Wireless Without the Wires: Bluetooth Cellular Phone

They may call it a wireless phone, but standard cellular phones still require wires at some point. Besides the clunky charger, you also have to fumble with cords to use a headset and to transfer data between your phone and other gadgets. But there is an answer for anyone looking to cut the cord almost completely. With a Bluetooth cellular phone, you can chat on a wireless headset, transfer data magically through the air to a handheld, or connect with a Bluetooth-enabled car. But take care, as each Bluetooth cellular phone is not created in the same manner. While some carriers let you use a Bluetooth cellular phone for almost any means, others restrict it to a headset only.

Bluetooth is a standard developed by a group of electronics manufacturers that allows any sort of electronic equipment -- from computers and Bluetooth cellular phones to keyboards and headphones -- to make its own connections, without wires, cables or any direct action from a user. A Bluetooth cellular phone works at two levels:

It provides agreement at the physical level -- Bluetooth is a radio-frequency standard.

It also provides agreement at the next level up, where Bluetooth cellular phones have to agree on when bits are sent, how many will be sent at a time and how the parties in a conversation can be sure that the message received is the same as the message sent.

While it may sound complicated, a Bluetooth cellular phone works in a simple manner. A Bluetooth cellular phone communicates with different devices by sending data via a secure, low-cost short-range radio frequency. Using the technology, a Bluetooth cellular phone can connect to headsets, PCs can connect to printers or keyboards, and handhelds can connect to each other without any wires. Up to seven connections can be made at one time, at a speed of 1Mbps. All that's needed for any Bluetooth cellular phone to connect to another Bluetooth-enabled device is for them to be paired--normally, a hassle-free "handshaking" process for establishing a connection that takes seconds and can be found in most wireless connectivity menus.

What's in a Name?

In case you were wondering, what's "Bluetooth" in the term "Bluetooth cellular phone", Bluetooth gets its name from a 10th-century Danish king, Harald Blatand (or Bluetooth) who unified Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. According to legend, he had an affinity for teeth-staining blueberries.

Bluetooth Frequency

A Bluetooth cellular phone communicates on a frequency of 2.45 gigahertz, which has been set aside by international agreement for the use of industrial, scientific and medical devices (ISM).

A number of devices that you may already use take advantage of this same radio-frequency band. Baby monitors, garage-door openers and the newest generation of cordless phones all make use of frequencies in the ISM band. Making sure that a Bluetooth cellular phone and these other devices don't interfere with one another has been a crucial part of the design process.

Pairing up

Before you start talking on a Bluetooth cellular phone, you do need to know a few facts. A Bluetooth cellular phone has a range of 30 feet (10 meters), and the devices in question must use compatible versions of Bluetooth. The majority of Bluetooth cellular phones currently in the marketplace works on Bluetooth 1.1. (Two previous versions, 1.0 and 1.0B, were plagued with compatibility issues and have since been discontinued.) The Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG), a trade association and development group, is releasing newer versions that promise several upgrades and backward compatibility. Bluetooth 1.2, includes the addition of an anonymity mode, which masks the hardware address of the device to protect from identity snooping and tracking, and adaptive frequency hopping, which cuts interference by avoiding crowded frequencies. Bluetooth 2.0 has some enhancements; among them are narrowband channels, which will enable messages to be broadcast to a high number of devices without the pairing process, andhigher connection speeds of up to 12Mbps.

When no other means of connecting to the Internet is available, mobile workers can use their Blue tooth cellular phone as a modem. An advantage of using a Bluetooth cellular phone is that it can remain in your laptop carrying case or pocket, and a Bluetooth cellular phone does not require a direct line of sight connection. If your laptop is not already Bluetooth enabled, you can purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter.

A Bluetooth cellular phone makes it easy to transfer or receive information from other Bluetooth-enabled devices, eliminating the need for extra cables. A Bluetooth cellular phone can be used with a Bluetooth-enabled headset allowing for handsfree operation. You can put the Bluetooth cellular phone in your pocket or carrying case and still take calls. This is especially useful if you need to use your Bluetooth cellular phone while driving.

Be secure

As with any wireless device, a Bluetooth cellular phone has some minor security concerns. The SIG has admitted that bluebugging, where a hacker secretly accesses a phone's commands (such as eavesdropping on conversations), and bluesnarfing, where a hacker can access a phone's data--such as the contacts--are possible, yet the group downplays both actions. While they work through Bluetooth, they also require the hacker to use a PC and to be within range of the victim's Bluetooth cellular phone (10 meters). Still, Nokia and Sony have said these issues affect only older handsets that are available mainly outside of the United States, and Nokia is promising a software upgrade. To help combat both, a Bluetooth cellular phone can be locked with a code or simply turned off or put in hidden mode when not in use. Another concern, depending on how you look at it, is bluejacking. This often involves creating a flirtatious introductory message, then sending it to another Bluetooth cellular phone (that is discoverable) narby as a text message.

Saurya Ghosal for http://www.discount-cellular-phone.com. Read more about Cellular Phones [http://www.discount-cellular-phone.com/wireless-cellular-phone.html] Copyright 2005 http://www.discount-cellular-phone.com

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PDA Cell Phones - the New Generation of Wireless Phones

It's time you know what the latest technological gadget is. In fact, this new toy is buzzing everywhere nowadays. PDA cell phones are popping up more and more in the market place. Young or old, maybe you should be asking yourself whether this new cellular phone is something you should consider owning? Well, if you're unsure about whether a PDA cell phone is the right piece of hardware for you, don't be. Read on and find out everything you need to know about these great cell phones!

Many consumers understand the value of owning a mobile phone today. They are really convenient and easy to use. We almost take them for granted because they're extremely affordable to own and maintain. They come with tons of loaded features to help make our lives that much easier. They store phone numbers and addresses, can link you to the Internet, can download your email on a whim, and allow you to chat on Instant Messenger with your closest loved ones whenever you want. Bored? Not when you own a cellular phone, equipped with the latest games, cool polyphonic ring tones, and picture messaging. Use it to take notes, and keep you up to date with important meetings. There is simply nothing that a cell phone cannot do nowadays. They even take pictures and video images - and to think, these nifty little toys can be held, literally, in the palm of your hand.

Well, the newest trend to hit our palms is the PDA wireless phone - better known as a personal digital assistant. Imagine combining the convenience of a cell phone with the reliability of a PDA - it's a match made in heaven! Here's why. First of all, PDA's are very portable. You can take them anywhere! They fit in your purse, briefcase, even your own pocket. They're also very durable, so they're built to last! PDA's are also pretty inexpensive these days. You can get yourself a pretty decent and affordable personal digital assistant for about $150. Once you get one, you'll realize just how amazing these devices really are! These awesome gadgets store your personal and professional information, at the touch of a button!

PDA's are also programmable. You can run the most popular of applications on a palm pilot, allowing you to interact with your home or office computer. You can store documents, graphics, notes - the possibilities are endless, and transferring information from one medium to another is a breeze! What does it mean when you combine the power of a PDA with a mobile phone? Pure magic! There are many companies offering this innovative product. Check it out! PalmOne makes a PDA cell phone that makes it easier than ever for consumers to keep their business and personal life in order without all the excess bulk! Remember, these phones are compatible with either Macs or PCs, making it simple for you to download information when you need it the most. Key features on these types of phones include a mini "qwerty" keyboard for typing notes, Bluetooth technology, USB capability, and lithium powered batteries. Many of these PDA mobiles also include MP3 features! It's all you'll ever need to get through your day with ease!

Many people may even consider getting rid of their mobile phones and replacing it with these new PDA cell phones. If you think about it, you really don't need much else! Tons of Americans walk around with briefcases or purses full of gadgets that only store a certain type of information. At one time, a cell phone was used primarily to make or receive calls. Now, times have changed. Long gone are the days when mobiles were bulky, heavy, and inadequate. As you may know, cell phones have marked their way into the world today, helping millions of people get what they need in their professional and personal lives. Not only do cell phones help us when we're in a bind, they keep us well in tuned with the world. We can access the daily news, read our horoscopes, check movie listings, and so much more. Keep your address book updated with your contacts. Store email addresses, contact names, phone numbers - the sky is the limit! In fact, there's nothing a cell phone can't do these days! Without a doubt, cellular phones definitely enhance our lives. They can notify us when we have an important meeting or date coming up. You'll never forget a friend or loved one's birthday again! They come equipped with cool features, such as unique ring tones, games, and colour screens. Want to get online? No problem! You can picture message your friends, send text messages on the fly, even go online and download your email messages. These features come in handy, especially when travelling. In fact, many mobiles today are designed to be used anywhere around the world! So, there's no need to worry about bringing a day planner or agenda to keep track of your to do list. A cell phone is all you need!

Now, you can enjoy the convenience and affordability of combining your heavily used and much needed cell phone with a practicality of a PDA or portable hand held system. Look around - you'll soon see that many popular cellular phone carriers are carrying PDA cell phones, all equipped with different, but important features. In fact, customers can pick and choose which PDA phone best suits their needs. It's all too simple! However, one thing is clear - owning a PDA mobile is an effective way to keep your business sorted. Imagine just how much information these powerful tools store! Cell phones are extremely practical but their downside is that they can only store so much information! For example, most mobile phones come with phone books that store between 100-500 contact entries. Certainly not enough when you're building a list of personal and professional contacts. Having a PDA cell phone is like carrying around a mini computer in your pocket and the possibilities are surely endless! While it can't fix your family meals every night or make the kids go to bed, it will keep you and your family extremely organized and in tune with what's going on day to day!

While a PDA cellular phone is used primarily for professional use, take advantage of the many fun features it has to offer. If you ever wanted to own an MP3 player, there's no need to buy one on its own! Some PDA mobiles come with a Windows Media Player device to keep you occupied with your favourite tunes during the day! If you're travelling and are looking to maximize your time, surf the Internet. Even better, catch up on your emails! It's like taking your office on the road, wherever you go, whenever you go!

If you're worried about using your PDA too much - don't! Many PDA cell phones will give you somewhere along the lines of 250 minutes of talk time and 240 hours of standby time. Keeping spare chargers and a base charger is always convenient to ensure that you'll never go without your phone when you need it the most! You'll enjoy typical features, such as a speakerphone, vibrating ringers, text capability, and Internet options. Connect using Outlook, and you'll never have to search for a phone number or email address again! Store it once and forget about it!

For those individuals who are constantly travelling and on the road or in the sky, a PDA mobile phone makes sense. It's the perfect gift and travel companion! Sometimes, it can be difficult to take a break from your day to find an Internet café or office that will allow you to connect and check your email and important messages. Now, imagine being able to access your information from anywhere in the world! You could be having dinner, in a car, or in between meetings, and you'll never miss those important messages ever again! It's important to note, your PDA cell phone contains the Internet, which will allow you to surf the web. So, now you can book your hotel reservations, find a phone number for a taxi, look for a restaurant in your area - it's all possible without having to exhaust other options! Sync your phone with your laptop, and access your work, no matter where you are. Access flight information with the touch of a button! Get movie listings and find out where some of the best attractions are when you're visiting a new town. It's obvious that owning a PDA cell phone has its advantages. Remember, PDA phones are extremely lightweight and portable. So much power for such a tiny device - and to think, many phones will give you the option to add more memory if you need it, for additional storage!

It's also good to know that many companies will also throw in extra accessories, such as a headset, leather case, belt clip or hand strap. These always come in handy to protect and maintain the look of your equipment. They're also very suitable when on the road. Having a headset allows you to use your phone while on the road keeping you safe as you drive with both hands on the wheel! If you're going to use your phone on the road while driving, at least be safe! Be conscious of yourself and the other drivers around you! It doesn't stop there! You can upgrade to a Bluetooth headset, or consider buying an extra adapter, charger, or magnet mount antenna set. You could also consider getting a starter kit that comes with the essentials to make the most out of your PDA cellular phone.

One thing is for sure. The rave about PDA cell phones is sweeping the nation. Stop and think for a moment. Many people carry around more than one of the following - a cell phone, an agenda or journal, a PDA system, a camera, an MP3 player. Well, all you need is the PDA mobile! It will replace all of these rather expensive items and provide for its consumers the convenience of owning the best all-in-one device to ever hit the market!

©Copyright 2005. Caitlin Crosain is a successful writer and publisher of cell phone related information such as where to find the best Free Cellular Phones, Wireless Plans, mobile accessories and MP3 players [http://www.get-free-cellular-phones.com/Cell-accessories.html].

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Cell Phone Accessories - A Guide To Wireless Phone Accessories

Cell phone accessories are a big business on the commodities' market today, and most folks have invested in at least one of the many options that are available for outfitting these handy little communications devices. From the practical to the bold-enough-to-make-a-statement, cell phone users of all walks of life can find just what they're looking for in order to personalize their equipment.

Car Chargers

Whether you're on a road trip for vacation or find it necessary to do a great deal of on-the-job traveling, there may be times when it isn't convenient - or possible - to find a place to stop in order to recharge your mobile phone battery when it runs low. For those who need something that's adaptable to life on the road, cell phone chargers are available which allow you to plug your cellular phone in to the cigarette lighter, making it possible to charge the device directly from your car's battery.

Hands-Free Sets

With the focus on safety, many states are considering a variety of laws that will abolish the use of cell phones while driving. One practical suggestion would be to invest in a hands-free set - also known as a wireless headset - that will allow you to continue driving without having to forego the conversations that may become necessary while you're driving. They're safe, convenient and - since some cellular phones respond to voice activation - round out the package to make the driving experience as safe as possible.

Faceplates (Cell Phone Covers)

For those who take their cell phone experience a bit more personally, a myriad of faceplates are available to spice up the look with a design or color that reflects your personal tastes or interests. Bold, bright colors, patterns, specialized logos - you name it; they can be found to fit your particular brand of cellular phone and are easily interchangeable with other cell phone faceplates, if you prefer a new look every now and then.

Cases

Without a case, it can be pretty inconvenient to store your cell phone when you've finished using it and are away from home. Women often toss them into a purse, but this is problematic, as well, since the buttons are sometimes activated when an item inside makes contact with it - even when the buttons are locked, it isn't difficult to unlock them when something inside of a purse rubs against the device. Cell phone cases typically have a clip on the back that will allow you to attach them to a purse, belt or pocket, making it much easier and more convenient to keep track of the device when it's not in use.

Belt Clips/Holsters (Cell Phone Holders)

As an alternative to the cell phone case, which completely covers the device, belt clips and holsters allow you to attach the unit to your belt, purse or pocket while keeping the bulk of the phone uncovered. Just a simple click on or off, and you can make a call when you need to and clip it back into place without a lot of fuss. The added perk to this type of accessory is that you don't have to struggle with a plastic covering that can hinder your ability to quickly place or answer calls when necessary.

Antennas

If you find that your cell phone reception is lacking, due to the area in which you live or travel frequently, then you might be in need of an attachable cell phone antenna. There are many options available, offering different levels of power, complete with internal or external boosters, as well as a wide variety of styles and prices to fit every budget. These are typically quite easy to attach and often have a very modest price tag, making them great gift ideas for those times when you just don't know what to give for a gift-giving holiday or other special occasion.

Phone Straps

Another way to spruce up your cellular phone is to attach a colorful strap. These are available in various styles, such as beaded, with cartoon character figureheads, with holiday figures or other specialized baubles that make your cell phone experience a bit more fun. For the youngsters, there are lots of fun characters from which to choose, as well as bright neon shades which can help kids to identify their phones and make a sassy presentation when they don them at home, school or during those times when they're just on the run.

Radiation Shields

Since the threat of radiation exposure through the use of mobile phones has sparked a number of studies by medical researchers, who have shown evidence that the radiation contamination is so significant that it can penetrate 1 ½" into the brain when the cell phone is held to the ear, then a radiation shield is a great asset, indeed. Easy to attach and effective enough to virtually eliminate the exposure to this deadly element, radiation shields are available in a variety of styles and prices, and may be purchased through cell phone carriers or online.

Designer Keypads

There's no better way to jazz up a cell phone than through the addition of a designer keypad. Kids especially love the bright colors and flashing buttons that can be found - some of which even come in packs of interchangeable keypads, allowing them to change their look whenever they get the urge to do so. No matter what your tastes are, you'll definitely find something that you like when you go keypad shopping for your cell phone!

Personalize Your Cell Phone

Will all of the options to personalize your cell phones these days, they can be used as an expression of your very self, or just to spice things up a bit so that you'll be able to locate your phone at a glance. Just as the first land lines - which were nothing but black boxes that offered nothing in the way of mobility - have evolved through the years, so have mobile phones. With the choices that today's market has to offer, there's no need to walk around with a dull, black hand-held unit that reflects nothing about who you are. Instead, you can use your cell phone as an extension of your interests, hobbies and personality - for a very reasonable price.

About the Author

Samantha Goode is a freelance technology writer who loves to provide tips to consumers shopping for cell phone batteries [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/index.html], wireless headsets [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/cell-phone-reviews.html] and cellular accessories [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/cell-phone-accessories.html].

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Cell Phone Reviews - Reaping the Benefits Of Online Wireless Reviews

There are a lot of benefits that are offered by the major cell phone carriers today that many people don't take advantage of - simply because they're unaware of them. Among these is the opportunity to write online cell phone reviews, with the promise of some type of compensation, such as a free phone or specific accessory. While it may seem that these carriers are taking a financial loss in order to provide free equipment, it's actually a rather clever way to sell their service plans. Once the participants have received their "free prize," they're then faced with having to acquire the necessary service plan in order to use the phone.

Cell phone carriers such as Cingular wireless, Motorola wireless, Samsung, T-Mobile wireless, Nokia, Verizon wireless, Sony Ericcson, Siemens, Sprint, AT&T and Nextel often utilize such a program in order to draw more consumers into their customer base using this common "carrot-on-a-stick" marketing tactic. For those who were looking for a new cell phone, anyway, this is an extra perk that saves them the trouble of scoping out their own cell phone deal.

On the positive side, those who participate in online cell phone reviews have the advantage of reading reviews that have been written by others, and can compare specific carriers and their service plans, as well as the phones that are being introduced by the various write-ups. Since research is a critical element in the process of determining the best type of cell phone service that you'll need, these reviews can save a vast amount of time and offer a wealth of information that you might, otherwise, have had to spend hours - or days - unearthing.

Online Cell Phone Review Websites



www.epinions.com - Opportunities to both read and write cell phone reviews are available on this website, in addition to similar surveys that can be inspected or taken by eligible participants. A form is provided in order to write a review, and a specific number of characters is given in order to accomplish the task. By writing a brief, concise report, your comments will be added to the database, and a star value will be assigned to the particular cell phone carrier that you've reviewed.


www.mpedia.com - This site is actually a public forum that allows you to read and write cell phone reviews once you've joined the group. There's no fee attached, but you must choose a login name and password in order to become a member of the community and enjoy the benefits that it has to offer. Of the many chat rooms that are contained within this particular forum, the one for cell phone reviews is clearly marked, so it's quite "user friendly".


www.cellphone-reviews.net - Although there may be a bit more navigating to do in order to write and submit a review on this site, the pathway is clearly marked, and you can choose to write your assessment of a particular phone by simply clicking on the header for the specific model. This site offers the extra perk of providing clearly written instructions on how to write a review, in case you have any questions before you begin. Once you access their web address, simply click on the "Cell Phone Reviews" tab, then click on the particular model of phone that you'd like to review and click on the "Write an Online Review" link in the middle of the page. You'll be able to post your own comments, in addition to reading those which have already been submitted by others.


www.discusswireless.com - This, too, is set up as a public forum, but the difference is that each chat room offers reviews for a specific brand of cell phone. By choosing a user name and password, you can click into any of the rooms and read or write reviews for any of the models that are intrinsic to that brand of cell phone. There's no cost to register, and you'll have the additional benefit of joining rooms that also deal with other cell phone related services, features and issues.

Brand-Specific Sites for Posting Reviews

In addition to the more generic websites that offer the chance to read or post reviews, specific carriers often afford the same opportunity. In many cases, by simply visiting a carrier's website, links will be given that guide you to an area that allows you to post your review or read those that have been posted by other users.

How to Write Cell Phone Reviews

Once you've established where to go in order to submit a review, you'll need to know the best way to present your opinion so that other readers will have a clear picture of what it is that you're trying to impart. Here are a few things that you'll need to keep in mind before committing your words to that cyber-page:


Be specific about the make and model of the cell phone that's being referenced in your review. Don't simply use the manufacturer's or carrier's name - include the name and model of the particular phone that you wish to discuss.

Don't try to fill your review with a lot of technical jargon. Most people who read reviews are looking for straightforward information that they don't have to use a dictionary in order to decipher.

Only offer necessary information; don't get into the habit of trying to fill up a particular amount of space with words in order to meet the required amount of characters. Most sites don't require a minimum amount of characters, but many do have a maximum ceiling. Be brief without sacrificing critical information.

Focus on features or services that will impact most cell phone users. In other words, if you're discussing a cheap long distance plan, that's fine. If, on the other hand, you're talking about the fact that you don't happen to like the particular color of the phone strap that you have, that's not going to be of much help.

Try to stick to the facts without adding a lot of emotion-based attitudes. Objectivity is really the goal, even though you're speaking from personal experience. After all, there are all kinds of reviews, but that doesn't mean that they're all helpful.

Whether you're writing from personal experience or from information that you've gathered from others, be sure to present only the facts when you decide to write a review, and please remember that professionalism is always appreciated - and, in most cases, required.

About the Author

Samantha Goode is a freelance technology writer who loves to provide tips to consumers shopping for cheap cellular phones [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/cell-phone-comparison.html], cell phone ratings [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/index.html] and cell phone reviews [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/cell-phone-reviews.html].

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