The Evolution Of Cell Phones
We've come a long way from the first cell phones. The
concept isn't a new one; in fact in 1947 Douglas H.
Ring and W. Rae Young, Bell Labs engineers, proposed
hexagonal cells for mobile phones.
The real launch of the first portable phones was in
the early 80's. At that time only the very wealthy or
"well to do" individuals had them.
They were very large and heavy. Not something to be
carried in your pant pocket or purse, this was
something that weighed a few pounds.
As big as they were though, they didn't have a clear
sound and using them was a hassle. At first, all were
designed for permanent installation in vehicles
otherwise known as a "car phone".
Some of these bulky units were soon converted for use
as "transportable" phones the size of a briefcase.
Motorola introduced the first truly portable, handheld
phone.
The first digital cellular phone call was made in the
United States in 1990. They shrank considerably.
Cell phones used to be just analog phones, with the
sole purpose of providing the consumer with the
capability of making and receiving voice calls while
on the road.
As technology has advanced so have the capabilities of
the cell phone. They don't just send and receive calls
now; they are capable of text messaging, emailing,
taking pictures and video clips.
The sizes have gotten smaller yet their abilities have
improved.
As we continue to advance, so will the abilities of
cell phones. In the next few years, cell phone
networks will move data at several megabits per
second, and will coexist with WiMax, Wi-Fi, and, for
TV, DVB-H or MediaFLO.
Cell Phone Tips
It's a rare moment when you aren't in the presence of
someone on their cell phone.
If you want to get the most out of your phone here are
some ways to maximize your cellular phone's features
and make the most of this practical invention.
1) Manuals are usually fairly long and can be a bit
confusing. These manuals however are there to help you
understand your phone.
The phone's features are properly organized into
categories, making the manual a breeze to read and
understand.
You'll also be surprised to learn that your phone has
many more features than you thought, and probably
never would have imagined on a phone.
2) Check out or your cell phone's manufacturer's
website. This is an excellent and easy-to-use resource
in addition to the information you received with your
cell phone.
3) Keep the number (usually a toll free number) that
will connect you easily to on-call service agents who
are standing by the help you with your calling
questions, they may also be able to help you decide if
you are getting everything you needed..
Also, here are some things you may not have known
about your cell phone:
1) You can store a given amount of names and phone
numbers into your phone's memory, allowing you to
record a phone book in your cell.
This may be set with specific ring tones and visual
displays so you know when they are calling you also.
2) Some phones have a voice-activated dial feature, by
simply saying the persons name, it will be prompted to
dial the number you desire.
3) Handy little feature is the built in alarm clocks
many cell phones have. This is handy for wake-up
calls, or simple reminders of other tasks (including
short naps).
4) The call forward feature is handy. If you are on
the road and want the calls coming into your home to
be forwarded to your cell, or if you'd like to have it
reversed to the land phone, this feature may be
included in your cell phone features.
5) Timer Feature is handy; it allows for you to time
the minutes you are using on your phone. If you are on
a limited plan, it will help you monitor what's being
used.
6) Vibration vs. Ringing; this feature is handy. If
you want people to be able to call you, but, don't
want the ring to disturb others, setting the phone to
vibrate instead of ringing may be an option for you to
select.
7) If you like games, you're in luck! This feature may
be on your phone as well. If you are in for a long
wait somewhere, it may be a fun way to fill the time.
Read your cell phone manual and ask your cell phone
provider about the features if you have more
questions.
Choosing The Right Phone Plan
Alright, you have your cell phone in hand, now you
need a calling plan. With the competition being what
it is now, you will want to consider what your best
course of action is.
Do you purchase a Pay-As-You-Go plan, or do you choose
from a variety of other plans?
If you are simply using it for day to day "just in
case" reasons, a pay as you go may be all you need.
For persons conducting business however, having a plan
with unlimited or good rates would be favorable.
Cell phone companies compete for your business and
have a variety of plans for the phones they cell.
Shop and compare before you make your selection.
Ensuring you have the right plan to meet your cell
phone demands will help you as you need.
Some companies will provide the phone for "free" with
a calling plan. It's important to know what the plan
entails before signing your contract; you will want to
make sure it's something you are comfortable with and
that it's not a plan you were "talked into" by an over
zealous sales agent.
Be selective and ask questions. When you know what you
are wanting, then you can check out the competing
companies to find the right plan for you.
Cell Phone Problems
Many people complain about the fact that they are
having problems with their cell phones. A simple plan
will help mediate the situation.
The number one cell phone complaint happens to be
something to do with the battery.
People have problems with calls being cut off or
dropped; an annoyance and a frustration for many.
They complain about the fact that they are unable to
get a good charge or unable to get a connection at all
when in remote places.
Many have been in the habit of putting their cell
phone on the charger at night and leaving the unit
powered on. This is something that people should not
do with their cell phones.
Cell phone providers do not tell users this when they
acquire them. A cell phone regularly needs roughly 2-3
hours to fully charge up.
Some might think since the cell phone is on and it's
on the charger that it's causing an even exchange of
energy.
This really isn't the case because the cell phone uses
its actual power whenever someone is talking on the
phone, using applications, or sending and receiving
text messages.
To face this problem is whenever you're charging your
phone, turn the unit off. This will allow the phone to
properly charge eliminating any extra charging.
Replacement phone batteries can cost anywhere from
$40-80 dollars. This wouldn't be necessary if you
would charge this as directed.
Some may dispute that they must leave their cell phone
on at night to receive any incoming phone calls.
Cell phone manufacturers should develop a way to
record missed call while the cell phone is off.
Give your cell phone the break it needs to full
recharge and you will find it greatly improves.
Cell Phone Etiquette
There is some question on where and when a good time
to use your cell phone is and when it's not
appropriate.
Here are some things to remember as suggested by
business and etiquette professionals.
1. Never take a personal mobile call during a business
meeting. This includes interviews and meetings with
co-workers or subordinates.
2. Maintain at least a 10-foot zone from anyone while
talking.
3. Never talk in elevators, libraries, museums,
restaurants, cemeteries, theaters, dentist or doctor
waiting rooms, places of worship, auditoriums or other
enclosed public spaces, such as hospital emergency
rooms or buses.
And don't have any emotional conversations in public -
ever. People don't need to know your business and they
don't care to know if you are having an argument with
your boyfriend.
4. Don't use loud and annoying ring tones that destroy
concentration and eardrums.
5. Never "multi-task" by making calls while shopping,
banking, and waiting in line on conducting other
personal business.
6. Keep all cellular congress brief and to the point.
7. Use an earpiece in high-traffic or noisy locations.
That lets you hear the amplification, or how loud you
sound at the other end, so you can modulate your
voice.
8. Tell callers when you're talking on a mobile, so
they can anticipate distractions or disconnections.
9. Demand "quiet zones" and "phone-free areas" at work
and in public venues, like the quiet cars on the
Amtrak Metroliner.
10. Inform everyone in your mobile address book that
you've just adopted the new rules for mobile manners.
Ask them to do likewise.
Remembering to be courteous of those around you when
you are on the phone is a good place to start.
When talking on the phone in public leave your
personal information out of the conversation and keep
your conversations for necessity purposes only.
911 And Cell Phones
When you call 911 from a land phone, even if you don't
know where you are, the 911 system is able to locate
you and send help as needed. Your landline telephone
is connected to the lines on the poles which makes a
computer in the dispatch center show the number and
address of the phone you're using.
Cell Phones Don't Work the Same
When you make a 911 call on a cell phone, you are
sending signals through the air. The tower that picks
up your phone's signal may or may not be near.
Unless you are able to tell the 911 dispatcher where
you are at, it may be very hard for them to locate
you.
If you happen to connect to a 911 call center that is
not local, they may not be able to help you as quickly
as they will need to contact the 911 service providers
in your area, thereby slowing the dispatching of help
to the caller.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has
required that all wireless carriers be able to
pinpoint your location for the 911 dispatchers, but
the rule is coming in phases and there are plenty of
exceptions.
When you call 911 from a cell phone, the call often
lands in a regional center. A call-taker in a far-away
city or county may answer your call. To get help to
you, there are two pieces of information the
call-taker needs to know immediately:
1. Tell the call-taker which city you're calling from
first. They can forward your call to the right center
if need be.
2. Tell the call-taker what type of emergency you
have. This will let them be able to inform the other
centers of the nature of such an emergency. Giving
priority to serious situations first.
Dispatch centers may vary from one center to another,
with the right information, the call-taker will
transfer you to the right center.
Cars And Cell Phones
Increased reliance on cell phones has led to a rise in
the number of people who use the devices while
driving.
There are two dangers associated with driving and
cell-phone use, including text messaging.
First, drivers must take their eyes off the road while
dialing.
Second, people can become so absorbed in their
conversations that their ability to concentrate on the
act of driving is severely impaired, jeopardizing the
safety of other motorists and pedestrians.
This topic has gotten a lot of attention. Some want it
to be banned all together, while others want to impose
tougher laws about drivers who use them.
With all of the factors that are required to drive
safely, it's imperative to keep all safety factors in
mind.
Suggestions for cell phones and driving;
1. Keep in mind there are many distractions on the
road. If you are driving alone and can do so safely
pull over to make or answer a call.
2. If someone is with you, have them talk on your
behalf.
3. There are devices now to allow for a hands free
call, allowing for you to keep your hands on the
wheel.
That doesn't take from the distraction of the
conversation itself but, it's a way of being able to
take or make the call that's less imposing on your
driving attention.
Most important thing to remember when driving is that
your ability to concentrate and take care on the road
is your first responsibility. Any call that important
is worth pulling over for.
Some regions and states have made driving while using
the cell phone against the law. This decision is still
under investigation and consideration in other areas.
It's important to know before driving through one of
those regions what their laws are on cell phone use in
cars.
Cell Phone Gadgets
Cell phones don't stand alone anymore. The simple pick
it up and dial is history, cell phones offer much,
much more than ever.
Aside from the actual use cell phones, the gadgets
available now are numerous.
Cell phones have several built in features now. These
features may be all-in-one or they may be in different
combos.
Depending on your needs and budget will depend on the
phone you select.
Your major cell phone merchant will carry items such
as; Wireless headsets that you can attach to your ear
are used for hands free connection. You can be on the
phone and be using both hands for tasks you need to
do.
You can purchase a cell phone pouch to encase the
phone safely when not in use. Depending on your tastes
you can choose from a large assortment of colours and
styles.
Depending on the phone and the services provided,
downloading ring tones is another gadget or frill
available for you to choose from.
Cell phones can also be combined with features such
as; photographs, internet/email, messenger, text
messaging, video taping, and may be used as an I-pod
for downloading and playing music.
There are many possibilities to choose from; knowing
what would best suit your needs and desires will help
you in making your cell phone selection.
Don't be afraid to ask questions of the providers of
service and products; when you are ready to make your
purchase, you will be well informed and prepared for
getting what you want.
Cell Phones And Children
Cell phones are not just for business tycoons and
parents on the run, children are more and more getting
their own cell phones.
Elementary aged children are bringing them to school.
Many schools are banning cell phones, so your child
may not be able to have or use the phone during the
time when he is most likely to be away from home.
The Firefly Phone, which is a popular 'first phone'
for younger kids, is now available from Cingular
Wireless, so you could simply add it on to your
FamilyTalk plan.
Although the Firefly Phone is a 'real, functional cell
phone,' pre-teens and teens likely won't think so, and
they will probably want a regular cell phone.
The positive side of your child having a cell phone is
being able to contact them or them being able to
contact you in an emergency.
The negative factor is that many children are not
using them responsibly. If you are going to buy a cell
phone for your child, it's important to ensure they
know what is classified as proper use and what is not
proper.
Being able to keep in touch with your child when he or
she is not with you is a valuable perk; yet, with the
right education on how to use them responsibly they
can continue to be a valuable tool for your child.
Health Concerns Around Cell Phones
Part of the radio waves emitted by a mobile telephone
handset is absorbed by the human head.
The radio waves emitted by a GSM handset, (Global
System for Mobile Communications) can have a peak
power of 2 watts.
An analogue phone has a maximum transmit power of 3.6
watts.
Other digital mobile technologies, such as CDMA and
TDMA, use lower output power, typically below 1 watt.
The maximum power output from a mobile phone is
regulated by the mobile phone standard it is following
and by the regulatory agencies in each country.
Swedish researchers from the University Lund, Salford,
Brun, Perrson, Eberhardt and Malmgren, have studied
the effects of microwave radiation on the rat brain.
They found a leakage of albumin into brain via a
permeated blood-brain barrier.
The rate at which radiation is absorbed by the human
body is measured by the Specific Absorption Rate
(SAR), and its maximum levels for modern handsets have
been set by governmental regulating agencies in many
countries.
Some users of mobile handsets have reported feeling
several unspecific symptoms during and after its use;
ranging from burning and tingling sensations in the
skin of the head and extremities, fatigue, sleep
disturbances, dizziness, loss of mental attention,
reaction times and memory retentiveness, headaches,
malaise, tachycardia (heart palpitations), to
disturbances of the digestive system all of which can
be attributed to psychological stress.
Although research is still undergoing and it's not
entirely clear what the affects of cell phone use will
have, people continue to use it on a grand scale. With
research they hope to conclude the affects cell phones
use has in the near future.