Hello everyone,
I must admit that even though I am a “tech geek”, the current mobile phone scene is quite confusing to me. Personally, I don’t even like to TALK on the phone, and my “dumb phone” of choice is the TracFone Motorola W260-4 (a basic $20 phone, no internet, no camera, no extra ringtones, no apps, etc. .). But the phone is great for what it’s intended to do – it makes great phone calls! And in my part of the country I have great coverage (signal strength) of the TracFone network (also with TracFone there are no bills, no contracts, I only buy the air minutes I really need). No smartphone for me!
So, with all the confusion out there (and since you may be looking for a cell phone in the future), I thought today I’d give you a basic “part one” on cell phones and cell phone carriers. I’m going to have to concentrate a bit because, as I said before, this is a bit confusing! Today I will just give you the facts and in my next article I will give you more facts besides my opinion.
1) “smart phone”
A mobile phone that has computer-like software (applications), digital camera, full keyboard, color screen, plus Internet and email capabilities for efficient communication. The CPU in many smartphones is more powerful than the desktop computers of five years ago!
2) “Silly Phone”
Opposite of smartphone. A mobile phone that has few or no advanced features, such as a large, bright screen, or applications such as email and web browsing. It basically just makes phone calls (like my Motorola W260-4). I’m lovin ‘it!
3) “Service providers (cell phone operators)”
If you are going to buy a mobile phone, you have to choose a mobile operator. There are many, but here are the top five carriers in the US (and a very popular phone for each carrier).
#1) Verizon Wireless……(Incredible HTC Droid).
#2) AT&T….. (Apple iPhone 3GS).
#3) Sprint….. (Palm Pre).
#4) T-Mobile….. (Google Nexus One).
#5) US Cellular… (HTC Touch Pro 2).
4) “Locked or Unlocked?”
A locked cell phone is one that has been altered to use only a particular cellular network. If a carrier “subsidizes” (gives you a free or cheap phone when you sign a two-year service contract) they will “lock you” into their network. Locked phones (“lock” is a software setting that keeps the mobile phone “loyal” to one carrier), will not work with any other carrier.
An unlocked cell phone can be used on any cell phone carrier. Unlocked cell phones cost more up front, but all software restrictions have been removed and you’ll be able to use the phone with any carrier you want. Many third-party providers sell unlocked phones, and there are also many third-party services that offer to unlock your cell phone for a fee (something I don’t recommend).
In my next article (part 2), I will continue to “demystify” the confusing cell phone scenario.
Professor Randy says: Sure, the cell phone scenario can be confusing, but don’t despair! With a little examination and investigation of the facts, he will be fully aware of what he is facing and fully prepared to deal with it “head on”.