About Mobile Phones

Telephone

Mobile phones or, cell phones as they are now commonly called, started out as an idea in 1946 by Richard H. Frenkid and Joel S. Engel. The idea started by dividing up cities into grids, or "cells," and to this day they remain that way. The first actual mobile phone call made by Dr. Martin Cooper on April 3 1973 was possible because of the technology he invented while stationed as the Director of Research and Development of Motorola Inc. Mobile phones did not become popular until the late 1980s, and today are an essential part of everyday life.

Types

History of phone evolution.

With today's modern mobile phones, there are many different brands of mobile phone and many different service carriers to choose form, although there are only two actual types of mobile phones available. These two types are the Conventional cell phone and the Smartphone. The Conventional cell phone does have a sub-type, the clam-shell, or "flip" phone, while the Smartphone does not.

Functions

Conventional phone.

Conventional mobile phones have basic functionality. Most are only able to make voice calls and send text messages, although the clam-shell variety is starting to play catch-up to the Smartphone by adding extra features. Smartphones, on the other hand, work the same and have the ability to make voice calls and send text messages. The Smartphone has advanced functionality as well. It combines the functions of a PDA and a computer into the phone itself.

Features

Smartphone.

Conventional cell phones have a keypad consisting of 12 buttons and three or four extras for added functionality. Some conventional cell phones, usually the clam shell type, have cameras, camcorders, MP3 players and sometimes even a web browser that come as standard features. All Smartphones come equipped with the same features and functions as the Conventional cell phone, along with much more. Smartphones are usually nicer looking and come equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard by way of a slide out keypad or a touch sensitive screen that doubles as the display. The Smartphone's camera and camcorder features resemble that of a full digital camera.

Purchasing

Phone cables.

The respective service carrier at an authorized dealer location, which also serves as a storefront, sells each mobile phone. The can be purchased on the authorized dealer's websites as well. Not only are they available new, but they are also found secondhand as a considerably lower price. Also, found at the authorized dealer locations, in the stores or the websites, are these second hand mobile phones. However, they are also in pawnshops and other second-hand shops specializing in consumer electronics, sometimes even cheaper than the official sites.

Considerations

Car wreckage.

You should remember certain things when using them. For example, if you drive while talking or texting on a mobile phone, it will distract you and possibly cause an accident and is not safe in any situation. All mobile phones, no matter what type they are, have access to 911 emergency calls, even when there is no paid cell phone service. The only exception is when there is an area with no coverage by any service provider.

References

• America.gov; The Power of a Mobile Phone
• Consumer Reports; Cell Phones and Services Buying Guide
• University of Florida Interactive Media Lab; How Cell Phones Work

Resources

• Tec-FAQ; How Many Types of Mobile Phone Systems
• The People History; The Changes to Mobile Phones over the last 30 years
• ideafinder.com; History of Mobile Phones