Hello everyone,

I must admit that even though I’m a “tech geek”, the present day cell phone scenario is quite confusing to me. Personally I don’t even like to TALK on the phone, and my “dumb phone” of choice is the TracFone Motorola W260-4 (a basic bare bones $20 phone – no internet, no camera, no additional ringtones, no applications, etc.). But the phone is great for what it is intended 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 buy only the airtime minutes that I actually need). No smart phone for me!!

So with all of the confusion out there (and since you may be in the market for a cell phone this Christmas), I thought that today I would give you a basic “primer part 1″ on cell phones and cell phone carriers. You’ll have to concentrate somewhat because as I said before – this is kind of confusing! Today I’ll just give you the facts and in my next post I’ll give you more facts plus my opinion.

1) “Smart Phone”

A mobile phone which has computerlike software (applications) on it, digital camera, full keyboard, color display, plus internet and e-mail capabilities for efficient communication. The CPU on many smartphones is more powerful than the desktop computers of five years ago!

2) “Dumb Phone”

Opposite of smartphone. A cellphone which has little or no advanced features such as a large, bright screen, or applications such as email and web browsing. Basically just makes phone calls (like my Motorola W260-4). I love it!

3) “Service Providers (Cell Phone Carriers)”

If you’re going to buy a cell phone you have to choose a cell phone carrier. There are many, but here are the top five carriers in the United States (and a very popular phone for each carrier).

#1) Verizon Wireless …… (HTC Droid Incredible).
#2)  AT&T ….. (Apple iPhone 3GS).
#3) Sprint ….. (Sprint EVO 4G).
#4) T-Mobile….. (Google Nexus One).
#5) U.S. Cellular….. (HTC Touch Pro 2).

4) “Locked or Unlocked?”

A locked cell phone is one that has been altered in order to use only one particular cellular network. If a carrier “subsidizes” (provides you with a free or cheap phone when you sign a two year service contract) they will “lock it” to their network. Locked phones (the “lock” is a software setting that keeps the cell 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 will be able to use the phone with whichever carrier you so desire. Many third party vendors 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 post (part 2), I’ll 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 you’ll be fully aware of what you’re up against and fully prepared to handle it “head on”!