The survey says….. Cell Phones! Today’s shirt pocket sized mobile phones are by far the most popular gift item and are rapidly replacing conventional “land lines” in many homes around the globe. It is nearly impossible to imagine life before the cellular phones we each carry with us wherever we now go. And that convenience can be costly if you don’t shop around because bargains can be found simply by doing a little research.

Radio frequencies make cell phone service possible

First off a cell phone is actually a radio! It operates over radio air waves so it is separate from traditional telephone lines and has lots of room for all those millions and millions of cell phone conversations plus the downloads (video, movies, games), text messages, and interacting with the internet. From it’s humble beginnings as a CB radio or basic walkie-talkie the cellular telephone began as a means of communicating without actual lines or wires involved, thus they were called “wireless”. It is amazing how so much can travel electronically without collisions or mixed messages entering the equation! Cell phone service providers place towers across their service areas to “boost” the signal and keep everyone connected.

Location, location, location!

Depending on your location you may have many options when choosing a cell phone service. Larger cities will, of course, have much wider service areas and more to offer than remote or rural locations and your choices will depend on where you will be using your phone. Many of the larger providers of cellular phone service offer broad coverage that includes more remote areas but you will want to check their area of coverage if you live in rural areas. Sprint, Verizon, and T-Mobile cover much of the continentalU.S. while Nextel, TracFone, and former giant AT&T proved coverage over less area but do offer good pricing. And don’t forget that AT&T is the primary service provider for that popular iPhone from Apple! Look on each provider’s web site and they will give you a map of their coverage areas. Once you’ve selected the provider you want the next step is finding the ideal phone (for the best price).

Phones can be free but there are usually “strings” attached!

Now that you’ve decided on the best coverage and service provider you will want to choose a cell phone. Let’s say you’ve chosen Sprint because they not only cover your area but have some great looking prices on service as well as some good choices in “smart” phones.  Their unlimited internet and voice plan is one of the best. Add this in with a sprint coupon to get the best savings. Do you want a phone that operates with the Android system? Or would you rather go with the popular iPhone technology? And then there are several “standards” used by the various carriers including CDMA (used by Sprint, Verizon, and U.S. Cellular) and GSM (T-Mobile and AT&T). Also there is the option of MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) which basically uses other’s service while remaining independent (Virgin Mobile and TracFone are the most notable who use this method). Look on the web site or go into a provider’s store and see what they have to offer.

Smart Phones are portable mini computers

While many still appreciate the basic cell phone that just serves them by receiving or making phone calls and can be a life saver in emergency situations, a growing number of people have now fallen in love with their “smart” phone! These little wonders will give stock market reports and deliver e-mail via the internet. They will also provide you with movies and music by quickly downloading them. Games are available as well as a handy calculator or even a handy camera that can either take pictures or videos that can then be forwarded to friends, family, or even youtube.