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Cellular Phone Buying Guide
Can you picture life without a cell phone? Cellular
phones are part of our lifestyle. Some phones can be
used across the world and others are designed for metropolitan
areas. Let FUTURESHOP.ca help you choose the right one.
It's hard to believe, but it was only around eight
years ago that cell phones were these big, awkward devices.
Hard to believe too, that the only people who used them
back then were those who needed them for business or
who had overactive social lives. Many of us resisted
the urge to jump on the cell phone bandwagon, but most
of us have jumped nonetheless. There are, after all,
just so many great reasons to own a cell phone.
To begin with, there's the convenience issue. Who wants
to have to find a phone booth when they need directions
to a friend's place? There's simply no other more convenient
way to communicate with your friends and family. It's
there when you need it, where you need it.
Secondly, cell phones are a safety necessity. When
driving home on a dark night, and your car breaks down,
you can call someone to come and help you. Without your
cell phone, what would you do?
Cell phones are evolving to become smaller and more
practical than ever before. There are so many out there
on the market to choose from.
Knowing a few cell phone basics will help you find
the one that suits your individual needs the best
Types of Cell Phones
Analogue Cellular Phones
The very first cell phones were this type. These are
somewhat less expensive to buy initially, and because
the framework is already in place to support this kind
of phone, they can be used just about anywhere in North
America. The downside to this type is that the user
fees are usually higher and the sound quality is not
as sharp as other types (outlined below).
Digital Cellular
Phones
Digital cellular phones provide better sound clarity.
They also operate on a different frequency band. When
a phone is on a digital network, it consumes less power.
Therefore, the batteries last longer. Digital network
coverage is smaller than the analogue networks for now.
PCS
PCS stands for Personal Communications Service. This
type is similar to the digital networks but operates
on a different band with higher frequency. The networks
are quite small, usually limited to a metropolitan area.
The communication on theses phones is extremely clear.
Choosing a Provider
Choose a cell phone provider that offers the services
you need. This can be an overwhelming task. In order
to make the choice an easy one, use our Cellular Phone
Wizard.
Modes, Bands and More
With all of the different types of phones it's hard
to choose the right one. Phones that work only on one
network tend to be cheaper. What are your options if
you need to travel?
Multiple Modes
A phone that has dual mode capabilities can function
on a digital and analogue network. A tri-mode phone
can work on digital, PCS and analogue networks. The
switching is automatic so you may not notice when it
happens.
Dual Band
Dual band is a term used when a phone can operate on
two frequency bands. This is used to switch between
digital and digital PCS frequencies. With a dual band
phone, you can take advantage of the better signals
in metropolitan areas. And when you leave the PCS coverage
area, the phone switches frequencies to use the digital
signals.
GSM
Introduced over a decade ago, GSM has expanded to 190
countries worldwide. GSM ties all the phone networks
together. A phone that is GMS-capable can roam to 190
countries and still make calls. Roaming isn't the only
feature. GSM enables both data and voice communications.
This means you can send or receive emails and send text
messages using SMS (Short Messaging System). These services
are available only if your provider offers them.
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