Cell phone text messaging is exploding worldwide. If you have been struggling to keep your cell phone bill under control, rather than change your plan again, you may consider using the text messaging feature available on almost all mobile phones. You will join the ranks of billions of cell phone text messaging users around the world and maybe even have a little fun in the process.
Usage of the text messaging feature has seen explosive growth. Statistics show that by June of 2004, an average of 100 text messages per person had been sent globally. Text messaging is a quick, convenient, and discrete way to keep in contact with your friends and loved ones that will keep you from burning extra minutes in your cell phone plan each month.
Text messaging is also known as SMS, or short message service, in the technical world. Cell phone users simply refer to them as text messages, or texts. And the popularity of the service has increased three fold over the past year in the United States alone. SMS permits the sending and receipt of text messages between cell phones and other handheld devices, such as PDAs.
Sending a text message to someone's phone is pretty simple. You simply choose the messaging feature on your cell phone, input the recipient’s phone number, and then type your message. Once you are finished typing your message, then you simply choose the send option and your message is sent. Many plans even allow you to send messages from your phone directly to an email address.
In case you are wondering, text messaging is usually a pretty affordable feature. Mobile phone companies may charge $0.10 or less per text message to send and receive text messages. This does not count towards your minutes usage and there is no additional charge.
To save even more when you use this feature, you may choose to add on a text messaging package to your current cell phone plan. Most text plans are relatively inexpensive and can be added for as little as $2.99, depending on how many messages you plan to send each month. Check with your cell phone carrier for messaging plans offered for your cell phone.
Cell phone companies count all messages that you send or receive, whether you read them or not. Messages can be up to 160 characters in length. If you receive a longer message, each 160 characters counts as a separate text message.
You can also use the text messaging feature on your cell phone to receive news alerts, ringtones, and more. However, this is normally classified as premium content and requires a subscription, which is an additional charge.
You may have even seen where many companies and television programs are using text messaging for entertainment purposes, such as voting and entering competitions. It is also used by many to play interactive games. You should keep in mind that you are charged extra for using text messaging in this manner, though.
So go ahead, start cell phone text messaging instead of idly wasting your cell phone minutes on things that can be said just as easily, and more cheaply, using text messaging.
The number of parents opting to purchase cell phones for children who have not yet reached their teens is growing exponentially. And the odds are, if you have a preteen, the conversation has surfaced within your own family. One study indicates that as many as 50% of children today own mobile phones.
However, before you run out to the store to purchase that much requested cell phone for your own child, you should consider how responsible your child is. There is no standard answer to the question - “At what age should you consider buying your child a cell phone?” It is up to you as the parent to determine if your child is ready for the responsibility.
There is no denying that a cell phone can be a handy tool for keeping up with your child. Most parents see it as a way to stay in touch in case of emergency. If your child needs to stay after school or if a practice runs late, then a simple phone call is all that is needed. If you are running late, then that same simple phone call can calm an anxious child.
For further security, almost all cell phones come standard with GPS (global positioning system) these days. This feature is handy for emergency personnel when trying to locate a person in an emergency situation.
However, many cell phone companies now also allow parents access to this built in feature to help monitor their child’s whereabouts. You will have to check with your mobile carrier to see if this feature is available as a monitoring device for your child’s phone.
Cell phones also help to teach children how to handle a little added responsibility. They can help you to teach your child accountability. Children, with your help, learn how to monitor their bill and minute usage, the importance of staying in contact, and how to handle the new trust granted by the parent.
Something that parents should be concerned about when considering purchasing a cell phone for a child is that a cell phone can expose your child to dangers as well. Parents need to be extra vigilant about monitoring who calls their child and who their child calls. Parents also need to monitor text messaging, or block the feature altogether.
If you have weighed the pros and cons of purchasing a cell phone for your child, and have decided to go ahead with purchase, then be sure to set rules and guidelines for your child regarding his/her cell phone usage.
It may help you to also have some controls in place for your child’s cell phone. You may consider a prepaid phone as an option, so there are no surprises when the bill arrives. You may also decide to block certain features (such as text messaging, Internet access, and games). You may also choose a phone that lets you decide who your child can call and who can call your child.
If you take these guidelines into consideration when buying your child a cell phone, then your child’s transition to the next level of responsibility should be a smooth one.
There are many talks going around now about the iPhone. This is the latest gadget released by the company that brought the iPod. This is a very promising cellular phone. It makes techie people go crazy wanting their own unit. It thus pays to know how what the iPhone is all about and what it can offer to modern people.
What Is The iPhone?
The iPhone is the best thing that's possibly happened to music lovers. This latest gadget comes from the Apple company. Apple is the one responsible for bringing the iPod technology to the market. Thus, expect great things from the iPhone.
This iPhone is more than just a cellular phone. It also has the wonderful feature of being able to incorporate the desirable wonders of the iPod technology. Having an iPhone at hand feels like being able to enjoy the best of both worlds. You get to enjoy the music you want with the very gadget you use for making calls.
The iPhone Features
To appreciate further the iPhone, it is best to acquaint yourself with its different features. Here, you will see the functions of the iPhone to the modern individual.
Music Playing Options
You might think of the iPhone because of its connection to the iPod. It is always worth reiterating that the iPhone has the best features when it comes to music playing options among modern gadgets. You can also play movies.
User Interface
The iPhone is also known for its wonderful user interface design. The screen is very stunning and you will simply be awed by it. This is one more aspect that makes the iPhone a favorite among consumers.
Checking Mail Options
The iPhone will also allow you to check your mail wherever you want. You can do this by simply tapping a few buttons on your iPhone. This makes going online more convenient.
Photo Browsing
The iPhone also allows users to browse their image files.
Virtual Keyboards
Another remarkable feature provided by the iPhone is the virtual keyboard. This allows you to key in your words faster, especially for purposes of email correspondences. This is more convenient compared to using the number keys.
Conclusion
The iPhone makes a good companion to the modern individual. It is capable of performing tasks that no other cellular phone today can overtake. This is what the iPhone is all about.
