Hello everyone,
I have to admit that even though I am a “tech geek”, the current cell phone scenario is quite confusing for me. Personally, I don’t even like TALKING on the phone, and my “dumb phone” of choice is the TracFone Motorola W260-4 (a basic $20 phone, no internet, no camera, no extra ringtones, no apps, etc. .). But the phone is great for what it’s meant to do: it makes great phone calls! And in my part of the country I have great coverage (signal strength) from the TracFone network (also with TracFone there are no bills, no contracts, I only buy the air minutes I really need). No smartphone for me!
So with all the confusion out there (and since you may be looking for a cell phone in the future), I thought I’d give you a basic “first part” about cell phones and cell carriers today. I’m going to have to focus a bit because like I said before, this is a bit confusing! Today I will just give you the facts and in my next article I will give you more facts as well as my opinion.
1) “smartphone”
A mobile phone that has computer-like software (applications), digital camera, full keyboard, color display, plus Internet and email capabilities for efficient communication. The CPU in many smartphones is more powerful than desktop computers from five years ago!
2) “Dumb Phone”
Opposite of smartphone. A mobile phone that has few or no advanced features, such as a large, bright screen, or applications such as email and web browsing. It basically just makes phone calls (like my Motorola W260-4). I love it!
3) “Service providers (cellular telephone operators)”
If you are going to buy a mobile phone, you have to choose a mobile operator. There are many, but here are the top five carriers in the United States (and one very popular phone for each carrier).
#1) Verizon Wireless…… (HTC Droid Incredible).
#2) AT&T….. (Apple iPhone 3GS).
#3) Sprint….. (Palm Pre).
#4) T-Mobile….. (Google Nexus One).
#5) US Cellular… (HTC Touch Pro 2).
4) “Locked or Unlocked?”
A locked cell phone is one that has been altered to only use a particular cell network. If a provider “subsidizes” (gives you a free or cheap phone when you sign a two-year service contract) they will “lock” you into their network. Phones that are locked (“lock” is a software setting that keeps the mobile phone “loyal” to one carrier), will not work with any other carrier.
An unlocked cell phone can be used on any cell phone carrier. Unlocked cell phones cost more up front, but all software restrictions have been removed and you’ll be able to use the phone with any carrier you want. Many third-party providers sell unlocked phones, and there are also many third-party services that offer to unlock your cell phone for a fee (something I don’t recommend).
In my next article (part 2), I will continue to “demystify” the confusing cell phone scenario.
Professor Randy says: Sure, the cell phone scenario can be confusing, but don’t despair! With a little examination and investigation of the facts, he will be fully aware of what he is facing and fully prepared to handle it “head on.”