4 posts tagged “cell phones”
Freedom from your cellular service shackles is coming...slowly. Unlocked phones are becoming more readily available, free calling over a phone's Wi-Fi connection is becoming more commonplace, and forthcoming legislation may also open up the airwaves. Eventually, the result will be that consumers (that's us!) will have the freedom to choose any phone they like and not be limited to a specific carrier or service.
First, Dell began quietly selling unlocked phones on its Web site. Unlocked phones can be used on several different carriers. For a brief explanation and an example of a solidly designed unlocked phone, see Freedom is an Unlocked Phone.
Second, VoIP programs like Skype, which allow people to make free or very inexpensive calls around the world, are being adapted for more cell phones that include the ability to connect to the Web using a Wi-Fi connection. Several so-called smart phones like the Treo can already do this, and now people are working on a way to let the i "don't ever mention that thing again in my presence" Phone from Apple to work with Skype as well.
Lastly, the head of the FCC, Kevin Martin, recently noted that the frequencies currently used for analog television transmission (in the 700 MHz range) may be used for wireless cell calling in the future--by carriers that agree not to lock people into using specific phones. Those airwaves are slated to be auctioned next year, and it could mean that the next time you choose a service it may allow you to use any wireless phone with any software you like.
Let a thousand iPhone clones bloom. Now wouldn't that be nice?
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13. It uses a non-standard headphone jack, so you can't use better headphones or earbuds without buying an expensive adapter.
14. It doesn't have voice dialing or voice recognition.
15. It doesn't support wireless Bluetooth stereo, so you can't use wireless stereo headphones with it.
16. You can't shoot video with the phone's camera.
17. It does not have a GPS receiver for important location information.
18. Owners cannot remove the battery, so if there's trouble, you'll have to send your phone in for service.
19. It does not use a SIM card, so owners are forever tied to AT&T--even after the two-year contract expires.
20. No instant messaging.
Can't remember the other reasons not to buy an iPhone? Revisit the Web page at J-Q.com and reasons 11 and 12.
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The summer driving season is about to start with a vengeance--the vengeance being the price of gas. But getting a ticket can be even more costly, and I don't mean just a speeding ticket.
Many states and municipalities across the country now have laws against using a cell phone behind the wheel--unless you have a hands-free headset. These can be wired or wireless. I suggest using a wireless model because the last thing you need are cables that can get tangled up in gear shifts and brake pedals, a potentially more dangerous scenario than talking on the phone. Wireless Bluetooth headsets can be had for as little as $25, but you get what you pay for. To find out about my current favorite model, see "Headset on the Highway."
If you're wondering what states have traffic laws against plastering a cell phone to your pate, the Consumer Electronics Association has launched a site called DigitalDriver.org (NB: the .org designation) to help you out. The site includes tips on how to stay alert behind the wheel, avoid distractions, and find the latest safety gear. For your edification, there's also a map pointing out which states have handset laws.
But even if you'll be traveling in areas where cell phone laws aren't applicable, I recommend getting a wireless headset for the car. It won't guarantee that you still won't become distracted, but at least you'll have both hands on the wheel.
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The truth about cell phones is that they stink. Clipped voices, endless echoes, dropped calls, bad connections--we endure it all for the convenience of being mobile. Even worse, mobile handsets often don't work at home or in your office unless you stand by the front window.
Fortunately, there are some solutions to poor cell coverage. See my article in the Thursday, March 1, edition of The New York Times. Go to the Technology section to find "Coaxing More Bars Out of That Cellphone" by John R. Quain.
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