Deciding On What Cell Phone to Buy

Often when buying a cell phone people find it hard to decide on what sort or what type to get. There are so many models and brands out there that trying to get the best one for you is often a long and hard task. However here is a basic guide I have put together to help you get your head around choosing.

Often when buying a cell phone people find it hard to decide on what sort or what type to get. There are so many models and brands out there that trying to get the best one for you is often a long and hard task. However here is a basic guide I have put together to help you get your head around choosing.

The first thing you want to do is choose a cell phone service provider, people often think that good communication on a cell phone depends on the cell phone, it doesn't. The majority of how good your communication is depends on your cell phone service provider, so firstly make sure you shop around and find a good provider. After this and only after, you should start to look at a cell phone handset.

To me I class cell phones into 3 different categories, the basic cell phones, the advanced cell phones and the smart cell phone, often known as a PDA's. When looking for a handset you should work out a budget on how much you can spend and the sorts of phones in that price range that you could get. Another thing that I want to point out about buying a cell phone is that it is very important to actually physically see the phone and hold it. You can't tell if a phone is for you just by looking at a picture, you need to go to the shop and have a play around with it.

Ok let's talk about the basic cell phone handsets. Basic handsets these days come with the everyday features that a user needs things like making phone calls, sending SMS messages and now having polyphonic ring tones. These basic cell phones are perfect for a consumer not looking to spend a lot of money, they do not have the up-market style and features that the more advanced phones have but they are relatively cheap and easy to use.
Tip! Increase in expenses: -Greater the number of cell phones in a home greater is the bill. Children don't care about how much their parents will pay for their luxuries, they are careless and don't most of them have sense of responsibility.

The more advanced cell phones these days offer extensive features in cell phone technology and often come in small compact units. They come with the ability to shoot photos, shoot movies, play music, have real and polyphonic ring tones, have Bluetooth features and have built in and removable memory cards to store data. These features are not generally necessities for a consumer but more of a want for the pleasure of the feature. Compared to the basic handset the more advanced phones have a lot more features but also come at a higher price, they often cost 2 to 3 times more than your basic handsets.

The most technologically advanced phones one the market today are called smart phones or PDA's, they combine advanced cell phone technology with computer technology. They contain all the features of an advanced phone plus the features of a computer. These features include internet, email, basic documenting, memory storage, calendar and appointment scheduling, and often more. These are also the most expensive type of cell phones and often costing in excess of hundreds and hundreds of dollars.
Tip! The Most Satisfying Cell Phone: Perhaps you just want to cut to the chase. You don't care to impress, you don't care what is 'in', you just want to know if people actually liked the phone after it was purchased.

As you can see from this there are many of different cell phones out there, however if you narrow down to what sort of phone you want and how much you are prepared to spend than your choice on what sort of phone you should buy is not as hard. After this it just becomes a matter of what phone in your price range appeals to you the most.

http://electronicsexpressonline.com is a {KEYWORD}information portal founded by Jakob Culver. To find out more information about this topic and more visit the website: http://electronicsexpressonline.com

Choosing The Best Types Of Cell Phone Batteries

Types of Cell Phone Batteries:

Nickel Cadmium (NiCad): The capacity, run time, and life span of all NiCad batteries are reduced by the "memory effect", also known as voltage depression, in which the battery has to be discharged before recharging it, in order to avoid damage. NiCad batteries also use chemicals that are not environmentally friendly so they have to be disposed off carefully. Almost all cell phone manufacturers have now stopped using NiCad batteries and are replacing them with newer products such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH): These batteries are of the same size with NiCad batteries but will run for 30%-40% longer, and twice as much energy can be packed into a given unit. They are also less prone to the "memory effect" problem that older generation batteries are, and they are also more environmentally friendly since they do not contain toxic materials like cadmium. NiMH are now one of the most popular battery types for cell phones but after a few hundred charge cycles, the crystals inside become coarser which can result in voltage drops (only) when in use.

Lithium Ion (Li-Ion): The technology used to make Li-Ion batteries is more advanced in comparison to the above two, and gives exceptional capacity for its size and weight. It does not have memory effect, and a Li-Ion battery can deliver up to 40% more battery capacity than NiMH battery of the same size. Li-Ion batteries, however, are quite expensive and will not be compatible with older cell phones.

Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly): Enclosed in plastic pouches instead of a metal can, this battery is the latest, most advanced, safest and lightest cell phone battery ever manufactured. Li-Poly does not suffer from memory effect, and will deliver up to 40% more battery capacity than NiMH battery of the same size.

Performance Advantages of Cell Phone Battery Models:

"Slim" is a thin, light battery that still retains its capacity. "Extended" has increased capacity, longer talk and stand-by time. "Main" allows for simultaneous use of a primary battery and a second, "auxiliary" battery. "Super" can apply to "Super-slim", "super-performance" etc, and "vibrational" allows for vibration mode in phones that have the feature.
Tip! For any cell phone plan, make sure the deals include at least 150 anytime minutes. If you feel that you're going to make more calls than that, then aim for a higher number.

What is Initial Charge Cycle?

A new cell phone battery is never fully charged. The user will have to charge it for a full 14 to 20 hours for the first time before it can be used effectively. This can be necessary for the first 2 - 3 cycles. Cell phone batteries require a "break-in" period, and may not hold a full charge immediately. The battery may not power up right away, may show false full charge (voltage), or "Not charging". This is not unusual. The best thing to do is to charge the battery and leave it undisturbed for a full 24 hours or so.

The Life of the Cell Phone Battery:

Decline in the life of the cell phone battery will be demonstrated by shorter talk and stand-by times. If regularly used, a typical cell phone battery lasts up to 300 and 500 cycles. This also depends on the battery type. For example, a Li-Ion will die quite abruptly while you'll notice a gradual decline in performance when a NiMH battery nears the end of its lifetime.

How to Choose the Best Cell Phone Plan

Back in the olden days, telephones were for talking to people who were far away from you. The most exciting decision a telephone shopper made when choosing a new telephone was what color to get it in. Fortunately for us, we live in a time when a telephone is so much more than a telephone.

However, choosing a brand of cell phone and a cell phone service provider can be frustrating and confusing. Even if you know exactly what you want, shopping for a cell phone plans can be a headache.

If you're signing a contract for a year or more, usually two years if you want the good phone, you want to be sure that you're getting something that you're going to be happy with. Each cell phone service provider promises the best coverage, the most features, or the latest technology.

If "family plan" sounds more like a birth control method, and rollover makes you think of dog training, take a few minutes to sit up and read up on how to get the best cell phone plans for what you really need.

Make sure you don't get caught short on minutes. When in doubt, choose more minutes than you think you will use and find a plan that allows you to rollover unused minutes. People are often surprised at how quickly they use up their allotted minutes. You don't want to find yourself with nasty charges for those extra minutes you didn't think you would use. Cell phone deals are so common that there's no reason to pay full price for your cell phone.
Do cell phones often leave you speechless? Don't you just hate it when you're halfway through an interesting conversation on your cell phone and the connection goes fuzzy or drops altogether? Maybe you're driving in your car and you've gone through a tunnel or just moved your cell phone antenna out of range. How do you figure out which cell phone plan won't leave you hanging? Here's another question to research when choosing a cell phone plan.

And then, there's national or local cell phone plan? If you feel overwhelmed by the myriad of cell phone plans out there, you aren't alone. There's so much to consider in your cell phone comparisons, including whether to go with a national or local service provider, which of the cell phone plans is going to give you the best service, and then there's the fine print. Just thinking about wading through all that is enough to give many people a headache.

If you are confused or don't know where to start, you're not alone. To start with, get a list of the major manufacturers and service providers to get you started in your research.

Cell phones are for people on the go. People on the go don't have a lot of time to visit several electronics stores making cell phone comparisons for features and prices. That's why shopping online for cell phones makes so much sense.
Tip! When you have selected the cell phone carrier that you feel will be the best choice, it's time to select your plan. Remember too that all cell phone service providers will allow you to easily upgrade to more minutes on a plan, but very few of them will allow you to downgrade.

By looking at the Internet, calling the cell phone manufacturers and service providers and even checking with your employer, you can be sure to get a good deal on your cell phone.

It's been a long time since cell phones were a symbol of an extravagant lifestyle. Because of the great cheap cell phone deals constantly cropping up online, you can be sure that you can find a cell phone that fits your needs and your budget.

Karen Kirby has over 25 years' experience in the computer industry, an MS in Computer Science, and a BA in Honors English. She has been helping people with Internet marketing since 1995. For more information on cell phone plans see http://cellphone.brilliantbusinessmodel.com/cell-phone-calling-plans.php Be sure to get a free copy of the "Internet Marketer's Guide to Free Traffic" at http://www.aimbright.com/ebook/

Copyright 2006 - Karen Kirby. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

Invest in a Cell Phone Case for Style and Protection

TThe cell phone plays a growing role is social interaction and how we communicate. It enables quick and efficient interaction. Therefore, a large portion of the population use them on a daily basis for communication.

Cell phones are also seen as a status symbol. Its ‘cool' to have the newest technology, the famous brand, or the very latest accessories. The newest cell phone cases are hip and chic and offer an added bonus of protecting the valuable investment.

Cell phone cases help to give a picture of who you are. If you want to make a statement about who you are, you can use your favorite ring tone, the coolest screen and the hippest cell phone case. You can have more than one, to match your latest outfit or your new vehicle. If you misplace your phone its easier to find and less likely to get mixed up with other phones if it is eye-catching and easy to spot. Because technological advances mean that phones are getting smaller being able to notice your phone at a glance will increase the security of your phone and the information that is stored in it.

A cell phone case will also protect your cell phone. Because they are handles a lot its easy to scratch the screen or drop it and damage the phone. As most people use their phone on the go its also easy for accidents to happen. A case will help reduce the risk of damage to your phone. A phone in a case is less likely to slip out of your hand if you are doing something strenuous or exercising. It will also protect the phone from sweat or other substances on your hands. How often do calls come in white we are washing, working on the car or cooking a meal?

Cell phones are fragile pieces of electronic equipment. This is easy to forget sometimes. Therefore you should keep it away from moisture, heat, sharp or abrasive objects and also take care not to drop it. Using a protective case can eliminate some of the potential damage from these hazards.

Protective cases come in many forms and are made with different types of material. Leather is the most popular. However, cases made with materials such as neoprene can offer even more protection because of its waterproof properties. Of course the style and color that you go with also depends on the make and model of your phone. Look for a supplier that offers a large range of cell phone accessories so that you can find the most options.
Tip! To decide on which carrier network will work best for your needs, you need to do some research in advance. The first place to go for information is the internet as there are web sites available that help rate the individual cell phone networks by service and performance.

For many of us cell phones are an important part of our daily life. We handle them constantly. They are also an investment therefore its worth looking after them. Because they are often in our hands while others are around they say something about you. You are a trendsetter, you are hip, or you are cheap!! A cell phone case can say something about you, while protecting your phone from daily wear and tear. It is a worthwhile purchase.

Copyright 2006 Peter Hayes

Prima Cases is a leading supplier of high quality Italian leather PDA cases, Handheld Cases, and PDA accessories. They are headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey. For further information or visit their website http://www.primacases.com.

Cheapest Cell Phone Service Providers and Plans

Looking for a dollar amount? Shopping for a low price in cell phone service, or any service for that matter is human nature. The problem with this ideology is dismissing the dynamics of what's included in a cellular plan. Stop thinking about price alone for a minute, and consider your habits instead.

Before you take price into consideration you need to think about how you'll use your cell phone plan. Just because one company offers the cheapest cell phone providers, doesn't mean they'll provide the cheapest cell phone plan for you as an individual. So what about you? What is the cheapest cell phone service for you?

Ask yourself this. How much will I use my cell phone? If the answer is rarely, you'll want a pay as you go plan. A pay as you go cell phone plan is very much like a calling card. You add money to it only when you need it. Pay as you go cell phone plans are perfect to keep around for emergency type situations.

Pre paid cell phone plans are not the same as pay as you go plans. The difference is you get billed monthly for pre paid. With a pre paid cell phone plan you cannot go over your paid monthly minutes, so pre paid is best if you plan to use your cell phone on a regular basis but need to be on a budget, or if you have bad credit.
Tip! Find ways to reuse or recycle your phone and accessories when you're finished with them. Many companies recycle or reuse cell phones.

Monthly cell phone plans are reserved for those with good credit, or people who can pay a large deposit. If you travel, need a way for people to contact you any time, or have disabled your landline phone, a monthly cell phone plan is going to be your cheapest cell phone service plan.

Now ask yourself this. What cell phone providers are available in my area? If company A has the cheapest cell phone rates anywhere, but it isn't available in your area, it's not going to do you much good is it? You'll want to find out which cellular providers are available where you live, then you can start to put together a plan.

Here is a tip that can save you, your family, and even your friends allot of money. Before selecting a plan, think about who your friends and family are using for cell phone service. Many monthly, and pre paid cell phone providers offer free mobile to mobile calling, also known as in network calling.

Mobile to mobile calling allows you to call other people with the same cell phone service provider for free. Now here's the kicker! Take a look at Cingular and Verizon Wireless. Both companies offer monthly and pre paid cell phone plans with free mobile to mobile on both plan types. See where I'm going with this?
Tip! One of the most important features of the cell phone is the display, and so you need to make sure that any cell phone you buy has a display that is easily readable in both dimly lit and bright lighting conditions. Again, this is usually best determined by physically examining it in the cell phone store.

For example, you could get Cingular for "Mom and Dad", and GoPhone by Cingular for the kids. This way your kids are on a budgeted pre paid plan and you all can call each other for free any time. You can also call friends and family members in your network who have Cingular, or GoPhone without using your anytime minutes and without having to wait until night or the weekend to make free calls. Great tip huh? The same works with Verizon.

OK, so there you have it. If you follow these guidelines you'll get your cheapest cell phone service. There's no way you can't. There are many places online where you can get free rate quotes for cell phone providers, and they'll show you who is available in your area. One more tip. Don't waste time searching. All carries have the same offer at any given time, even if from different websites.
Tip! Get a great mobile phone plan to go with your cell phone. These days, getting a cell phone plan will automatically net you some great deals.

Daymon Hoag is the Founder of Cheapest Service and provides quality Cell Phones & Service with online price comparison for monthly, pre paid, and pay as you go cell phone service plans.

Don't be Hampered by Cell Phone Legalese

Don't let all the acronyms and other cell phone gobbledygook turn you off from participating in the exciting world of cell phones.

You know what it's like.

You get a contract for one of the new cell phone plans. You probably check out the rate, the length of service, and the features that will be available. Then the text gets smaller and, frankly, cleaning the lint out of the dryer is more appealing than trying to wade through all that legalese.

When you need help, check the Internet for a cell phone glossary to help you out. And always, be sure to ask your cell phone provider as many questions as you need to to understand the contract.

You'll also find on the Internet that there are genuine cell phone deals out there. You can even get cell phones for free!

The catch? You have to be able to figure out the rebate procedure. More cell phone lingo!

However, as long as you keep a few things in mind, you should be able to get your cell phone rebate with no problems. First of all, listen carefully when salesperson explains the rebate process and get your questions answered. Make sure you leave the store with your receipt, your rebate form, and everything else you need.
Tip! Avoid dropping the cell phone. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can potentially cause damage to the phone and battery.

As soon as you get home, fill out and mail the rebate paperwork immediately. Or else you might accidentally lose or throw away the box that has the bar code or some other essential item needed for the rebate process.

Waiting for your rebate to come in the mail may seem like an eternity, but actually you'll get your it in 8 weeks or sometimes less. Be sure to cash the check right away before you lose it. Then and only then will you have obtained a cell phone for free or practically for free.

Cell phone terminology and procedure doesn't have to be difficult. All it takes is a little time and patience to get used to it. The Internet provides valuable sources to help you understand all of the in's and out's of the different cell phone plans.

You will also find each cell phone service provider is more than willing to help you through all of the legalese in the contracts and rebate process. They go through this with customers every day and are expert in answering questions. If you have a question, probably the same question has been asked and answered many, many times already.
Tip! Shopping online is a great way to get some of the best cell phone deals. Mobile phones are cheaper online (even after delivery charge) because you don't have to pay the seller an expensive dealer fee.

So don't try to go it alone. There's plenty of help out there!

Karen Kirby has over 25 years' experience in the computer industry, an MS in Computer Science, and a BA in Honors English. She has been helping people with Internet marketing since 1995. For more information on cell phone legal see http://cellphones.eworldsite.com/about-cell-phone-plan-small-print.php Be sure to get a free copy of the "Internet Marketer's Guide to Free Traffic" at http://www.aimbright.com/ebook/

Copyright 2006 - Karen Kirby. All Rights Reserved Worldwide.

How to Download Free Cell Phone Ringtones

Want to jazz up your cell phone with custom ringtones? Today its simple to get rid of those boring ringtones that come with your cell phone. There are many ways that you can download free ringtones to your cell phone. Some ways are more complicated than others, but all are listed below.

Top 3 Ways to Download Ringtones to Your Cell Phone:

1. Simply go to your cell phone carriers website and click on the ringtones option or search the site for ringtones. All you need to do is put in your cell phone number and you can usually choose from hundreds of popular tunes. This is one of the easiest ways but it can cost you up to $3 per ringtone!

2. Go to a website that hosts ringtones (which you can do a search on google for "free ringtones") that you can download to your computer. You can then download them on your cell phone by using a cable adapter that connects from your phone and your computer. This is a more complicated process, but you can usually get ringtones for free. You will also need to buy a cable adapter for your phone that will connect to the computer.

3. Go to a ringtone service website which will send the ringtones to you via airwaves. This is probably the easiest and best option available. By simply entering in your cell phone number, you will have access to hundreds of ringtones, wallpapers, and more available. Most services allow you to download up to 15 ringtones for free.

To learn more about where you can find a ringtone service and downloading free ringtones, wallpapers, games, and more visit: http://www.SmoothRingers.com

Cell Phone Tracking Systems With GPS

One thing we are seeing with the new 3G and 3G plus cell phone systems is that they are able to track the origin of the caller. There are some very good uses for this technology, yet some decry the potential issues caused against their personal privacy.

Currently we see that some of the cell phone systems have issues tracking the person when the callers are moving out of the cell phone tower area and hasn't quite gotten to the next area, particularly if the call ends prior to a certain distance. But this is only with the older type systems or when the systems are far apart along freeways or near them and when the grid is not consistent and on ROAM, or instances where they have the old system instead of the more advanced GSM or 3G or 3G plus systems.

Of course if we are tracking a suspect we can most likely with the new system and a little previous information, figure out where on the system they are regionally and allow things like the "Amber Alert" and citizen help catch them.

As long as the phone has a battery in it you can track it. The new ones do not even need that as they have an internal battery, which stores the phone numbers inside, internal clock and such. The Cellular phone system registers each time the phone moves thru the area, unless it is in a Faraday cage or lead box or something?

Cell phone communication interception makes sense to scan calls to try to listen in on Al Queda. This may assist us in catching International Terrorist insurgent sleeper cells in our own nation. Yet, in doing so we may end up intercepting junk intelligence which we will have to go thru and that takes time and even with modern artificial intelligent data mining it is no easy chore.
Tip! Littered school systems: - There's lot of disturbance in schools due to cell phones. The head masters daily deliver lectures on this issue but the problem seems to have no solution.

Also remember talking about bombs is not the same as making them, for instance this article you see? And how many people do you think are talking about bombs these days as it is all over the news every day; mothers, daughter, kids, grandmas, in every city in the world. Imagine the junk you have to go thru to get to what is real. And those who are really savvy know this, so they talk about "dolls" "gifts" and "Audi" in trade for weapons, bombs and planes. So where as cell phone tracking and call interception is not perfect it is indeed a tool, which helps authorities protect the American People. Think on this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

Cell Phone GPS Tracking

The development of communications technology has long since surpassed the sole ability to access others when they are mobile. Today, mobile communication devices are becoming much more technologically advanced and offer more than the ability to just carry on a conversation. Cell phone GPS tracking is one of those advances.

GPS or Global Positioning System tracks your location by interpreting the data received from 3 or more satellites. This has made GPS a popular feature in cars as a navigational aid.

All cell phones constantly broadcast a radio signal, even when not on a call. The cell phone companies have been able to estimate the location of a cell phone for many years using triangulation information from the towers receiving the signal. However, the introduction of GPS technology into cell phones has meant that cell phone GPS tracking now makes this information a lot more accurate.

With GPS technology now more commonplace in many new cell phones, this means that the location of anyone carrying a compatible cell phone can be accurately tracked at any time. Cell phone GPS tracking can therefore be a useful feature for business owners and fleet managers who need to be able to keep track of their vehicle movements.

Cell phone GPS tracking can also be a useful feature to the emergency services or police when responding to a 911 call from a GPS cell phone. For this reason, the FCC has legislated that wireless networks provide location information for 911 calls made from cell phones. These are known as E911 calls.

As technology advance even further, future features will be even more powerful. Imagine GPS cell phones used as a navigational device. Based on the cell phone GPS tracking signal, they could be used to find your way to a location, calculate your speed based on your location change over time, from this calculate your estimated arrival time, suggest an alternative route and even phone the person you are calling to see with your ETA! Of course in car GPS navigation systems can already perform many of these tasks, however it is the portability of cell phones that makes them so useful for this technology.

Cell phone GPS tracking could also be used to locate the whereabouts of your children and offer protection to elderly relatives should something happen and they need urgent assistance.

These features will help to secure the future of cell phone GPS tracking providing advantages for all.

For more information on cell phone GPS tracking and other GPS products visit http://www.satnav-gps.info today.

Cell Phone GPS Tracking - Privacy Issues

Although there are many advantages to cell phone GPS tracking, there are also privacy concerns. As most people carry their cell phone with them at all times, the ability is in place to track the exact movements of all individuals. Is this a case of Big Brother, and who can access to this information?

Cell Phone GPS tracking can prove useful in many walks of life and especially when an emergency arises. Picture the scene of a road accident where injuries have occurred. A 911 call made from a GPS cell phone would significantly speed up the arrival of the emergency services if the GPS signal from the cell phone can be pin-pointed to an exact location. This feature alone could save many lives.

For these reasons the FCC has instructed that wireless network providers provide the cell phone GPS tracking location information for 911 calls which have been made from cell phones. This is known as E911. In essence this is no different than a 911 call made from a land line, as the land line is registered to an address and the relevant emergency services can be quickly dispatched to that address.

However, where the difference occurs is that a property does not move but the tracking of a GPS cell phone is registering the day to day movements of an individual, and that has given rise to the privacy concerns of who can access such private information.

However, the relevant law relating to E911 is fairly explicit. It allows carriers to provide tracking location information to third parties for e911 emergency calls only, however not under any other circumstances whatsoever without the consent of the cell phone owner.

The privacy of cell phone GPS tracking has also been backed up by a number of recent court hearings. Recent court hearings have disallowed the requests of law enforcement agencies to obtain cell phone GPS tracking information from the cell phone companies for suspects. The courts have ruled that Congress have not authorized location tracking without actual evidence of wrongdoing and that probable cause is not sufficient reason for the release of records.
Tip! You can also save money on cell phone plans if you only plan on using the cell phone for local calls. Most cell phone service providers have plans that allow you to just call locally without adding in long-distance calls.

These events will ensure that the advantages of cell phone GPS tracking will not be compromised by privacy issues and that its long term future and usefulness is secured.

For more information on cell phone GPS tracking and other GPS products visit http://www.satnav-gps.info today.

Cell Phone Etiquette: Are You a Cell Phone Sinner? Mobile Mistakes Could Wreck Your Career

In spite of their convenience and necessity, cell phones are now another means whereby we can irritate our fellow man. Theaters, restaurants, trains-even public restrooms-are no longer safe from the possibility of an untimely call. Two weeks ago I even heard someone having a cell conversation in a toilet stall. At that moment I knew that if ever there was a reason for voicemail I had found it.

Somehow cell phone ownership seems to affect common sense. And on a more serious note, poor cell phone etiquette can ruin a career. Are you committing any of the following sins?

Sin 1: Annoying or Cutesy Rings

The cha-cha, the latest pop single, your lover's voice-I don't want to hear any of these, and neither does anyone else. Have mercy on the general public when picking a cell phone ring. Your latest Romeo saying, "Ooh, baby, baby" may be funny to your friends, but it's a credibility wrecker at the office. Believe it or not, that actually happened to a friend of mine. She went to a business meeting and forgot to turn off her ringer. Midway through the meeting, her purse started talking. She had a fancy ring that was a recording of his voice telling her how beautiful she was. Thank goodness he didn't use her name, so like everyone else, she pretended she didn't know the source of the mysterious voice.

Sin 2: Holding Court

"We just landed, and I'm waiting to get off the plane." I must hear that from at least four or five people every time I take a flight. In the midst of all the benign information that follows, what these rude cell phone users don't say is, "There is a short, homicidal looking woman standing next to me. I can tell that she is getting ready to beat me senseless for talking loudly about nothing on my phone." People, please: if there is nowhere for the rest of us to go, think about whether you really need to have that conversation.

Sin 3: We Can Hear You

For whatever reason, many people talk at top volume when they are on a cell phone. Microphones are sensitive. The person you are calling can hear you. We don't need to. Enough said.
Tip! The first thing to do is to choose the cell phone provider first, then get the cell phone. After all, the cell phone will only be as good as the network it is connected to.

Sin 4: Your Help Is Ruining My Conversation

In the last few months, I have seen signs in fast-food restaurants and retail stores that say something to the effect: "We will gladly help you when you are done with your cell phone call." It doesn't surprise me. Many times I have watched people talk on phones while in line (see Sin 2) and then not even address or acknowledge the employees whose assistance they need. Simple courtesy will go a long way toward getting you on your way.

Sin 5: Taking a Call When in a Meeting

As the old saying goes, just because something can be done doesn't mean that it should be done. Whether you have called it yourself or are merely attending at someone's request, invitation, or order, a scheduled meeting is not the time for cell phone calls. The rings alone are intrusive; answering them is an even worse breach of etiquette. The message received by those at the meeting is that they are less important than the disembodied voice coming through the cell. Unless your intention is to make others feel insignificant (definitely not a cool move if your boss is waiting for you to get off the phone), then don't answer, turn it off, and get it out of sight.

Sin 6: Are You Talking to Me?
Tip! Always be careful where you place your cell phone, don't leave it in a car with extreme temperatures that may be too hot or too cold. Also be sure to not lay it down on a surface that may be wet as it will quickly ruin your phone this can corrode the inside of your phone.

With the invention of hand-free cell phones came the double-edged sword of convenience and mistaken identity. Who among us has not been taken aback by the presence of another human trawling the aisles of Wal-Mart while actively engaged in what, on initial inspection, would seem to be an animated discussion with himself or herself? After giving this person, who is clearly having a psychotic episode, a wide berth, we realize there is actually a streamlined headset attached to the person's skull yet well hidden underneath a hat. At the risk of being mistaken for a pop singer or air traffic controller who has wandered away from work, leave the headset in the car.
Tip! Offer your cell phone to people who are lost, whose car is broken down or who need you to call their cell phone so they can locate.

Sin 7: Too Much Information

Discussing anything of a private nature that others within earshot might be able to hear is unwise on a number of counts. Think about it: do you want your coworkers to know the results of your latest lab tests your doctor's office has just called to share with you? or see your "dark side" when your contractor calls to tell you his work will take two months longer and $2,000 more than he had originally stated? or hear your travel agent has booked you on that cruise to Nassau for the same week you'd requested to have off for surgery you so desperately needed? Unless you want to raise a lot of questions and eyebrows, take calls from those who probably have unpleasant, upsetting, or incriminating information when you have total privacy.
Tip! Turn your cell phone to silent/vibrate when you are in church.

On a very serious note, too much information given over a cell phone while others are in your presence could cost you dearly. A friend recently shared with me his experience of standing behind a woman talking on her cell to a repairman who was coming to her home to do some work while she wasn't going to be there. By the end of the call, my friend had learned the woman's name, address, neighborhood (complete with directions on how to get there), and the location of the spare key she had left for the repairman to gain entry to her house. Had he been so inclined, he could have reached the woman's place before the repairman and cleaned her out—or worse.
Tip! Lastly your cell phone will most likely last you a year or two or more.

Go forth, and sin no more. These tips just might save you your credibility, image, job, belongings—even your life.

Your Cell Phone Number: Do Your Clients Really Need It?

Since the rise of cell phone use in the workplace, this question has plagued people at all levels of management: Should you give your cell phone number out to your client? The quick answer seems like "Sure, why not?". However, I urge you to think about this before you go ahead and give it out.

Here are five questions to ask yourself before you make this decision:

* Are you the sole owner of the cell phone? - Sometimes couples will share a common cell phone. If you're not the only person who uses your cell phone I would strongly advise that you don't give this number out. This is because you can't be sure what kind of reception your client will receive when they call. For example, what if the person you share it with thinks it's a telemarketer and is rude? Or what if they accidentally erase a message or hang up? Because of this, you need to make sure you are the only person with access to this phone if you decided to give the number out.


* Do you check your messages/answer it regularly? - This is another important point. If you don't check your cell phone messages regularly or you don't have it on most of the time, then you shouldn't give your number out. Most likely, if your client is trying to reach you on your cell phone then it is an urgent matter (at least to them, which means it is to you too). You have to make sure that you answer it, or that you get back to them in a timely manner.

* Do you get good cell phone service at your office? - If your clients can't reach you, then that number is no good to them. It also will just frustrate them to have a number that they can never reach you at during normal business hours. Make sure you have a strong signal during the business day, otherwise don't bother giving them your number.

* Are you willing to be on call 24X7? - Once your client gets a hold of your cell phone number, I can guarantee that they will call you regardless of the hour or day of the week. Weekends, nights, you will get a call if they feel they need to contact you. You need to think about what this will mean to not only you, but to your family as well. This is a significant intrusion into their personal lives, and you should see what they think before making a decision.

Tip! The Most Expensive Cell Phone: Goldvish, a company known to specialize in luxury items generally holds the title for some of the most expensive cell phones. Typically starting around $28,000 they make a statement of affluence without a doubt.

* Does your company allow it? - This is the most important question of all. You must make sure that your company allows you to give your cell phone number to your clients. 99% of the time, this is no problem, but some companies do have a problem with this. Even if your company doesn't, clear it with your boss first.

These are just five of the more common questions you could ask yourself, make sure to brainstorm for anything specific to your situation. The main thing to remember is this: This is a very important decision to make and it should not be made without a good amount of thought put into it.

Kevin Augustine is the administrator for Workplace Life - Where Every Cubicle Has a Window. Visit us for helpful articles on common Microsoft Office software such as Microsoft Word and Excel. We also have articles on career management, surviving in the office, professional email tips, and bits of humor to lighten up your day.

Cell Phone Do's And Don't During A Meeting

What would we do without our cell phones? Wow, there's a scary question. It's hard to imagine a world without them. But cell phones, connected as they may keep us, seem to have an amazing power to disturb and trump face to face interaction. For example, why is it that during a meal or a meeting, people insist on taking every call? Even worse, just let the phone ring? They forget all about the person across the table as if they were invisible!

This violates the golden rule of interpersonal communication, which is to make the other person feel like the most important person in the world.

The following is a list of cell phone do's and don'ts that will help you avoid embarrassing yourself while still honoring the person across the table. (This information is NOT found in the 147 page Sprint PCS handbook.) Whether you're at lunch or in a one-on-one meeting, use these etiquette tips to combat even the most enticing barriers that stand in your way of being an effective communicator.


DO…Be Subtle Yet Accessible The three possible locations to keep your phone are: bag, belt or pocket. Many people chose to keep cell phones in their bags because of pocket-less wardrobes. If this is the case for you, be sure to choose a vibrating or single beep ring that is audible, yet minimal so it doesn't ring seven times while you search through your bag.

Pockets and belt clips are the most efficient places to keep your phone because you are able to answer the ringer right away. Also you can silence the ringer right away. Remember, the last thing your friend or colleague wants to hear during the meeting is an annoying MIDI version of Beethoven's 9th piercing his ears.

DO NOT…Lay Your Phone on the Table The moment you sit down to lunch with someone, what's the first thing you do? Check out the menu? Take a sip of water? Unfold your napkin? If you're like me, you succumb to the power of the almighty carbohydrate and go to town on the rolls.
Tip! The Most Satisfying Cell Phone: Perhaps you just want to cut to the chase. You don't care to impress, you don't care what is 'in', you just want to know if people actually liked the phone after it was purchased.

But imagine this: you sit down to eat only to watch the person across the table reach into her pocket, grab her cell phone, and smack it right down next to the salt shaker. Ouch.

Does that mean she has an emergency call coming in? Probably not. It sounds more like, as Jerry Seinfeld says, "I have 62 other people on speed dial that I could call if I wanted to; so you better be interesting." That is not the way to make someone feel important.

DO…Take Emergencies If you know ahead of time that an incoming call is a business or personal emergency, answer it. This is what cell phones are for. But other than an emergency message or a call that directly affects all people the conversation at hand, there's nobody calling you that can't wait an hour for you to call him back. In the history of cell phones, nobody has ever said, "You were in a meeting?! And THEN you called me back?! How rude!"
Tip! The Most Inexpensive Cell Phone: If you're a minimalist or you don't want to be bothered with all those nasty incoming calls maybe you should opt for the emergency only phones. Yep, they are out there and they are cheap.

DO NOT…Wear Phone Accessories During the Meeting If you sit through an entire meeting wearing an earpiece, headset or any other hands-free-time-saving-quick-answer-annoying-accessory, you should be ashamed of yourself. That's like taking your spouse to a singles bar!

Nonverbal communication speaks before you do. It accounts for 93% of your communication. So, along with eye contact, smiling and open body language - involvement shields like cell phone headsets can nonverbally send the wrong message, for example: "Please anticipate our meeting being interrupted by somebody more important than you."
Tip! Lastly your cell phone will most likely last you a year or two or more.

DO NOT…Let Your Phone Ring Twelve Times Especially if your cell phone ring is audible from Jupiter, always silence the ringer after three beeps - or in some cases, symphonies. Odds are you're annoying the heck out of someone else in the room, namely, the person sitting two feet across the table. Most cell phones have buttons on the outside that double as ring silencers. Use ‘em. Consult your manual and learn how to quickly silence your phone while it's still in your pocket. If you happen to sport the Clint Eastwood Quick Draw Cell Phone Holster, great! Silencing should be even easier. No excuses.

DO…Turn It Off A fool-proof solution to cell phone interruption is best personified by the words of Mr. Miyagi from The Karate Kid II. He said, "The best way to block a punch is to not be there." In other words, just turn your phone off. This is a great way to avoid incoming calls or the temptation to make outgoing calls.

DO NOT…Insult the Absent Some people answer their phones during a meeting or meal and try to compensate for their rudeness by insulting the person on the other line - as if this makes up for it. They roll their eyes. They give you the "just a minute" index finger. They impatiently bob their head back and forth to the rhythm of their boring conversation while forming their non-phone hand into the "Quack Quack" gesture which symbolizes someone on the other line who won't shut up. Meanwhile you're sitting there like an idiot, feeling bad for the person on the other end of the phone, deciding whether or not you should have another roll.
Tip! Be sure that you understand all return policies regarding any phone that you are considering just in case you may need to return it, as some consumers have been hit with hefty restocking and cancellation fees when they decided to return their phone. So just be sure that you are fully aware of the cell phone provider's return policy on that particular phone before you buy it.

DO…Wait for the Right Time The best time to check missed calls that you politely silenced is when you or your colleague is away from the table. This will give you enough time to see what you missed, and if need be - return an emergency call. And if you must return the call immediately, don't do it at the table. Politely say, "Please excuse me for a minute, but I have to take this call."

Some sneaky people - my last date for example - pretend to use the bathroom for the sole purpose of making a phone call. This is an effective technique, but be careful. If you've had a few glasses of water, ten minutes later when you really do have to go, you'll turn into "The Boy Who Cried Hello."

DO NOT…Debate the Caller ID Nothing is more frustrating than to be on the other end of the "Caller ID Debate." If you're not familiar with this atrocity, here are the four steps. (1) They give you the "just a minute" index finger, (2) They check their caller ID, (3) They tilt their head and stare at the phone for 2-5 seconds, and (4) They make a decision to answer the call or return to your conversation. This is terribly uncomfortable. You actually watch your friend (?) decide whether or not there's someone else she'd rather talk to. Ouch.
Tip! Do not use the cell phone in enclosed metal spaces such as vehicles or elevators, where devices may use more power to establish connection. The metal enclosure also acts as a Faraday cage that traps the radiation and reflects it back onto the occupants.

The Bottom Line Cell phones have become a primary form of communication. In fact, manufacturers will ship 585 million phones in 2004, according to a study from market watcher Strategy Analytics. But with every phone shipped comes a coefficient of frustration caused by improper etiquette. Show consideration for the person joining you and be mindful of ringers, accessories and incoming calls. And if you use your cell phone at the right time for the right reason, you will honor your company as an effective communicator.

Remember: don't incur the opportunity cost of cell phone convenience at the expense of someone sitting right across the table. You're sitting down with him. Talk to HIM!

© 2005 All Rights Reserved.

Scott Ginsberg is a professional speaker, "The World's Foremost Expert on Nametags" and the author of HELLO my name is Scott and The Power of Approachability. He helps people MAXIMIZE their approachability and become UNFORGETTABLE communicators - one conversation at a time. For more information contact Front Porch Productions at http://www.hellomynameisscott.com.

Let's Build Cell Phone Booths!

At every few corners in major urban areas, you used to see phone booths.

Before cell phones, they served a significant purpose, of course, providing telephone access to the multitudes.

But now that they've been disappearing, they've taken more than dedicated phone lines with them.

They've removed a significant semi-private space, as well.

The old phone booth, while seldom perfectly quiet, facilitated several significant things:

(1) It was quiet enough so we could compose ourselves before conversations, thinking through what we were going to say.

(2) It did muffle some outside noises, making it easier for us to monitor our own voices, and hear ourselves think.

(3) It made it easier for listeners to concentrate on our messages.


(4) And perhaps most important, it kept our conversations confidential.

I've never been comfortable talking business, surrounded by fellow passengers in an airport lounge, or when I'm sitting in a restaurant. I don't want them to snoop, and I don't want to intrude into their acoustical "space."

What we need to do, as I see it, is build cell phone booths.

They won't have a telephone—you'll bring yours. But there will be a platform for placing documents, and for four quarters, you'll be able to buy five minutes of peace, at a shot.

My conversations are worth it.

Are yours?

Dr. Gary S. Goodman, President of Customersatisfaction.com, is a popular keynote speaker, management consultant, and seminar leader and the best-selling author of 12 books, including Reach Out & Sell Someone® and Monitoring, Measuring & Managing Customer Service. He is a frequent guest on radio and television, worldwide. A Ph.D. from USC's Annenberg School, Gary offers programs through UCLA Extension and numerous universities, trade associations, and other organizations in the United States and abroad. He is headquartered in Glendale, California, and he can be reached at (818) 243-7338 or at: gary@customersatisfaction.com.

Car Talk: The Dreaded Issue of Talking on a Cell Phone While Driving

There are those of us who, against better judgment, talk on our cell phones while driving our cars.

Here's the sitch. I'm a busy mom, with a home business as a freelance writer, editor, website developer and nutrition consultant. In reality, this means that, between being a mom and being self-employed, I have multiple full-time jobs. Every day is a logistical maze that includes, but is not limited to: managing the household food flow (e.g. shopping, chopping, washing, cooking, feeding, and cleaning up the ensuing mess of dishes and leftovers), trying to keep the kids from looking and acting like savages, transporting them in appropriate attire to various sports, scouts, and other activities, kissing boo boos, bandaging bloody knees, playing games, reading stories, organizing and monitoring playdates… deep breath… keeping my clients happy, finding new clients, doing the actual work I have to do … more breathing practice… and running errands, tending the garden, making beds, cleaning toilets, trying to squeeze in exercise and a social life… and don't get me started on how many tasks are actually involved in the job known by the simple title of "laundry."


All that is just to say that I am, at times, a teensy weensy bit distracted. I may be physically located in one geographic area while I'm mentally prancing about in another. And I may be driving with my phone headset plugged into my head, yacking away with a friend or a business contact, while--yes--driving the car. In fact, making calls while driving is what keeps all the balls in the air, ever moving. It is what makes it possible for me to navigate the whole complex obstacle course of my life.

Do I realize that there are inherent dangers in this kind of multi-tasking? I do. And do I do it anyway? Yes, I am confessing right here, right now, that I do. But I also remind myself, each and every time I get into the car, of the grave (ooh, yucky pun!) responsibility I am taking on, not only with regard to my own life—since there are people who depend on me for food, kisses, and Band-Aids—but also with regard to the lives of those around me. And I'm not just talking about people. I live in an area that abounds with wildlife. Deer, raccoons, bunnies, birds galore, turtles, frogs, whole families of ducks with cute little ducklings, and the absolutely stupidest squirrels on God's green earth.
Tip! Increase in expenses: -Greater the number of cell phones in a home greater is the bill. Children don't care about how much their parents will pay for their luxuries, they are careless and don't most of them have sense of responsibility.

No kidding. I've met hundreds of squirrels in my life, but the ones in my neighborhood are the types that are wracked with indecision whenever a road and an enormous looming vehicle are involved. They run out in front of you, stare at you as if they think they can make you turn around and go away, finally realize that they will lose that one Big Time, and head for the side of the road. But for some reason that only a brain the size of a peanut can fully comprehend, the direction first taken is not always the correct choice. Maybe it's not stupidity, at all. How do I know? Maybe squirrels have a certain yen for danger. Maybe my neighborhood squirrels are like the Agent Double-Oh-Sevens of the squirrel world. But for whatever reason, they nearly always dash first for one side of the road, then at the last possible second, when you have pretty much counted on them leaping up into a pine tree, they turn around and go back across the road. It's uncanny. But I know this now, you see, and I have thus never flattened a squirrel. I have nearly driven the car off into a swamp in the effort to avoid running them down, but I have never hit one.
Tip! Do not use incompatible cell phone batteries and chargers. Some Web sites and second-hand dealers, not associated with reputable manufacturers and carriers, might be selling incompatible or even counterfeit batteries and chargers.

But the scary near-miss I had most recently was with a Canada goose. At the time, I was not only talking on my phone, but since I use a hands-free headset, I was also reaching in my purse for a tube of lipstick. I was not driving fast or carelessly, nor was I taking my eyes off the road for more than a nanosecond at a time. But even so, I was nearly responsible for gander-icide.

Now, a squirrel accident would certainly have been a tragedy, because I am a true animal lover and don't like to hurt anything that lives and breathes. But squirrels, as we know, mate like… well, squirrels. They are a plentiful breed. They do not mate like geese, which is to say for life. I don't know a huge amount about squirrels, I confess, but I have a hunch they would settle for the next peanut-brained road hazard that came along. Not so with geese, who pick a mate and stick by them in sickness and in health until death they do part. Thus, when I came around a bend in the road, right along a small lake called, appropriately enough, "Wing Lake," I nearly had an aneurism because there stood a stately Canada goose, it's flat black feet pasted firmly to the center of the road. And like those nutty squirrels, it stared me down. A squirrel, at least, would have made some move. For that is what they do. They are ever in movement, even if stupidly or indecisively. The Canada goose, though, is not a creature that hurries. The anti-collision efforts at this moment were completely up to me.
Tip! Get a great mobile phone plan to go with your cell phone. These days, getting a cell phone plan will automatically net you some great deals.

I braked, swerved (away from the lake—duh!), and by being completely on task for that critical moment, managed not to annihilate someone's life mate. And as I passed the goose (and it's better half, who was parked off-road), the two of us exchanged flustered glances and I suddenly heard the voice of my conscience: "This was a test. This was only a test. If this had been a real emergency…."

Okay, okay. I've got it. Check. Next time I'll wait to reach for the lipstick when I'm on a straight stretch of road.

But seriously, now, the reason I'm telling you all this is because I think it's good to be reminded that we never know what's right around the corner. With our hectic schedules, it's easy to forget that we each have just one life and one body, and that we have people who need us. And if we forget to be alert, pay attention, and prepare for the unexpected, somebody just may not make it home for dinner.
Tip! The Most Inexpensive Cell Phone: If you're a minimalist or you don't want to be bothered with all those nasty incoming calls maybe you should opt for the emergency only phones. Yep, they are out there and they are cheap.

(c) 2006 Jayna Locke

Jayna Locke is a freelance writer, editor, and website developer, as well as a health and nutrition consultant. Her advice on health can be found on her site: http://www.newvitalitynews.com She offers a range of health enhancing products on http://www.newvitalitywellness.com