Cell Phone : What is it?
| A cell phone, also called a mobile or a cellular phone, is a portable, wireless electronic device used for long-range telecommunications. It initially connects to a cell site or a cellular network base station before connecting to the public switched telephone network (PSTN).
A standard cell phone includes a screen, a keypad, a microphone, a speaker, an antenna, and a rechargeable battery (usually lithium). It operates under a network provider and communicates through radio waves that come from a cell site base station. It uses a low-power transceiver to transmit data and voice to the provider’s nearest cell site. It constantly searches for the strongest signal from surrounding cell sites. As the user moves around, the cell phone can reselect cell sites seamlessly. A mobile switch connects the call to another subscriber of the same network or to the public telephone network, which includes land lines and the networks of other cell phone service providers.
The first cell phone design was large, and it used to be permanently installed in vehicles as a car phone. A later model came out that was the same size as a cordless phone. Today’s cell phone can be as small as the palm of the hand or a bit larger for use as a portable computer. It has evolved into a high technology tool that incorporates almost every digital device available in one handheld device. In addition to standard voice communication, a cell phone can also support text messaging or SMS, e-mail, Internet connectivity, packet switching, picture messaging or MMS, capturing pictures and videos, basic word processor, data management, GPS capability, voice recording, music and video playing, music composition, and gaming. |
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Kinds of Cell Phones include the following: |
Analog cell phone
- The analog cell phone is the original cell phone.
- It is more affordable than the other types of cell phones.
- It can be used in 95% of the whole country.
- It is ideal for travelers.
- However, it produces poor sound quality.
- Its minute rates are also higher.
Digital cell phone
- A digital cell phone transmits a stream of digitized data to the cell site.
- It can use D-AMPS, GSM, GPRS, CDMA2000, EV-DO, or UMTS digital technology.
- It has a cheaper call rate.
- It has a battery signal that indicates the battery's life.
- It requires less power, thus the battery lasts longer.
- The line tends to be cut easily or be choppy when the user is not in a heavily-populated area.
- It may not be ideal for traveling across the country.
PCS cell phone
- A PCS cell phone stands for Personal Communications Service.
- It is essentially the same as a digital cell phone.
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Dual mode: Choose a dual mode cell phone that allows you to automatically switch between digital and analog. It prioritizes digital signals for a clearer sound and reception. In case digital coverage is not available, it automatically uses the analog lines.
Battery life: For uninterrupted use, look for a cell phone that uses a battery with a long stand by time (as long as three days) and a lot of talk time before needing to recharge.
Weight: For portability, choose a lightweight cell phone that allows you to carry it easily by hand, in your pocket, or around your neck using a neck lanyard.
Service plan: Before buying a cell phone, project your usage and the budget you can allot for paying the bill. If you make a lot of business calls, subscribe to a postpaid service where you are billed monthly for your calls. It also saves you the hassle of buying a prepaid card every time you run out of call time. If you are just an average user, go for a prepaid service. The prepaid card you buy allows you to budget your money and your call time effectively.
Features: Choose a cell phone with features that you really need and enjoy. If you are a music buff, choose one with an FM tuner or an mp3 player. If you like taking pictures, buy one with a built-in digital camera. It is impractical to buy a cell phone with everything in it when you are not inclined to use some or most of the features.
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