cell phone has been made easy through wireless carriers that offer their devices at a considerable discount. The best offers, however, comes from those who give out free phones under a 1 or 2-year service contract, provided you meet their credit worthiness standards, and you promise the timely payment of your monthly calling plan fees. If you default, you would lose the deal, and significant penalty fees would be charged for breaching the contract.

On the other hand, the free wireless cellular deals might earn you some money through a cash rebate since most of the cellular phones come with instant and mail-in rebates that could get you a few hundred bucks.

Click here to compare wireless plans. Free cell phone with activation on select plans.

What should you look for during your search for a cell phone?

You should consider the following factors when you want to purchase a new phone, or want a free deal from a network carrier.

• The phones are usually locked to the included SIM of the carrier.
• The wireless cellular gadget should have up-to-date features and functionality that would suit your needs.
• Cellular service plans could be somewhat expensive when you are tied down to a contract.
• It is possible to transfer a wireless phone number into a new one when you want to sign up for it.

As awesome as wireless cellular phones can be, they do have a few drawbacks. Here are a few worth mentioning:

–          Bluetooth functionality is limited to voice calls.

–          Speakerphone feature only gets activated after a call is initialized.

–          Media feature typically lacks an FM receiver. Huge drawback for music lovers.

Indeed, wireless cellular connectivity is highly crucial to individuals and businesses who want to stay in touch with others on the go. In your search for the best deals, try to consider the pros and cons of every offer you get. Wading through the numerous types of cell phone, features, and plans to figure out which one is right for you can be a quite daunting task, but with a little patience, you will be able to narrow down the field and find the right one that addresses all your needs.

Wireless communication devices will only increase in popularity in the coming years, and it will be interesting to see what the future holds for cell phones.

Click here to compare wireless plans. Free cell phone with activation on select plans.

By David

If you have done any shopping around for mobile phones recently, you have probably seen all kinds of deals for free mobile phones. But are these phones really free? Below we will explore the possible answers to this question as we try to uncover the truth.

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The deal

The typical deal associated with a free mobile phone offer is that you will get to pick a phone that you want so long as you sign up for a mobile phone plan from that dealer. Typically, there are only a few plans that you can choose from for these deals and they tend to be a little more on the pricy side. Still, there are exceptions and many people feel the deals are worth it.

The phone

The kind of phone you will be able to get is probably considerably less appealing than you will have originally imagined it would be. Usually these “free phones” will be from a couple years back or perhaps even a more recent phone that has been factory refurbished. A factory refurbished phone is essentially a used phone that has had certain parts replaced or repaired to bring it back up to factory standards. Often this will mean little more than it has been cleaned and repackaged, but they are checked for flaws and correct operation before being redistributed. Typically you will be able to opt for a better phone and get a substantial discount on it, but these phones can hardly be called “free” as you do have to pay something up front for them. The type of phone you choose to go with will of course be up to you.

Click here to compare free mobile phone offers. Low cost cell phone plans and more from the best carriers in the market.

The catch

In order to get your free mobile phone or discount on a new phone, if that is the route you went, you will have to sign a contract (for new customers) or a contract extension (for existing customers) typically lasting for about 2 years. This contract is simply a way for the company to keep you as a customer without having to provide exceptional customer service or other perks and benefits in order to do so. Often times, you will find yourself in need of a new phone before your contract is up, forcing you to sign an extension in order to get another phone leaving you constantly trapped with whichever company you choose to use. There is a way out of the contract if you decide their services just are not worth it anymore, but breaking a contract early will typically result in a hefty (often $200 or more) early termination fee, that many users simply cannot afford. The best way to avoid getting locked into a contract is to buy your cell phone upfront and then sign up for service using the phone you already have. Many used phones of high quality can be found online for a reasonable price.

Now you know the truth about free mobile phones. When shopping for a new plan or service, be sure to do your research and remember that nothing is truly free.

Click here to compare free mobile phone offers. Low cost cell phone plans and more from the best carriers in the market.

By David

In the past decade or so, much has changed in regard to cell phones and wireless technology. New inventions and new advancements have enabled our portable phones to get much smaller and allowed us to do things wirelessly that we before would have thought impossible.

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Cell phones

Probably the most obvious advancement in the area of cell wireless technology is the handheld unit itself. When cell phones first became available, they were large brick like devices that were somewhat less reliable than what we have today, and believe it or not, could only be used to make phone calls. Thanks to continued research into the development of microprocessors, our cell phones have continued to get smaller and now have computing power that rivals and now even beats that which was available in your common household computer only a few years ago. As the devices have gotten smaller, their storage capacities have grown larger, and their uses more varied. Now people use their cell phones for a variety of tasks including making phone calls.

Wireless technology

On the other end of the spectrum, the advances in the area of cell wireless technology, even in just the last few years, have led to a host of useful developments. The most notable is of course is the amount of data that can be sent at a time through a wireless connection. Only a few years ago, networking technology was dealing with the wireless a standard which offered little more than 2 or 3 Mb (Megabits) per second. Then arrived the improved wireless b standard offering 11 Mb per second, more than tripling previous rates and making wireless technology a viable alternative to standard wired connections in some situations. Wireless g came next offering a staggering 54 Mb per second, nearly half the speed of a standard wired connection at the time. Now we have the wireless n standard which offers about 100 Mb per second and making possible large home networks with many connected devices, without the need to run cables through your entire house.

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Fusion of technologies

Of course, cell phones and wireless technology did not develop in a vacuum and actually advanced together making them inexorably intertwined. The cell phone networks we use every day are really just a massive extension of the same technology we use in our own homes and cell phones, just smaller versions of the computers we use for all sorts of things. Now features are even coming out that allow you to access data through your home wireless connection instead of the cell phone network, as well as make phone calls using your wireless network at home rather than connecting to the nearest tower. These features not only reduce costs, but expand the wireless network to anywhere you can get internet access.

It is amazing what kind of new developments can come in only a few years’ time. Who is to say what new technology is just on the horizon and how it will change and shape our culture?

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By David

With more and more cell phone carriers and services popping up each year, it is no wonder it is getting harder to know what to look for or even what is available. If you are new to the world of cell phone use, you probably have a lot of questions. Below we will take a look at the basics of wireless phone service.

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Talk

The most common and probably the most familiar element of a wireless phone service plan is the talking aspect. You sign up for a plan, receive a phone, and pay each month to talk on the phone. The plan you sign up for will determine how many minutes of talking you can do before incurring extra charges and most plans will include free nights, weekends, or mobile to mobile minutes on the same network (phones using the same provider). There are many different plans with different price points to meet most any need.

Text

One of the latest and greatest additions made in recent years to the world of wireless phone service is the ability to send and receive text messages. These are typically short two or three line messages you can send to a person to say something in a few seconds that would typically take a 3 to 5 minute phone call to communicate otherwise. Wireless phone service providers often include a number of texts or domestic messages as they are sometimes called in their phone plans. If your plan is just talk however, you can still typically add this on as a service after the fact for a little bit extra each month. This is helpful for making a customized plan that gets you what you need, and what you do not for the least money each month.

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Data

The advent of the “smartphone” as it is called has necessitated that wireless phone service providers begin offering data to their cell customers. In fact, a number of the newer phones won’t be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages at all without a data plan. Because of this many providers are now including a chunk of data usage into their basic plans and provide the option to add data services to pre-existing plans that don’t presently include them. Data can become very expensive very quickly on a pay per MB (Mega Byte) plan, which is why going with even the most basic data plan can save you money if you intend to surf the web from your phone, check emails through your device, download applications to your device, stream (play directly from the internet) music or videos on your device, or participate in social media sites from your device. If however you are using a non-smartphone or you don’t ever do any of the above activities, you may not need to worry about data.

While there is much, much more to know about wireless phone service these basics will help you to get started deciphering the cell phone jargon that keeps these devices shrouded in mystery for new users.

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By David

As the economy continues to struggle, we are all looking for ways to save money. One way that you can do this is to reduce your cell phone bill. There are several strategies for this worth considering that could save you quite a bit of money.

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Cut back features

Almost all modern cell phone users have features attached to their plans. These will often include some sort of texting bundle and typically a data plan of some sort. Rates vary from company to company, but these two features combined can range in cost from $10 all the way up to $40 or more. If you are spending a lot of extra money for your features, try reevaluating your needs to see if there are any places where you might be able to cut back. You can also try making one feature work as another. For instance there are some apps that allow you to text over the internet, rather than through your network allowing you to drop your texting plan altogether.

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Switch to a value plan

For most cell phone users, reducing cell phone bill is going to mean taking a look at your current plan. Many cellular service providers offer discounted prepackaged plans that can offer you more for less. They will usually have different levels with a varying degree of minutes that comes with them and different features with each plan. If you do most of your communications on the go through text or do most of your calling through a Wi-Fi connection and the Skype app, you may want to look into getting a plan with fewer minutes or that includes features your using for less than what you are paying for them now to help you reduce your cell phone bill. Alternatively, you could also take a look at a prepaid plan. These are no contract, no commitment plans that will usually give you many more minutes for your money. The downside is of course the upfront cost associated with buying your phone in order to get started. However if you already have a compatible phone this could be a great option to save you some money.

Shop different carriers

As you would with any product, you will want to shop around a bit to find the best price for what you need. Though the major carriers are typically going to offer you the most options, some of the many smaller carriers are a great option for reducing cell phone bill. These carriers, because they are smaller, can typically offer you more minutes and features because they are not supporting as large a coverage area. If you do not do a whole lot of traveling and do not mind being without the most cutting edge phones, this could be a good option for you.

Armed with the knowledge above, you now know just a few ways to go about lowering your monthly cell phone bills without making too great a number of sacrifices in order to do so.

Click here to compare cell phone plans and save 100s. Free phone.

By David

We all know how volatile the economy is these days, and while things may be going well for us now, that may not still be the case 3 months from now. For this reason many of us want to avoid getting locked in to a cell phone plan that we may end up not being able to pay for. That is why today we are taking a look at no annual contract cell phones and two different options you can use to get started.

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Prepaid Cell Phone

The first type of no annual contract cell phone is the prepaid phone. These types of phones have a few advantages and disadvantages associated with them in comparison to a typical contract plan.

1)      Buying your phone – With a prepaid phone you are required to purchase your cell phone upfront. This means that you may have to put up anywhere from $20 to $200 depending on how nice a phone you would like to have

2)      Older phones – Typically for these types of cell phones, you will not be able to get the very latest in cell phone technology. Still this can be beneficial since you will be paying for your phone upfront

3)      Phone time & minute cards – In order to keep your phone active, you will need to purchase a phone time card and enter the code into your phone. These can keep your phone active for a few months at a time, are not terribly expensive, and usually provide a limited number of minutes as well. If you need more minutes, you can add another time card or add a minute card in the same way.

No Contract Cell Phone

As the name implies, these are no annual contract cell phones that are a little different than your traditional prepaid phones. They too have some unique advantages and disadvantages associate with their operation.

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1)      Buying your phone – Like with a prepaid phone, you will have to purchase your mobile device up front. However, with this type of phone you can usually get phones that are on par with the newest phones available.

2)      Plans and rates – Once you have your phone you will sign up for a plan with the company associated with your phone. They will send you the SIM card for your device. Just install it and start using your phone. This allows you to get the same kind of plans (and typically better rates) as contract phones, without being tied in to anything.

3)      Smartphones and Data – Since you will be able to use the same types of plans, you can use the same types of services and phones, meaning you can still have your smartphone and data plan without the long term commitment.

So if you have got the cash on hand to purchase your cell phone up front, or already have one that will work with the service provider and plan you would like to use, then a no annual contract cell phone may be the best and most economical choice for you.

Click here to compare cell phone plans, including plans that include a free phone with activation.

By David

If you are new to the world of cell phones or just started learning how to personalize them to better reflect you, you may be wondering how to get ringtones that you like onto your phone. To help you get started we will explore a few options for getting new ringtones.

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Through your phone

The easiest answer to the question “how to get ringtones” is typically to download new ringtones directly to your phone. This can be done by turning on your phone and going to your mobile store. There should be an icon for it somewhere on the main page, but if not, there will be one with a list of your other applications. This will be true even for those not yet using smartphones. Select the store icon, and it will open a page were you can begin searching for things to purchase. Search for ringtones, and shortly, you will have a long list of options to choose from. To get a shorter list, try more specific search parameters or adding filters to the search. Once purchased, these new ringtones can be selected and used like usual.

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Through your computer

If you are still not sure how to get ringtones, you can try getting them online. There are literally hundreds of websites for this. Just do a search for ringtones on your preferred search engine and select one that looks good to you. Some have you pay per ring tone while others charge a monthly fee for as many tones as you want to download that month. Typically, you can download these to your computer and then transfer them to the phone using a link cord, Bluetooth connection, email, and many sites will be able to send the ringtones directly to your phone by simply inputting your phone number.

Create your own

If neither of these options is how you’d like to get your ringtones and you happen to already have  the songs you are wanting to turn into ringtones either on your phone or computer you can make your own ringtones. On your phone, there are many free applications you can download to accomplish this and most will have an on the computer version as well. Just choose the song you want to have as a ringtone and start editing. Once you’ve gotten the hang of it, you can turn all of your favorite songs into ringtones. If you are doing your editing on the computer, you can transfer your ringtones to your phone using a USB link cable, a Bluetooth wireless connection, or you could even email the new ring tones to an account you receive on your phone or text them to your phone using one of a number of different programs available online.

Now that we have got you started, you can find or create the perfect ringtone for any person or situation. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and find all those great ringtones for your ever more personalized cell phone.

Click here to compare cell phone plans. Free phones with activation. Download ringtones to your new phone. Free comparison tools.

By David

With all the numerous options available these days, you might be wondering how to get a phone plan that is right for you. Though it seems complicated, it is actually not as daunting as it sounds. In just three easy steps, we will show you where to start and where to go from there in order to find your perfect phone plan.

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Choose a carrier

The first and most important decision you are going to make in learning how to get a phone plan is deciding what carrier you would like to use for the service. Do not be fooled into thinking that there are only 2 or 3 to choose from. In fact there are many options and any of them could be right for you. So take a look at what each has to offer, make sure they have coverage for your home and places you frequently travel, and see if they have got any offers that sound good to you. Once you have narrowed down your list a bit, go ahead and move on to the next step.

Choose a plan and services

The next choice you will have to make when figuring out how to get a phone plan is what kind of plan you want to go with. Like there were with carriers, each carrier is going to have several different types of plans to choose from that are built for the needs of different individuals. While your options may vary, this will typically include a number of minutes at the very least and possibly some sort of texting and or data plans as well. You want to pick a plan that is going to give you what you need for the cheapest price, so obviously, if you never text, you won’t need a plan that includes texting. In addition to your plan, you can typically also add services. This allows you the option to customize what you are getting. For instance if you do not intend to talk much and you never text, but want to do a lot of data intensive activities on your phone like downloading apps or streaming videos, you could get a simple plan with low minutes and add a large data service for less than you could typically get a pre-made bundle with the things you need. This is because a bundle typically will scale all your services at the same time, so if you need unlimited data, they will want to give you unlimited everything else as well, even though you do not need it.

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Choose features and extras

Once you have decided on a carrier and plan, you just have to decide what little extras you would like with your service. Typically this will include a new phone when you sign up, but other features and perks are available and will vary depending on your chosen carrier.

Now, you have a good idea of where to start in your search for the best phone carriers for you and how to go about getting a phone plan that is within your budget and meets your needs.

Click here to compare cell phone plans. Free phone with activation.

By David

Many of us utilize cell phones, but how many of us truly know how they work? Cellular wireless phones are a significant step forward in our level of technology and interconnectedness and are worth understanding.

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Mobile phone

The most noticeable piece in the cellular wireless phone puzzle is the handheld unit we know as the cell phone. This remarkable device has evolved over time to allow us to manage our schedules, do math calculations, record voice notes, keep a record of our contacts, surf the web, text friends, and oh yes, talk to one another over great distances instantaneously without the need for a long cord stretched between the two devices. This cellular technology turns what you say into data and sends it via radio waves to the closest cellular tower and eventually on to whomever you are talking to. Their cell phone reconverts the data back into sound. These little devices have not only changed the way we communicate, but the way we live.

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Cellular tower

The next stage of technology we must discuss when talking about cellular wireless technology is the cell tower. These are tall radio towers that are ideally placed at the highest local point in order to get the best reception possible even in mountainous or hilly terrain. While a mountain would not strictly speaking stop a radio signal, it does deflect it from its original path thus preventing a poorly placed tower from connecting with mobile devices on the other side. Assuming no complications, a cell tower will receive signals from cell phones and forward them along to their intended recipient. If the recipient is using the same tower this is done directly where as if the two devices are using different towers the signal will typically be forwarded to a satellite before continuing its journey.

Satellite

The last bit of cellular wireless technology to discuss is the satellite system. When two cell phones are separated by a great distance a cell tower will pass the signal through a satellite in geosynchronous orbit (meaning it stays over one geographical location all the time) which will then either forward this message to another satellite in the network in a better position or directly to the appropriate tower. The reason a typical cell phone does not communicate directly with the satellite network is because its signal simply is not strong enough to reach it. A cell phone needs the help of the stronger signals that come from towers to reach a satellite. Satellites are used in this manner because it removes the potential for any obstacles to be in the way of the signal. However, it is the use of these satellites that causes problems with cell reception during a solar flare. In such an event, the satellites are actually shut down and sealed to prevent damage from the burst of ions, consequently, temporarily interrupting cellular communications.

Now that you understand how cell phones work, you can truly appreciate the amazing bit of technology we use every day.

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By David

While there are many options available when it comes to wireless carriers, finding the one that is best for you is not always an easy task. Your best wireless carriers will be determined by your own personal needs and how well they can be met by one carrier over another. With that in mind, here is a guide to choosing the best wireless carrier for you.

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Coverage Area

When trying to determine your best wireless carriers, you will want to first look at their coverage area and see if your location falls within its bounds. While 1000 minutes for only $10 a month is a great deal, it is somewhat less convenient if you have to travel 50 miles to use those minutes. Look for companies with coverage that will cover your home and those places you frequently travel. If they are unable to provide you with service, it just does not make sense to contract with them and thus, those companies can be ruled out immediately.

Features

Likely you are going to want some pretty good features from your best wireless carriers so you will want to do some online window shopping and see what companies that you have not ruled out so far have the features you want. If you do a lot of texting, it will of course be important that they have competitive texting plans. If you want to do a lot of smart phone computing outside of a Wi-Fi area, you will probably want a company that provides 3 or maybe even 4G connection speeds. Whatever you would like to be able to do with your phone, decide which features are vital, and which are optional before you start price shopping.

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Rates

Now that you have determined what companies have coverage you can use and provide the features you must have, you probably have a fairly narrow list. At this point the determining factor will be price. Pick a plan and must have features for each of the still eligible companies and the lowest price could be your new cell phone provider. If you do not mind doing a little online research, you could find out if any of them have special deals going on at the time that you could lock-in for an even better rate, or even try calling the customer service departments to see if they can do anything for you to secure your loyalty. Even if this effort is fruitless, you will at least know that you are getting what you want from your phone service provider for the best price you can find.

Now that you have found a cell provider that will give you what you want for a reasonable amount, do not be content. If you went without a contract, be ever vigilant for deals from other companies to switch to or use as leverage for better rates from you current provider. If you ended up with a contract, just be sure to research other options around renewal time.

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