Discuss the features of cellular telephone

Discuss the features of cellular telephone.

Accessories — Manufacturers offer a number of accessories that can make phones even more convenient to use, such as hands-free options (headsets, ear buds, bluetooth hands free devices), extra batteries, and portable charging adapters.

Battery Type — NiMH (nickel-metal hydride) and Li-ion (lithium ion) are the two primary types of mobile phone batteries. Li-ion is longer-lasting and lighter, but more expensive. Phones use more battery life during calls than when they are turned on but not in use.

Bluetooth — This wireless communications technology links compatible mobile phones, personal computers, PDAs, hands free devices, and other devices across short ranges. To ensure compatability with current devices, look for bluetooth version 2.0.

Caller ID — A feature that displays the name and/or number of the calling party on the phone's display when an incoming call is received. Virtually all digital phones have this capability. While typically only the number is received, most phones will display the name, if the number matches an entry in the phone's built-in phone book.

Digital Camera — Allows you to take digital photos and transmit the images wirelessly. There is often an additional cost to transmit images. Currently, the image quality is lower than what you might find in a digital camera.

Display — Prices increase along with display sizes. However, a larger display is a virtual requirement for wireless Internet users. Users requiring extensive wireless Web use should consider a smartphone, a phone/PDA hybrid, which commonly feature keyboards and larger screens. You might prefer a color screen for viewing images or Web-surfing. These cost more, consume more battery life and need more memory.

GPS — Some select phones offer GPS, or global positioning and navigation functionality. This feature can be especially useful to those who often travel.

International Support — Travelers may want to investigate a world phone, compatible with the respective frequencies (GSM or CDMA) most commonly used in Europe, Asia, and North America. Users wanting international access will want to make sure to research which networks are used in areas they will be traveling, as GSM and CDMA are not compatible.

Multimedia — You can download digital ringtones to personalize your phone. Other devices allow you to download and play MP3s, and stream video. If you will be using multimedia functionality, you may want to consider purchasing extra storage space, an external memory card which can be inserted under the phone battery.

Organizer Applications — Even basic cell phones often have organizer applications, such as calendaring.

SIM Card — Some carriers provide a SIM card, which stores information such as phone book contacts, that can be transferred from one cell phone to another. If your phone has a SIM card, the phone will not have service unless the card is in place.

Smartphone (Palm or Pocket PC) — Devices, with computing, Internet, and networking features, are often referred to as smart phones. They combine cell phone and Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) functions, eliminating the need to carry two separate devices, but are larger and more expensive than standard mobile phones.

Speakerphone — Commuters and drivers who want to keep their hands free can buy phones with built-in speakerphone capability.

Text Messaging — Text messaging allows short text messages to be received and displayed on the phone.

Video Recording — In much the same way many phones can take digital photos, many phones also have video recording capabilities.

Voice Dialing — This feature lets users speak a name to dial a number instead of entering a number manually or choosing it from the phone book. Most phones with this feature limit the number of voice dial entries to a small number.

Voice Mail — A feature that supports audio messages from callers. Users can leave spoken messages for one another and listen to the messages by executing the appropriate command. This is often a standard feature that comes with a mobile phone service.

Weight — Mobile phone manufactures consistently streamline their products; however, some phones are heavier and more awkward than others--a possible consideration for travelers. Smartphones, combining PDA and phone features, are slightly heavier than the average mobile phone. And smaller is not always better; for instance, most users would not want to surf the Web on a postage-stamp sized display.