Mobile Phones
Since mobile phones were launched in the 1990s they've come a long way. They provide so much more than just the ability to make a phone call or send a text message. The modern day phone is described as a multimedia computer by some manufacturers with features such as Internet browsing, cameras and satellite navigation.
Mobile Phone Specifications
Guideme Shopping has put together a detailed guide to each piece of technology found on the modern day mobile phone.
Dualband, Triband and Quadband
Mobile phones around the world us different radio frequencies to operate. A Dual band service is provided in Europe to give better coverage. A Triband phone will allow you to use your phone in Europe and USA. A Quadband will allow you to use your phone all over the world, Europe, USA and Asia./p>
Memory
All phones need to have a certain amount of memory to store things such as contact details, ring tones, text messages, photos and music. The more memory you have the better. Guideme Shopping recommends having at least 10MB of phone memory.
Memory Slot
Newer phones now support swappable memory cards. This allows for you to upgrade the memory capacity of your phone by installing a memory card in to the memory slot. Memory cards of 2GB can be installed into most phones allowing you to hold hundreds of photos or MP3 tracks.
GPRS
GPRS, General Packet Radio Service, allows you to connect to the Internet. Most other services such as MMS (Multimedia Messaging) also use a GPRS service to send and receive. If you want to browse the web it's essential that your phone supports GPRS.
3G
3G means 3rd Generation Network, it's like having broadband on your mobile phone. 3G makes browsing the Internet much quicker then a phone without 3G. Due to the higher data throughput that 3G offers it's also possible to use 3G for video calling and watching live video or TV on your phone.
WiFi
Mobile Phones are now available with WiFi. WiFi is wireless computer network technology. WiFi will allow you to connect to your home wireless network or WiFi hotspots when you're out and about. Having WiFi will allow you to browse the Internet on your phone or use voice over IP phone technology such as Skype.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth allows you to connect to other Bluetooth enabled devices. Using Bluetooth you can transfer images, videos, ring tones or sound clips. Bluetooth can also be used with wireless headsets, satnav systems or in car hands free.
USB
USB is a relatively new addition to mobile phones. It allows you to connect your mobile phone to your computer using the USB port. This means you can transfer files to the memory card on the phone.
MP3 Player
An increasing number of mobile phones are providing MP3 Players. An MP3 player will allow you to play compressed music files called MP3. MP3 tracks can be purchased on the Internet or free software is available on the Internet to convert your existing CD's in to MP3s. iTunes is an example of a free software tool that allows you to do this.
Camera
The essential part of the modern day mobile phone is the camera. It's very handy to be able to take pictures on your phone. The quality of cameras on mobile phones is not as good as a standard alone picture but they are improving. Look for a camera that has auto-focus and a flash. The Sony Cybershot phones have a particularly good camera.
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