Mobile Phones Review

Do you like using your mobile phone? There are a lot of others in the world that do also. This article is a review of mobile phones.

The first call using a mobile phone was made on June 17, 1946, from a car in Saint Louis, Missouri. The system back then was very impractical and expensive. Over the years the technology has improved so that the first call on a handheld mobile phone device was made on April 3, 1973. The first commercially automated cellular network (1G) was launched in Japan by NTT in 1979. The first U.S. based network was Chicago-based Ameritech in 1983. The 2G cellular technology was launched by Radiolinja in 1991 in Finland on the GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). In 2001, the first commercial launch of 3G (Third Generation) was in Japan by NTT. Finally, this year 2011, 4G has been launched and some companies will be releasing phones with this technology.

All mobile have some common features that are standard with most phones, but manufacturers try to differentiate t their own products by implementing additional functions to make them more attractive to buyers. Here are some of the typical standard features:

• A battery, which is rechargeable, providing the source for the phone to function.
• An input mechanism to allow the user to interact with the phone. Most common methods are a keypad, or a touch screen on high-end smartphones.
• Basic phone service to allow users to make phone calls and send text messages.
• GSM devices use a SIM card to allow an account to be swiped among devices. Some CDMA devices have a similar card called an R-UIM.
• Individual GSM WCDMA, iDEN and some satellite phone devices are uniquely identified by an IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number.
  

On low-end mobile phones are referred to as feature phones, and offer basic telephony, as well as functions such as playing music, taking photos, and simple applications based on generic managed platforms such as Java ME or BREW. Some manufacturers offer all or some the following additional features: GPS navigation, music (MP3) and video (MP4) playback, RDS radio receiver, alarms, memo recording, personal digital assistant functions, ability to watch streaming video, video download and video calling, built-in cameras and camcorders with autofocus and flash, ringtones, games, PTT, memory card reader, USB 2.0, dual line support, Bluetooth 2.0, infrared, WiFi connectivity, instant messaging, and internet e-mail and browsing and serving as a wireless modem.

Adding any of these features may cost you more when buying a mobile phone. Some plans will offer many or all of these functions. You will need to shop around to find where you can get the best deal. Expect to pay money for the phone unless you are offered a free phone that comes with a contract. Breaking these contracts before they expire will cost you a fee. Ask the customer representative how much this fee is before signing the agreement. Know up front all of the costs before making your commitment.

There are many uses for a mobile phone. The greatest use of these phones is being able to contact someone in the event of an emergency. Or, when seeing an accident, you can contact 911 to report an accident and may save a life. However, many users of these phones are using them while driving. In some states, there are laws preventing a driver to use the mobile phone while driving because of being distracted. If you must make or take a call, pull over to the side of the road and then make your call. It is very dangerous to drive and speak using the mobile phone using only one hand. Some phones provide a headset so that both hands can be on the wheel. Some states will not allow drivers to use even that option. When traveling on vacation or business, find out what the laws are for each state you will be driving in.

Some schools will limit or restrict the use of a mobile phone. Ask the school administrator how and when your son or daughter can use their mobile phone and under what conditions.

Another factor to consider is if you should lose your mobile phone. The finder of the phone can make calls and run up your phone bill. It is very important to notify your carrier when this happens. you would be wise to ask the representative what charges you are liable for if this situation should occur.

The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that mobile phone use may represent a long-term health risk such as brain cancer. This is called "carcinogenic hazard" or mobile phone radiation. This was detected when the phone is used for 30 minutes a day over a ten-year period. These categories of users are classified as heavy users. A study found that this heavy use of the mobile phone caused a 40% increased risk of receiving brain cancer. As of June 2009, there were more than 4.3 billion mobile phone users in the world and growing. You need to consider the health risk of a mobile phone.