With mobile phones being the essential fashion accessory you’ll
want to make sure you’re sporting the latest model – and one you
can actually understand!
All mobile phones we sell online are Pre-Pay phones (also called
Pay As You Go). There’s no contract to sign and no bills to pay
– you simply top up the phone using vouchers or a credit card –
rather like using a callbox.
Things to consider
As with a personal computer, before buying a mobile phone think
about what you want to use it for. If it’s just a matter of making
calls and sending text messages then a less sophisticated model
may be all you need.
Pay As You Go or Pay Monthly?
For low or infrequent use, the pay as you go option may be a better
choice. If you spend on average more than £15 a month on calls
then we’d usually recommend a pay monthly package.
Style
Broadly speaking, mobile phones come in three styles: the conventional
screen and keypad; a ‘clamshell’ design that fold in two; and
a ‘slider’ phone, where the keypad is hidden under the cover.
It might sound obvious but do try the phone out first. You might
love the latest designer model but can your fingers operate the
buttons easily?
Camera
These vary considerably in quality. If you are in anyway a serious
photographer then make sure the phone has at least a 2 mega pixel
resolution and an expandable memory to store more images.
Music
If you’re a music fan then look at the amount of in-built memory
in the phone. For example, a 64MB memory stores only up to 16
tracks, but you can store additional songs via a compatible memory
card you insert into the phone. Also check whether the phone takes
a standard 3.5mm headphone jack or the manufacturer’s own.
Gadgets
The latest model may have all the latest features but will you
actually use them all – or understand how they work?! Models can
also be bulkier and more expensive to run. If you use one for
work, however, features like the ability to send emails or surf
the internet would be very useful.
Glossary
3G ‘Third generation’ of mobile phones give you faster downloads
and transfer of data, and lets you surf the entire internet.
Band width Mobile phones are either Dual band (meaning they can
be used throughout Europe), Tri band (North America and the Caribbean),
or Quad band (Japan).
Bluetooth Allows you cable-free connection to other devices, including
PCs, as well as headsets. Works up to a 10m range.
Built-in camera The latest mobile phones let you take photos -
even video capture - which you can send via MMS to other compatible
mobiles.
Call display You can see the name and number of the caller if
it’s been stored in your directory. As with cordless phones, the
number will be shown providing the caller has not barred its sending.
Display screen Many phones have colour screens. The more colours,
the better the image. These normally vary between 4,000 and 65,000
colours.
Downloads You can download the latest ring tones, games, news,
music or screensavers from the internet.
GPRS (General packet radio services) Lets you access WAP pages.
As you’re permanently connected to the Internet receiving data
is fast, though you are only charged when you send or receive
data – and charged by the amount of data, rather by than the length
of transmission.
GSM (Global system for mobile) Similar to GPRS but you are charged
for the length of call.
Java™ enabled If your phone is Java™ enabled you can download
the latest games from the internet.
Memory (in-built or expandable) In-built memory is the amount
of memory installed in your phone, for storing photos, music etc.
Expandable memory lets you add extra files via a separate memory
card.
MMS (Multimedia message service) Lets you send messages and images
to other compatible mobiles.
Mobile web As long as you have compatible equipment you can surf
the net and keep track of emails when you’re on the move.
Organiser Some phones have a diary function, featuring calendar,
to-do list, anniversary list etc.
Picture messaging Lets you send images or icons as part of a text
message.
Polyphonic ring tones Most of the latest phones feature polyphonic
tones. These have a much better sound quality because they have
a greater range of tone.
Predictive text Your phone has a built-in dictionary that automatically
recognises common words, so letting you text more quickly.
Pre pay In simple terms this means there’s no contract to sign
and no bills to pay – you simply top up the phone using vouchers
or a credit card – rather like using a public telephone.
Radio Some higher priced phones have a built-in radio.
Ring tones You can personalise your phone with a choice of tones.
There’s a host of websites and services that let you customise
your phone with the latest hit or favourite theme tune. (There
is a charge for this).
Screensaver You can customise your phone’s display screen with
a fun background – even download a funky display from the internet.
SIM card Short for Subscriber Identity Module, it holds your dedicated
phone number and your phonebook, so when you buy a new phone you
can remove the card and use it your new phone. Most mobile phones
are locked to a specific network but you can usually ask the network
provider to unlock yours (for a charge).
Standby The time the phone can be left (when not in use) before
needing a recharge.
Talk time This is how long you can use the cordless phone for,
once it’s been fully charged.
Vibration alert Alerts you to incoming call or text messaging
by discreetly vibrating.
Video With a compatible handset you can send clips to your friends
- even receive downloads, such as sports highlights.
Voice dialling Voice dialling feature lets you make a phone call
by saying a voice ‘tag’ that’s been linked to the desired phone
number. The ultimate in hands-free operation, you can simply utter
a name or number and the phone automatically makes the call.
Wallpaper You can customise your phone’s display screen with a
fun background – even download a funky display from the internet.
WAP (Wireless application protocol) WAP mobile phones let your
mobile receive the latest news and information via certain websites
– even visit selected websites, while on the move. It’s basically
a slimmed-down version of the internet.
MP3 Players Buying Guide
MP3 players are small, portable machines that can be used to store
and play MP3s - digital music files which can be quickly and easily
downloaded from the internet using a PC. Because they have no
movable parts, MP3 players are lightweight and durable. This makes
them ideal for use on the move - while jogging or travelling.
How they work
MP3 is short for Motion Picture Experts Group 1, Audio Layer 3
- the standard technology and format for compressing a sound sequence
into a very small computer file (about a twelfth of the original
size), while preserving the original level of sound quality.
Loading music
Transferring music from your PC to the player is not a complicated
process. Software is provided with most MP3 players, normally
on a CD-ROM, which enables music to be transferred via a cable.
This same software will also convert music on a CD played in your
computer into MP3 format, subject to copyright. You will need
an internet connection to download music from online stores such
as iTunes.
Connections
Different models of computer use different interfaces or methods
for plugging in accessories. MP3 players typically connect using
USB, USB 2.0 or FireWire ports. Transferring a song via USB 2.0
or FireWire is twice as fast as USB and takes a matter of seconds.
Note: Check the minimum computer requirements of the player to
ensure compatibility. Most MP3 players are not compatible with
Macs, however Apple’s own iPod is compatible with both PCs and
Macs.
What to look for
Memory
The amount of memory will determine how much music you will be
able to store on your MP3 player. Models range from 512MB (enough
room for up to 125 songs) right up to 80GB (enough room for up
to 20,000 songs). If you choose a lower capacity you’ll be able
to change the songs on your player but you’ll have to swap them
around on your computer first. With a higher capacity model you’ll
be able to access your entire collection at any time. A higher
capacity is also useful if the player is capable of storing other
types of media e.g. photos and videos.
Formats
An MP3 file is one of a number of different music files that are
available. You’ll need to check the compatibility of your player
before purchasing music online. Other similar formats include:
• WMA: Windows Media Audio
• WAV: Windows Audio-Video-Format
• AAC: Advanced Audio Codec (Used by iTunes)
• ATRAC: Adaptive Transform Acoustic Coding (Used by Sony products)
• AIFF: Audio Interchange File Format
Additional features
Many MP3 players offer far more than just playing music. Look
out for additional features such as:
• Integrated FM tuner
• Store and view digital photos
• Store and watch video
• Voice recording
• Play games
• Store data files (including documents, contacts, calendars and
to-do lists)
Other points to consider
Accessories
As MP3 players have increased in popularity, the range of additional
accessories has grown ever wider. We offer an extensive selection
of useful add-ons from protective cases to stereo speakers.
Legal downloading
Most MP3 files can be downloaded legally. However, it is a breach
of copyright to download songs that have been copied illegally
and put on the internet. It is best to download music from official
sites.
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