http://cellphones.about.com/ Cell Phones http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/06/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-2-0-phone-goes-on-sale-today.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 179px;"><a href="http://smartphones.about.com/od/phonereviews/a/motorola_droid_overview.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/W/5/-/-/droidbymotorola.jpg" alt="Motorola DROID" style="width:179px;height:133px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center>Motorola DROID<br /><i>Image © Motorola</i></center></div>As we <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/29/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-20-handset-available-to-humans-on-nov-6-2009-for-199.htm">learned last week</a>, the Motorola DROID smartphone went on sale today exclusively at Verizon Wireless. After a $100 mail-in rebate, it's $199.99 with a two-year contract. <br /><br /> That's the typical price of a new, high-powered <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/coveringthebasics/qt/cellphonesvssmartphones.htm">smartphone</a> when it first goes on sale. This initial price tends to drop by $50 or so later. The DROID is the first smartphone powered by the upgraded Google Android 2.0 mobile operating system. <br /><br /> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/smartphonebasics/a/android_matters.htm">Android</a>, which is Google's mobile operating system, has powered smartphones like the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/08/05/on-sale-today-t-mobile-mytouch-3g-with-google-android.htm">T-Mobile myTouch 3G</a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/softwarereviews/fr/g1_review.htm">T-Mobile G1</a> (also known as the HTC Dream). The <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/lightcellphones.htm">6-ounce</a> DROID now competes with the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/phonereviews/fr/iphone_3G_S_review.htm">iPhone 3G S</a> for <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/attserviceplans/tp/attserviceplans.htm">AT&#038;T</a> and the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/phonereviews/fr/palm_pre.htm">Palm Pre</a> for <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/sprintserviceplans/tp/sprintserviceplans.htm">Sprint</a>. <br /><br /> The high-speed <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/3g.htm">3G</a> DROID by Motorola has a 3.7-inch touch screen, is one of the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/slimcellphones.htm">thinnest</a> (0.5 of an inch) full-<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/qwertydefinition.htm">QWERTY</a> sliders, has access to apps (currently about 12,000) on the Android Market, voice-activated search, a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/bestcameraphones.htm">5-megapixel camera</a> with a dual-LED flash, 16 gigabytes of storage space and a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/bestcellphonebatteries.htm">6.4-hour battery</a>. <br /><br /> Friday's announcement of the DROID's retail availability said that Verizon Wireless will feature demonstrations at select locations so customers can see it in action. <br /><br /> Also on Friday, Verizon Wireless will create a first-ever interactive experience in New York City called "DROID Does Times Square". This will let callers control two of Times Square's largest digital billboards (the NASDAQ and Reuters signs) using only voice commands. <br /><br /> An overview of the Motorola DROID for Verizon Wireless <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/phonereviews/a/motorola_droid_overview.htm">can be read here</a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/06/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-2-0-phone-goes-on-sale-today.htm">Motorola DROID: World’s First Google Android 2.0 Phone Goes on Sale Today</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Friday, November 6th, 2009 at 15:19:45.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/06/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-2-0-phone-goes-on-sale-today.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/06/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-2-0-phone-goes-on-sale-today.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/06/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-2-0-phone-goes-on-sale-today.htm&zItl=Motorola DROID: World’s First Google Android 2.0 Phone Goes on Sale Today">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/06/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-2-0-phone-goes-on-sale-today.htm 2009-11-06T15:19:45Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/05/how-t-mobiles-new-project-dark-even-more-plus-plans-compete-with-other-prepaid-plans.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 160px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/G/T/1/-/-/tmobile.jpg" alt="T-Mobile logo" style="width:160px;height:23px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © T-Mobile</i></center></div>While <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/attserviceplans/tp/attserviceplans.htm">AT&#038;T</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/sprintserviceplans/tp/sprintserviceplans.htm">Sprint</a> and Verizon Wireless still focus on contract-based cell phone plans in exchange for subsidized handset prices, T-Mobile is increasingly strengthening its prepaid wireless offering. <br /><br /> T-Mobile on Oct. 25, 2009 released details on its long-rumored "Project Dark" in the form of new plans called "Even More" and "Even More Plus". <br /><br /> T-Mobile Even More plans require a two-year service contract and offer phone discounts. T-Mobile Even More Plus plans require no contract. <br /><br /> The Even More plans for individuals range from $39.99 a month with 500 anytime minutes to $59.99 a month with unlimited minutes. <br /><br /> Even More Plus plans for individuals range from $29.99 per month with 500 anytime minutes to $79.99 per month with unlimited voice minutes, texting and Web usage. <br /><br /> By comparison, other unlimited prepaid wireless plans include (in alphabetical order by carrier): <br /> <ol><li>AT&#038;T: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/attserviceplans/p/attgophoneplans.htm">$69.99 unlimited talk</a> only. Available nationwide. <br /><br /> <li>Boost Mobile: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/boostmobileserviceplans/p/boostmobileunlimitedprepaid.htm">$50 unlimited talk</a>, texting, mobile web and walkie-talkie (only on select phones). Available nationwide. <br /><br /> <li>Cricket Wireless: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cricketserviceplans/p/cricket50unlimited.htm">$50 unlimited talk</a>, texting and mobile Web with 30 minutes of roaming. Available in 7,500 cities. <br /><br /> <li>Metro PCS: $45 unlimited talk, texting and mobile Web access. Available in about 11,000 U.S. cities. <br /><br /> <li>PlatinumTel: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/p/platinumtelprepaidtalktext.htm">$50 unlimited talk</a>, texting and 100 megabytes of Web service with free roaming. Available nationwide. <br /><br /> <li>Straight Talk: Walmart's <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/p/straighttalkunlimitedprepaid.htm">$45 unlimited talk</a>, texting, nationwide roaming (with exceptions) and Web service. Available nationwide in Walmart stores. <br /><br /> <li>U.S. Cellular: $60 unlimited incoming calls and texting. Available nationwide. <br /><br /> <li>Verizon Wireless: unlimited prepaid talk for $3.99 a day, which is approximately $119 a month. Available nationwide.</ol> You can also see a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?tsn=1&#038;nav=messages&#038;webtag=ab-cellphones&#038;tid=3826">visual matrix of prepaid plans</a> as well as <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/20/independent-prepaid-wireless-site-rates-30-carriers-tmobile-tops-the-list.htm">ratings on 30 prepaid carriers</a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/05/how-t-mobiles-new-project-dark-even-more-plus-plans-compete-with-other-prepaid-plans.htm">‘Project Dark’ Revealed: How T-Mobile’s New ‘Even More’ Plans Compete With Other Prepaid Plans</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Thursday, November 5th, 2009 at 01:39:05.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/05/how-t-mobiles-new-project-dark-even-more-plus-plans-compete-with-other-prepaid-plans.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/05/how-t-mobiles-new-project-dark-even-more-plus-plans-compete-with-other-prepaid-plans.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/05/how-t-mobiles-new-project-dark-even-more-plus-plans-compete-with-other-prepaid-plans.htm&zItl=‘Project Dark’ Revealed: How T-Mobile’s New ‘Even More’ Plans Compete With Other Prepaid Plans">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/05/how-t-mobiles-new-project-dark-even-more-plus-plans-compete-with-other-prepaid-plans.htm 2009-11-05T01:39:05Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/04/glossary-what-is-sms-vs-mms-vs-t9-vs-qwerty.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 96px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/tp/smsmmst9qwerty.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/6/d/2/-/-/questionmark.jpg" alt="What is SMS vs. MMS vs. T9 vs. QWERTY?" style="width:96px;height:120px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © Chad Baker, Getty Images</i></center></div>SMS text messaging, MMS picture messaging, T9 predictive text and QWERTY are all acronyms for different elements of cell phone messaging. <br /><br /> But how do they differ? What are the specifics of each? How did these technologies come to be? <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/tp/smsmmst9qwerty.htm"><b>This new article</b></a> will help you understand the difference between SMS, MMS, T9 and QWERTY.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/04/glossary-what-is-sms-vs-mms-vs-t9-vs-qwerty.htm">Glossary: What is SMS vs. MMS vs. T9 vs. QWERTY?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 at 00:01:21.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/04/glossary-what-is-sms-vs-mms-vs-t9-vs-qwerty.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/04/glossary-what-is-sms-vs-mms-vs-t9-vs-qwerty.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/04/glossary-what-is-sms-vs-mms-vs-t9-vs-qwerty.htm&zItl=Glossary: What is SMS vs. MMS vs. T9 vs. QWERTY?">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/04/glossary-what-is-sms-vs-mms-vs-t9-vs-qwerty.htm 2009-11-04T00:01:21Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/03/definition-of-t9-what-is-t9-predictive-text.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 128px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/t9predictivetext.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/P/5/-/-/phonekeypad.jpg" alt="T9 makes texting faster using this phone keypad" style="width:128px;height:175px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center>T9 makes texting faster using this keypad<br /><i>Image © Wikimedia Commons</i></center></div>You've probably used it, but you might not know what it's called, how it works and how it came to be. <br /><br /> <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/t9predictivetext.htm"><b>T9 predictive texting</b></a> makes SMS messaging faster especially for non-QWERTY cell phones without full keyboards. <br /><br /> But what does the acronym stand for? Which company invented it? What can advanced versions of T9 do? <br /><br /> For answers to these questions and more, read my new <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/t9predictivetext.htm"><b>glossary entry on T9</b></a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/03/definition-of-t9-what-is-t9-predictive-text.htm">Definition of T9: What is T9 Predictive Text?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2009 at 00:01:40.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/03/definition-of-t9-what-is-t9-predictive-text.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/03/definition-of-t9-what-is-t9-predictive-text.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/03/definition-of-t9-what-is-t9-predictive-text.htm&zItl=Definition of T9: What is T9 Predictive Text?">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/03/definition-of-t9-what-is-t9-predictive-text.htm 2009-11-03T00:01:40Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/02/which-networks-do-the-prepaid-wireless-carriers-use.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/a/prepaidwirelessnetworks.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/G/5/-/-/prepaidwireless2.jpg" alt="Prepaid wireless carriers" style="width:175px;height:88px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © respective carriers</i></center></div>Some of us choose AT&#038;T, Sprint, T-Mobile or Verizon Wireless for their large coverage areas and wide phone selections. <br /><br /> Others choose <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm">prepaid wireless carriers</a> for their lower-priced plans that come without contracts. The prepaid carriers, though, typically don't own and operate their networks. <br /><br /> Instead, they usually buy wholesale minutes from the major carriers and resell them to you at a lower retail price. <br /><br /> If you're sold on a major cell phone carrier in your area because of its coverage but wanting to use a lower-priced prepaid carrier, wouldn't it be nice to know which network you're actually using? <br /><br /> Sometimes it's clear which network a prepaid carrier is licensing and sometimes it's not. <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/a/prepaidwirelessnetworks.htm"><b>This new article</b></a> simply lists which carrier you're actually using with a lower-cost prepaid carrier.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/02/which-networks-do-the-prepaid-wireless-carriers-use.htm">Which Networks Do the Prepaid Wireless Carriers Use?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 00:01:55.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/02/which-networks-do-the-prepaid-wireless-carriers-use.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/02/which-networks-do-the-prepaid-wireless-carriers-use.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/02/which-networks-do-the-prepaid-wireless-carriers-use.htm&zItl=Which Networks Do the Prepaid Wireless Carriers Use?">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/11/02/which-networks-do-the-prepaid-wireless-carriers-use.htm 2009-11-02T00:01:55Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/wireflys-top-10-most-anticipated-cell-phone-smartphone-launches.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/X/5/-/-/wirefly.jpg" alt="Wirefly logo" style="width:175px;height:62px;border:none;" /><br /><center><i>Image © Wirefly</i></center></div>More and more, new cell phones and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/coveringthebasics/qt/cellphonesvssmartphones.htm">smartphones</a> often come with "launch campaigns" designed to build buzz and drum up healthy sales. <br /><br /> A new list of the top 10 most-anticipated cell phone and smartphone launches was released on Wednesday by Wirefly, which is a reputable source for buying cell phones, plans and accessories. Wirefly is an authorized dealer for every major U.S. cell phone carrier. <br /><br /> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/smartphonebasics/a/android_matters.htm">Android</a>, which is Google's mobile operating system, takes five of the 10 spots. Carriers are also trying to "capitalize on the success of older models [with] next-generation handsets that they hope [will] be just as popular," Wirefly says. <br /><br /> When About.com has already published details about the handsets on this list, the phones are linked to the corresponding information. Wirefly's top 10 most-anticipated cell phone and smartphone launches can be found below. <br /> <ol><li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/29/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-20-handset-available-to-humans-on-nov-6-2009-for-199.htm">Motorola DROID</a> (Verizon Wireless) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/09/11/motorola-cliq-unveiled-with-motoblur-for-t-mobile-first-google-android-phone-from-motorola.htm">Motorola CLIQ MB200</a> (T-Mobile) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://pcworld.about.com/od/phones/First-Look-The-Samsung-Moment.htm">Samsung Moment</a> (Sprint) <li>LG Chocolate Touch (Verizon Wireless): touch screen version of the iconic <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://pcworld.about.com/od/cellphones/LG-s-Chocolate-Gets-a-Sweet-Bu.htm">LG Chocolate</a> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://pcworld.about.com/od/mobilephones/Behold-T-Mobile-Unveils-New-A.htm">Samsung Behold II</a> (T-Mobile) <li>HTC Desire 6200 (Verizon Wireless): Verizon's second Android-powered phone <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/26/following-the-palm-pre-palm-pixi-available-for-sprint-on-nov-15-2009-for-9999.htm">Palm Pixi</a> (Sprint) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://pcworld.about.com/od/phones/RIM-BlackBerry-Storm-2-Verizo.htm">BlackBerry Storm 2</a> (Verizon Wireless) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://pcworld.about.com/od/mobilephones/Blackberry-9700-Isn-t-All-That.htm">BlackBerry Bold 9700</a> (AT&#038;T &#038; T-Mobile) <li>LG Shine 2 (AT&#038;T): the successor to the popular <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/lgcellphonereviews/fr/lgcu920shine.htm">LG Shine</a></ol><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/wireflys-top-10-most-anticipated-cell-phone-smartphone-launches.htm">Wirefly’s Top 10 Most-Anticipated Cell Phone, Smartphone Launches</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 00:05:25.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/wireflys-top-10-most-anticipated-cell-phone-smartphone-launches.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/wireflys-top-10-most-anticipated-cell-phone-smartphone-launches.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/wireflys-top-10-most-anticipated-cell-phone-smartphone-launches.htm&zItl=Wirefly’s Top 10 Most-Anticipated Cell Phone, Smartphone Launches">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/wireflys-top-10-most-anticipated-cell-phone-smartphone-launches.htm 2009-10-30T00:05:25Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/platinumtel-continues-prepaid-wireless-expansion-with-new-service-in-arizona-ohio-south-carolina-texas.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/tp/platinumtelprepaidwireless.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/f/4/-/-/platinumtel.jpg" alt="PlatinumTel logo" style="width:175px;height:52px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © PlatinumTel</i></center></div><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/tp/platinumtelprepaidwireless.htm">PlatinumTel</a>, which announced new prepaid wireless service in <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/09/platinumtel-launches-prepaid-wireless-service-in-new-york-city.htm">New York City</a> earlier this month, is expanding again. <br /><br /> The carrier announced on Thursday its expansion into Arizona, Ohio, South Carolina and Texas. <br /><br /> PlatinumTel is a <i><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/mvnodefinition.htm">mobile virtual network operator</a></i> (MVNO). This means it doesn't have its own network infrastructure. Instead, PlatinumTel buys minutes wholesale from <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/sprintserviceplans/tp/sprintserviceplans.htm">Sprint</a> and sells them retail to you without contracts. <br /><br /> The carrier's weakest service is in the U.S. just west of Kansas. In addition, PlatinumTel has almost no coverage in Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana. <br /><br /> Its prepaid wireless plans compete with <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/boostmobileserviceplans/tp/boostmobileprepaidwireless.htm">Boost Mobile</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cricketserviceplans/tp/cricketprepaidwirelessplans.htm">Cricket</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/virginmobileserviceplans/tp/virginmobileprepaidwireless.htm">Virgin Mobile</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/jitterbugprepaidplans/tp/jitterbugprepaidwireless.htm">Jitterbug</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/consumercellularplans/tp/consumercellularprepaidplans.htm">Consumer Cellular</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/tp/straighttalkprepaidwireless.htm">Straight Talk</a> and MetroPCS. <br /><br /> PlatinumTel has a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/p/platinumteldot10payasyougo.htm">pay-as-you-go plan</a> with minutes as low as 6.7 cents along with <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/p/platinumtelprepaidtalktext.htm">unlimited voice and texting</a> for $50 per month. <br /><br /> The carrier also offers a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/p/platinumtelhybridprepaid.htm">hybrid plan</a> with add-on pricing for texting and mobile Web usage, various <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/p/platinumtelsmsaddons.htm">text messaging plan options</a> as well as <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/p/platinumtelinternationaldialing.htm">international rates</a> as low as 2 cents per minute. <br /><br /> Learn about the PlatinumTel <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/tp/platinumtelprepaidwireless.htm"><b>prepaid wireless plans in this compilation</b></a>. You can also learn about prepaid wireless plans at the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm">other no-contract carriers</a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/platinumtel-continues-prepaid-wireless-expansion-with-new-service-in-arizona-ohio-south-carolina-texas.htm">PlatinumTel Continues Prepaid Wireless Expansion With New Service in Arizona, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 00:01:19.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/platinumtel-continues-prepaid-wireless-expansion-with-new-service-in-arizona-ohio-south-carolina-texas.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/platinumtel-continues-prepaid-wireless-expansion-with-new-service-in-arizona-ohio-south-carolina-texas.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/platinumtel-continues-prepaid-wireless-expansion-with-new-service-in-arizona-ohio-south-carolina-texas.htm&zItl=PlatinumTel Continues Prepaid Wireless Expansion With New Service in Arizona, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/30/platinumtel-continues-prepaid-wireless-expansion-with-new-service-in-arizona-ohio-south-carolina-texas.htm 2009-10-30T00:01:19Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/29/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-20-handset-available-to-humans-on-nov-6-2009-for-199.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 179px;"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/W/5/-/-/droidbymotorola.jpg" alt="Motorola DROID" style="width:179px;height:133px;border:none;" /><br /><center>Motorola DROID<br /><i>Image © Motorola</i></center></div><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/smartphonebasics/a/android_matters.htm">Android</a>, which is Google's mobile operating system, has already powered smartphones like the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/08/05/on-sale-today-t-mobile-mytouch-3g-with-google-android.htm">T-Mobile myTouch 3G</a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/softwarereviews/fr/g1_review.htm">T-Mobile G1</a> (also known as the HTC Dream). <br /><br /> We now have two new Android firsts with a handset called the <b>Motorola DROID</b>: the first <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/coveringthebasics/qt/cellphonesvssmartphones.htm">smartphone</a> based on the upgraded Android 2.0 operating system and the first Android device for Verizon Wireless rather than <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/tmobileserviceplans/tp/tmobilecellphoneplans.htm">T-Mobile</a>. <br /><br /> Verizon Wireless announced on Wednesday that the Motorola DROID will debut on Nov. 6, 2009 for $199 with a new two-year contract and after a $100 mail-in rebate. The T-Mobile myTouch 3G went on sale for $199 on Aug. 5, 2009. <br /><br /> The <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/lightcellphones.htm">6-ounce</a> DROID is designed to rival the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/phonereviews/fr/iphone_3G_S_review.htm">iPhone 3G S</a> for <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/attserviceplans/tp/attserviceplans.htm">AT&#038;T</a> and the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/phonereviews/fr/palm_pre.htm">Palm Pre</a> for <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/sprintserviceplans/tp/sprintserviceplans.htm">Sprint</a>. <br /><br /> The new <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/3g.htm">3G</a> phone has a 3.7-inch touch screen, is one of the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/slimcellphones.htm">thinnest</a> (0.5 of an inch) full-<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/qwertydefinition.htm">QWERTY</a> sliders, has access to apps (currently about 12,000) on the Android Market, a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/bestcameraphones.htm">5-megapixel camera</a> with a dual-LED flash, 16 gigabytes of storage space and a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/bestcellphonebatteries.htm">6.4-hour battery</a>. <br /><br /> Google has promised to release at least 18 handsets based on Android by the end of 2009, according to the <i><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/27/google-expect-18-android-phones-by-years-end/">New York Times</a></i>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/29/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-20-handset-available-to-humans-on-nov-6-2009-for-199.htm">Motorola DROID: First Google Android 2.0 Handset Available on Nov. 6, 2009 for $199</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Thursday, October 29th, 2009 at 00:01:46.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/29/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-20-handset-available-to-humans-on-nov-6-2009-for-199.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/29/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-20-handset-available-to-humans-on-nov-6-2009-for-199.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/29/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-20-handset-available-to-humans-on-nov-6-2009-for-199.htm&zItl=Motorola DROID: First Google Android 2.0 Handset Available on Nov. 6, 2009 for $199">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/29/motorola-droid-worlds-first-google-android-20-handset-available-to-humans-on-nov-6-2009-for-199.htm 2009-10-29T00:01:46Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/28/how-to-block-your-cell-phone-number-from-caller-id.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/qt/blockcellphonenumber.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/T/5/-/-/stopphone.jpg" alt="How to block your cell phone number from caller ID" style="width:175px;height:142px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © Christian Lantry, Getty Images</i></center></div>Have you ever wanted to call someone from your cell phone without caller ID knowing your number? It's easy and free! <br /><br /> You have two choices with cell phone blocking. You can either do a permanent block or a temporary block on a call-by-call basis. <br /><br /> Temporary blocking, though, only works with individuals and businesses. It does not work with toll-free numbers and emergency services. <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/qt/blockcellphonenumber.htm"><b>Here are the simple and free steps</b></a> for both choices.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/28/how-to-block-your-cell-phone-number-from-caller-id.htm">How to Block Your Cell Phone Number From Caller ID</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Wednesday, October 28th, 2009 at 03:29:42.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/28/how-to-block-your-cell-phone-number-from-caller-id.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/28/how-to-block-your-cell-phone-number-from-caller-id.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/28/how-to-block-your-cell-phone-number-from-caller-id.htm&zItl=How to Block Your Cell Phone Number From Caller ID">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/28/how-to-block-your-cell-phone-number-from-caller-id.htm 2009-10-28T03:29:42Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/27/compilation-no-contract-consumer-cellular-prepaid-wireless-plans-for-seniors.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/consumercellularplans/tp/consumercellularprepaidplans.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/p/3/-/-/consumercellular.jpg" alt="Consumer Cellular" style="width:175px;height:57px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © Consumer Cellular</i></center></div>While <b><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/consumercellularplans/tp/consumercellularprepaidplans.htm">Consumer Cellular</a></b> can work for anyone, the prepaid wireless plans and phones are targeted at senior citizens. <br /><br /> Consumer Cellular, which competes with all of the prepaid carriers, most closely rivals Jitterbug due to the focus on seniors by both carriers. <br /><br /> Seniors are offered benefits for AARP (a 5 percent monthly discount) and AAA memberships when joining Consumer Cellular. Jitterbug does not. <br /><br /> Are the low-cost, no-contract plans at Consumer Cellular right for you? Decide for yourself in my new <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/consumercellularplans/tp/consumercellularprepaidplans.htm"><b>Consumer Cellular plan compilation</b></a>!<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/27/compilation-no-contract-consumer-cellular-prepaid-wireless-plans-for-seniors.htm">Compilation: Consumer Cellular Prepaid Wireless Plans for Senior Citizens</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009 at 00:01:25.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/27/compilation-no-contract-consumer-cellular-prepaid-wireless-plans-for-seniors.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/27/compilation-no-contract-consumer-cellular-prepaid-wireless-plans-for-seniors.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/27/compilation-no-contract-consumer-cellular-prepaid-wireless-plans-for-seniors.htm&zItl=Compilation: Consumer Cellular Prepaid Wireless Plans for Senior Citizens">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/27/compilation-no-contract-consumer-cellular-prepaid-wireless-plans-for-seniors.htm 2009-10-27T00:01:25Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/26/following-the-palm-pre-palm-pixi-available-for-sprint-on-nov-15-2009-for-9999.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 103px;"><center><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/R/5/-/-/palmpixi.jpg" alt="Palm Pixi for Sprint" style="width:103px;height:200px;border:none;" /></center></a><br /><center>Palm Pixi for Sprint<br /><i>Image © Palm</i></center></div>After the release of the popular <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/phonereviews/fr/palm_pre.htm">Palm Pre</a> for Sprint, Palm in Sept. 2009 announced its follow-up <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/coveringthebasics/qt/cellphonesvssmartphones.htm">smartphone</a>: the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/b/2009/09/09/palm-unveils-the-pixi-lowers-the-pres-price.htm">Palm Pixi</a>. The Palm Pre has rivaled the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/phonereviews/fr/iphone_3G_S_review.htm">iPhone 3G S</a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/08/05/on-sale-today-t-mobile-mytouch-3g-with-google-android.htm">T-Mobile myTouch 3G</a>. <br /><br /> We learn today that the Palm Pixi will be released for <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/sprintserviceplans/tp/sprintserviceplans.htm">Sprint</a> on Nov. 15, 2009 for $99.99 with a two-year contract and an applicable rebate. The Palm Pre is currently $149.99 with a contract and after a rebate. <br /><br /> In some ways, though, the Pixi can be viewed as a downgrade to the Pre. The Pixi's main differentiator is a BlackBerry-style full <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/qwertydefinition.htm">QWERTY</a> keyboard on the face of the phone. The Palm Pre, on the other hand, has a slide-out full keyboard. <br /><br /> But the Pre has a 3.1-inch touch screen while the Pixi only has a 2.63-inch touch screen. That's because the Pixi is smaller than the Pre. <br /><br /> The Palm Pixi weighs in at a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/lightcellphones.htm">very light</a> 3.26 ounces whereas the Palm Pre is 4.76 ounces. The Pixi is <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/slimcellphones.htm">thinner</a>, too. The Pixi is 0.43 inches thick with a height of 4.37 inches and a width of 2.17 inches. The Pre is 0.67 inches thick with a height of 3.9 inches and a width of 2.3 inches. <br /><br /> <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><center><a href="http://smartphones.about.com/od/phonereviews/fr/palm_pre.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/s/3/-/-/palmpre.jpg" alt="Palm Pre for Sprint" style="width:175px;height:155px;border:none;" /></center></a><br /><center>Palm Pre for Sprint<br /><i>Image © Palm</i></center></div>The Palm Pre has a 3-megapixel camera with LED flash and an extended depth of field whereas the Palm Pixi only has a 2-megapixel camera with an LED flash. <br /><br /> The Palm Pre has Wi-Fi (to get online at a local Starbucks, for example, instead of using the Sprint network) whereas the Palm Pixi does not. <br /><br /> Both have the same memory storage (8 gigabytes) and both are rated at 5 hours of talk time. The Pixi, though, is rated at 350 hours of standby time whereas the Pre is rated at 300 hours of standby time when not in use at all. <br /><br /> Most of the other features are the same on both handsets. Palm's Web site for the Pixi is <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://www.palm.com/us/products/phones/pixi/index.html">here</a>. More links about the phones are below. <br /> <ol> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/b/2009/09/09/palm-unveils-the-pixi-lowers-the-pres-price.htm">Palm Pixi Announcement</a> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/07/28/reports-some-palm-pre-sprint-devices-randomly-power-down-heres-a-fix.htm">Easy Palm Pre Battery Fix</a> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/07/11/tip-to-improve-battery-life-of-sprints-new-iphone-rival-the-palm-pre.htm">Improve the Palm Pre's Battery Life</a> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/07/13/t-mobile-mytouch-3g-with-google-android-now-available-for-pre-sale.htm">Palm Pre Rival: T-Mobile myTouch 3G</a> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/07/02/iphone-3g-s-edges-out-palm-pre-in-new-consumer-reports-ratings.htm">Report: iPhone 3G S Edges Out Palm Pre</a> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://ipod.about.com/od/beforeyoubuy/a/iphone-3gs-vs-pre.htm">iPhone 3G S vs. Palm Pre</a> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://smartphones.about.com/od/wheretobuy/a/iphone_vs_palm_pre_price.htm">Cost Comparison: iPhone 3G S vs. Palm Pre</a></ol><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/26/following-the-palm-pre-palm-pixi-available-for-sprint-on-nov-15-2009-for-9999.htm">Following Palm Pre, Palm Pixi Available for Sprint on Nov. 15, 2009 for $99.99</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Monday, October 26th, 2009 at 14:20:19.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/26/following-the-palm-pre-palm-pixi-available-for-sprint-on-nov-15-2009-for-9999.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/26/following-the-palm-pre-palm-pixi-available-for-sprint-on-nov-15-2009-for-9999.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/26/following-the-palm-pre-palm-pixi-available-for-sprint-on-nov-15-2009-for-9999.htm&zItl=Following Palm Pre, Palm Pixi Available for Sprint on Nov. 15, 2009 for $99.99">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/26/following-the-palm-pre-palm-pixi-available-for-sprint-on-nov-15-2009-for-9999.htm 2009-10-26T14:20:19Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/23/faq-will-cell-phone-insurance-save-you-money.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 113px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/f/cellphoneinsurance.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/N/5/-/-/asurion.jpg" alt="Asurion cell phone insurance" style="width:113px;height:31px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © Asurion</i></center></div>Should you get cell phone insurance or is it a waste of money? <br /><br /> How much does it typically cost per month? What are the traditional deductibles for cell phone insurance? Did you know that one company is the licensed insurance agency for most of the major wireless carriers? <br /><br /> For answers to these questions and more, read my new <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/f/cellphoneinsurance.htm"><b>guide on cell phone insurance</a></b>!<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/23/faq-will-cell-phone-insurance-save-you-money.htm">FAQ: Will Cell Phone Insurance Save You Money?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Friday, October 23rd, 2009 at 00:01:15.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/23/faq-will-cell-phone-insurance-save-you-money.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/23/faq-will-cell-phone-insurance-save-you-money.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/23/faq-will-cell-phone-insurance-save-you-money.htm&zItl=FAQ: Will Cell Phone Insurance Save You Money?">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/23/faq-will-cell-phone-insurance-save-you-money.htm 2009-10-23T00:01:15Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/22/how-to-backup-text-messages-for-free-with-treasuremytext.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/textmessaging/qt/backuptextmessages.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/L/5/-/-/treasuremytext.jpg" alt="Treasuremytext" style="width:175px;height:36px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © Treasuremytext</i></center></div>Just because your cell phone runs out of storage space for your <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/smstextmessage.htm">text messages</a> doesn't mean you have to delete them. <br /><br /> Why not archive them online? For free? Forever? With Treasuremytext, now you can. <br /><br /> The (mostly free) service, which is a cinch to register for, assigns you a long-distance phone number that's good for the United States and Canada. You get a separate number for the United Kingdom and the rest of the world. <br /><br /> Then, just forward the SMS messages you want to save to this number. That's it! The service offers additional features and some fees may apply. <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/textmessaging/qt/backuptextmessages.htm"><b>Learn all about Treasuremytext!</b></a><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/22/how-to-backup-text-messages-for-free-with-treasuremytext.htm">How to Backup Text Messages for Free With Treasuremytext</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Thursday, October 22nd, 2009 at 01:05:25.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/22/how-to-backup-text-messages-for-free-with-treasuremytext.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/22/how-to-backup-text-messages-for-free-with-treasuremytext.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/22/how-to-backup-text-messages-for-free-with-treasuremytext.htm&zItl=How to Backup Text Messages for Free With Treasuremytext">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/22/how-to-backup-text-messages-for-free-with-treasuremytext.htm 2009-10-22T01:05:25Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/21/platinumtel-releases-all-in-one-convenience-store-packages-for-prepaid-wireless.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 168px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/tp/platinumtelprepaidwireless.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/M/5/-/-/platinumtel_conveniencestor.jpg" alt="PlatinumTel" style="width:168px;height:175px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © PlatinumTel</i></center></div>Prepaid wireless carrier PlatinumTel continues making news today with its release of an all-in-one phone package for convenience stores. <br /><br /> The basic cell phones come pre-activated with 100 pre-loaded minutes. Convenience store owners can buy the pop-top displays with 10 phones for $150. PlatinumTel says each phone has a suggested retail price of $30. <br /><br /> PlatinumTel made the unveiling on Wednesday at the National Association for Convenience &#038; Petroleum Retailing, which runs from Oct. 21 to 23, 2009 in Las Vegas. The carrier says its convenience store promotion ends on Dec. 31, 2009. The phones come with no contracts, no credit checks and nationwide coverage. <br /><br /> PlatinumTel, which is a <i><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/mvnodefinition.htm">mobile virtual network operator</a></i> (MVNO) that uses the <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/sprintserviceplans/tp/sprintserviceplans.htm">Sprint</a> network, is a nationwide prepaid wireless provider. It operates on a high-speed <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/3g.htm">3G</a> network and can reach 280 million people, according to PlatinumTel. <br /><br /> The packages display two of the carrier's plans: <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/p/platinumtelprepaidtalktext.htm">Unlimited Talk &#038; Text</a> for $50 per month and a <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/p/platinumteldot10payasyougo.htm">Dot10</a> pay-as-you-go plan for 6.7 to 10 cents per minute. There's no word yet on which convenience stores will carry these packages. <br /><br /> All of the PlatinumTel prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/tp/platinumtelprepaidwireless.htm"><b>can be found here</b></a>. All of the prepaid and pay-as-you-go plans at AT&#038;T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, Jitterbug, Straight Talk, T-Mobile, TracFone and Virgin Mobile <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm">can be found here</a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/21/platinumtel-releases-all-in-one-convenience-store-packages-for-prepaid-wireless.htm">Prepaid Wireless Carrier PlatinumTel Releases All-in-One Convenience Store Packages</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at 16:40:53.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/21/platinumtel-releases-all-in-one-convenience-store-packages-for-prepaid-wireless.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/21/platinumtel-releases-all-in-one-convenience-store-packages-for-prepaid-wireless.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/21/platinumtel-releases-all-in-one-convenience-store-packages-for-prepaid-wireless.htm&zItl=Prepaid Wireless Carrier PlatinumTel Releases All-in-One Convenience Store Packages">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/21/platinumtel-releases-all-in-one-convenience-store-packages-for-prepaid-wireless.htm 2009-10-21T16:40:53Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/20/independent-prepaid-wireless-site-rates-30-carriers-tmobile-tops-the-list.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 160px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/G/T/1/-/-/tmobile.jpg" alt="T-Mobile logo" style="width:160px;height:23px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © T-Mobile</i></center></div>PrepaidReviews.com, which is an independent site for consumer information on low-cost prepaid wireless service, has rated the following 30 carriers in order of highest ranked to lowest: <br /><ol> <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/tmobileserviceplans/tp/tmobilecellphoneplans.htm">T-Mobile</a> (<b>5.0</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/attserviceplans/tp/attserviceplans.htm">AT&#038;T</a> (<b>4.5</b>/5.0) <li>Page Plus Cellular (<b>4.5</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/tp/platinumtelprepaidwireless.htm">PlatinumTel</a> (<b>4.5</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/boostmobileserviceplans/tp/boostmobileprepaidwireless.htm">Boost Mobile</a> (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li>Locus (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li>MetroPCS (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li>Net10 (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li>Ready Mobile (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li>Red Pocket Mobile (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li>Total Call Mobile (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/tracfoneprepaidwireless/tp/tracfoneprepaidwireless.htm">TracFone</a> (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/a/payasyougo.htm">Verizon Wireless</a> (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/virginmobileserviceplans/tp/virginmobileprepaidwireless.htm">Virgin Mobile</a> (<b>4.0</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/09/18/alltel-wireless-unveils-underwhelming-restrictive-unlimited-messaging-on-7999-plans.htm">Alltel</a> (<b>3.5</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/07/26/low-cost-no-contract-consumer-cellular-targets-aarp-seniors.htm">Consumer Cellular</a> (<b>3.5</b>/5.0) <li>Kajeet (<b>3.5</b>/5.0) <li>Simple Freedom (<b>3.5</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/tp/straighttalkprepaidwireless.htm">Straight Talk</a> (<b>3.5</b>/5.0) <li>U.S. Cellular (<b>3.5</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/greencellphonepractices/a/greencarriers.htm">Earth Tones</a> (<b>3.0</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/jitterbugprepaidplans/tp/jitterbugprepaidwireless.htm">Jitterbug</a> (<b>3.0</b>/5.0) <li>o2 Wireless (<b>3.0</b>/5.0) <li>Xtreme Mobile (<b>3.0</b>/5.0) <li><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cricketserviceplans/tp/cricketprepaidwirelessplans.htm">Cricket</a> (<b>2.5</b>/5.0) <li>Jump Mobile (<b>2.5</b>/5.0) <li>Liberty Wireless (<b>2.5</b>/5.0) <li>Mojo Mobile (<b>2.0</b>/5.0) <li>STI Mobile (<b>2.0</b>/5.0) <li>Venture Mobile (<b>1.5</b>/5.0) </ol> The site awards T-Mobile's prepaid wireless service with a perfect 5.0 out of 5.0 rating. PrepaidReviews.com says about T-Mobile: "T-Mobile's to-go plans offer great coverage in T-Mobile-friendly areas, a wide array of basic phone features and competitive pricing." <br /><br /> With AT&#038;T following T-Mobile by just a hair, PlatinumTel and Page Plus Cellular are tied for the highest-rated <i><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/mvnodefinition.htm">mobile virtual network operator</a></i> (MVNO) prepaid carriers. PlatinumTel uses the Sprint network and Page Plus uses Verizon. <br /><br /> PrepaidReviews.com says its editors determine carrier ratings based on pricing, ease of obtaining service, fees to obtain service, coverage area, quality of phones, ease of buying minutes, customer service, features included, additional features, roaming and consumer feedback. <br /><br /> You can learn about the specifics of all the prepaid wireless plans at AT&#038;T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, Jitterbug, PlatinumTel, Straight Talk, T-Mobile, TracFone and Virgin Mobile in <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm"><b>this mega compilation</b></a>! You can read all 30 carrier ratings at PrepaidReviews.com <a href="http://www.prepaidreviews.com/bestrated.html" target="blank">here</a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/20/independent-prepaid-wireless-site-rates-30-carriers-tmobile-tops-the-list.htm">Independent Prepaid Wireless Site Rates 30 Carriers; T-Mobile Tops the List</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Tuesday, October 20th, 2009 at 02:03:04.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/20/independent-prepaid-wireless-site-rates-30-carriers-tmobile-tops-the-list.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/20/independent-prepaid-wireless-site-rates-30-carriers-tmobile-tops-the-list.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/20/independent-prepaid-wireless-site-rates-30-carriers-tmobile-tops-the-list.htm&zItl=Independent Prepaid Wireless Site Rates 30 Carriers; T-Mobile Tops the List">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/20/independent-prepaid-wireless-site-rates-30-carriers-tmobile-tops-the-list.htm 2009-10-20T02:03:04Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/19/toshiba-recharge-a-cell-phone-in-seconds-by-squirting-methanol-into-it.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/K/5/-/-/toshiba_dmfc.jpg" alt="Toshiba direct methanol fuel cell technology" style="width:175px;height:174px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center>Toshiba direct methanol fuel cell technology<br /><i>Image screenshot created by Adam Fendelman of About.com from IDG video</i></center></div>A year ago at CEATEC 2008 in Japan, Toshiba revealed a <a href="http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/10/01/toshiba-powers-cell-phone-with-methanol-fuel-cell-no-you-can/" target="blank">prototype cell phone</a> using its <i>direct methanol fuel cell</i> (<a href="http://www3.toshiba.co.jp/ddc/eng/dmfc/index.htm" target="blank">DMFC</a>) liquid technology. <br /><br /> The idea then was that squirting methanol into the phone would yield six hours of talk time. <br /><br /> At <a href="http://www.ceatec.com" target="blank">CEATEC 2009</a>, which is the cutting-edge IT and electronics exhibition that ended on Oct. 10, 2009, Toshiba appears to have been hard at work over the past year with <a href="http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/06/toshibas-dmfc-fuel-cell-seen-powering-phones-at-ceatec/" target="blank">significant improvements</a> on the still yet-to-be-released liquid technology. <br /><br /> I've typed out the text from <a href="http://www.wimp.com/fuelcellphone/" target="blank">this IDG video</a>: <br /> <blockquote>It's a little thicker than a regular cell phone, but this prototype handset from Toshiba can last about 13 days on standby and then be <b>recharged in seconds</b>. <br /><br /> It's based on a direct methanol fuel cell that produces electricity from a reaction between methanol water and air. The only byproducts are a small amount of water vapor and carbon dioxide. <br /><br /> The prototype includes a lithium-ion battery, which is needed to cope with spikes in power demand from the cell phone. That combination means the phone can run for around <b>320 hours without a recharge</b>, which is about <i>3 days longer</i> than the equivalent commercial handset. <br /><br /> But the biggest advantage to a DMFC is that it can be refilled in seconds with a squirt of methanol rather than having to wait an hour or two for the battery to be recharged. The phone is more advanced than one that was shown last year at CEATAC, but there's still no word on when it might be available. <br /><br /> Toshiba has been promising a commercial battery charger based on the same fuel cell technology for several months, but has yet to announce a commercial product for that. <br /><br /> The charger will be a portable device that can be used to recharge the batteries in gadgets such as cell phones, music players and game devices instead of plugging them into an electrical socket.</blockquote><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/19/toshiba-recharge-a-cell-phone-in-seconds-by-squirting-methanol-into-it.htm">Toshiba: Recharge a Cell Phone in Seconds by Squirting Methanol Into It?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Monday, October 19th, 2009 at 00:56:28.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/19/toshiba-recharge-a-cell-phone-in-seconds-by-squirting-methanol-into-it.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/19/toshiba-recharge-a-cell-phone-in-seconds-by-squirting-methanol-into-it.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/19/toshiba-recharge-a-cell-phone-in-seconds-by-squirting-methanol-into-it.htm&zItl=Toshiba: Recharge a Cell Phone in Seconds by Squirting Methanol Into It?">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/19/toshiba-recharge-a-cell-phone-in-seconds-by-squirting-methanol-into-it.htm 2009-10-19T00:56:28Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/show-tell-publish-your-favorite-cell-phone-pictures.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 160px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/u/sty/phoneimagegalleries/bestcellphonepictures/form.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/create/1/G/E/Q/1/-/chicagomillenniumpark.jpg" alt="Downtown Chicago on July 27, 2009" style="width:160px;height:214px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center>Downtown Chicago (taken on a Palm Pre)<br /><i>Image © Adam Fendelman, About.com</i></center></div>Cell phone cameras have come a long way. <br /><br /> While they used to just take basic, low-quality shots, higher-quality cell phone cameras have become a must-have feature for consumers. <br /><br /> We want to see your favorite cell phone pictures! Yes, it's your chance to show and tell. <br /><br /> <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/u/sty/phoneimagegalleries/bestcellphonepictures/form.htm"><b>Upload your favorite cell phone picture</b></a> and tell us your story behind it! You can also view already published cell phone pictures <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/u/sty/phoneimagegalleries/bestcellphonepictures/">here</a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/show-tell-publish-your-favorite-cell-phone-pictures.htm">Show & Tell: Publish Your Favorite Cell Phone Pictures</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 20:43:45.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/show-tell-publish-your-favorite-cell-phone-pictures.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/show-tell-publish-your-favorite-cell-phone-pictures.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/show-tell-publish-your-favorite-cell-phone-pictures.htm&zItl=Show & Tell: Publish Your Favorite Cell Phone Pictures">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/show-tell-publish-your-favorite-cell-phone-pictures.htm 2009-10-16T20:43:45Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/definition-of-mvno-what-is-a-mobile-virtual-network-operator.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 96px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/mvnodefinition.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/6/d/2/-/-/questionmark.jpg" alt="Question mark for cell phone definitions and glossary" style="width:96px;height:120px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © Chad Baker, Getty Images</i></center></div>When consumers decide to leave a contract-based cell phone carrier, they tend to select <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm">prepaid wireless service</a>. <br /><br /> Prepaid wireless and pay-as-you-go carriers are typically smaller than the major carriers, which consist of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/attserviceplans/tp/attserviceplans.htm">AT&#038;T</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/sprintserviceplans/tp/sprintserviceplans.htm">Sprint</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/tmobileserviceplans/tp/tmobilecellphoneplans.htm">T-Mobile</a> and Verizon Wireless. <br /><br /> Many of the prepaid carriers are called <i>mobile virtual network operators</i> (MVNOs). <br /><br /> What exactly is an MVNO? Which carriers are MVNOs? Which carrier was the very first? For answers to these questions and more, read my new <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/mvnodefinition.htm"><b>glossary entry on MVNOs</b></a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/definition-of-mvno-what-is-a-mobile-virtual-network-operator.htm">Definition of MVNO: What is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Friday, October 16th, 2009 at 00:45:18.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/definition-of-mvno-what-is-a-mobile-virtual-network-operator.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/definition-of-mvno-what-is-a-mobile-virtual-network-operator.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/definition-of-mvno-what-is-a-mobile-virtual-network-operator.htm&zItl=Definition of MVNO: What is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator?">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/16/definition-of-mvno-what-is-a-mobile-virtual-network-operator.htm 2009-10-16T00:45:18Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/analyst-with-the-power-of-walmart-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-can-be-tipping-point-for-millions.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 140px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/tp/straighttalkprepaidwireless.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/j/4/-/-/straighttalk.jpg" alt="Straight Talk logo" style="width:140px;height:73px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © TracFone Wireless, Inc.</i></center></div>The trend of recession-weary consumers turning to prepaid wireless is continuing. <br /><br /> The 140 million U.S. consumers who are on cell phone contracts spend an average of $81 per month while using less than 550 monthly minutes, according to the New Millennium Research Council (NMRC). The NMRC is a Washington, D.C.-based think tank. <br /><br /> Prepaid carriers like <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/boostmobileserviceplans/tp/boostmobileprepaidwireless.htm">Boost Mobile</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cricketserviceplans/tp/cricketprepaidwirelessplans.htm">Cricket</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/virginmobileserviceplans/tp/virginmobileprepaidwireless.htm">Virgin Mobile</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/jitterbugprepaidplans/tp/jitterbugprepaidwireless.htm">Jitterbug</a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/tp/platinumtelprepaidwireless.htm">PlatinumTel</a> are increasing in popularity due to their promise of lower-priced cell phone plans and no contracts. <br /><br /> <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/tp/straighttalkprepaidwireless.htm">Straight Talk</a>, which is a brand of <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/tracfoneprepaidwireless/tp/tracfoneprepaidwireless.htm">TracFone Wireless</a>, is the newest prepaid wireless carrier on the scene. Straight Talk is now being sold by Walmart, which is the country's largest retailer. <br /><br /> This affiliation could be the "tipping point for millions of consumers who are already considering moving away from expensive, contract-based cell phone service," according to NMRC executive director Allen Hepner in a Thursday statement. <br /><br /> A survey published by the NMRC in March 2009 said two out of five Americans with contract-based cell phone service were likely to cut back to save money if the economy continued to get worse. <br /><br /> The same survey said 40 million Americans (or 26 percent of consumers with contract-based cell phone service) are "more inclined [now] than ... six months ago to look at a way to save money on [a] cell phone bill such as by switching to a prepaid cell phone service." <br /><br /> A Dec. 2008 survey from the NMRC said only 44 percent of 18- to 24-year-olds know when their contract-based wireless service ends. <br /><br /> While Straight Talk is just one choice for prepaid wireless service, the carrier has among the simplest offering around. It just has two plans. <br /><br /> One costs <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/p/straighttalkunlimitedprepaid.htm">$45 for unlimited minutes</a> and another is priced at <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/p/straighttalkallyouneedprepaid.htm">$30 for 1,000 anytime minutes</a>. Web usage is limited on both plans. <br /><br /> Is prepaid wireless right for you? Learn more about <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/tp/straighttalkprepaidwireless.htm"><b>Straight Talk</a></b> along with <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm"><b>all of the other prepaid wireless carriers</b></a>!<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/analyst-with-the-power-of-walmart-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-can-be-tipping-point-for-millions.htm">Analyst: With the Power of Walmart, Straight Talk Prepaid Wireless Can Be ‘Tipping Point’ for Millions</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Thursday, October 15th, 2009 at 19:35:04.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/analyst-with-the-power-of-walmart-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-can-be-tipping-point-for-millions.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/analyst-with-the-power-of-walmart-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-can-be-tipping-point-for-millions.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/analyst-with-the-power-of-walmart-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-can-be-tipping-point-for-millions.htm&zItl=Analyst: With the Power of Walmart, Straight Talk Prepaid Wireless Can Be ‘Tipping Point’ for Millions">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/analyst-with-the-power-of-walmart-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-can-be-tipping-point-for-millions.htm 2009-10-15T19:35:04Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/zoomsafer-can-cell-phone-software-help-prevent-distracted-driving.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/J/5/-/-/zoomsafer.jpg" alt="ZoomSafer" style="width:175px;height:51px;border:none;" /><br /><center><i>Image © ZoomSafer</i></center></div>A company called <a href="http://www.zoomsafer.com" target="blank">ZoomSafer</a> has gone to great lengths with its cell phone software to help prevent <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/05/study-one-third-of-drivers-text-social-network-while-driving.htm">distracted driving</a>. <br /><br /> Combined with software on your cell phone, the company uses GPS (or the planet's many atmospheric satellites) to detect when you're moving faster than 10 miles per hour (i.e. driving rather than walking). <br /><br /> When you drive, ZoomSafer has a number of products for minimizing cell phone distractions that are designed to improve driver safety. The services range from free to $10 per month. <br /><br /> For $2 per month, non-<a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/coveringthebasics/qt/cellphonesvssmartphones.htm">smartphone</a> users can send and receive voice-powered <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/smstextmessage.htm">text messages</a> and emails. For $5 per month, you get enhanced safe-driving services. For $10 per month, ZoomSafer offers the ability for enterprises to control specific policies on end-user devices. <br /><br /> But even when you're driving and your hands aren't on your cell phone, your brain can potentially still be distracted. Do you think cell phone software can prevent driver distraction or should people just not use their phones while driving? Chime in on our new poll below! <br /><br /> <center><SCRIPT LANGUAGE= "javaScript" SRC="http://guidepolls.about.com/cellphones/5565082421/poll.js?linkback=<!--#echo var="SCRIPT_URI"-->"></script></center><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/zoomsafer-can-cell-phone-software-help-prevent-distracted-driving.htm">ZoomSafer: Can Cell Phone Software Help Prevent Distracted Driving?</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Thursday, October 15th, 2009 at 00:01:00.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/zoomsafer-can-cell-phone-software-help-prevent-distracted-driving.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/zoomsafer-can-cell-phone-software-help-prevent-distracted-driving.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/zoomsafer-can-cell-phone-software-help-prevent-distracted-driving.htm&zItl=ZoomSafer: Can Cell Phone Software Help Prevent Distracted Driving?">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/15/zoomsafer-can-cell-phone-software-help-prevent-distracted-driving.htm 2009-10-15T00:01:00Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/fcc-considering-billshrink-proposal-to-simplify-cell-phone-bills.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/I/5/-/-/fcc.jpg" alt="FCC, Federal Communications Commission" style="width:175px;height:99px;border:none;" /><br /><center><i>Image © FCC</i></center></div>There's a reason why a number of services exist to help you understand and save money on your cell phone bill. If it was easier to do on our own, we wouldn't need companies like <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://websearch.about.com/b/2008/04/11/looking-for-a-cheaper-cell-phone-plan-try-billshrink.htm">BillShrink</a>. <br /><br /> The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has asked for expert opinions on how to simplify cell phone bills and comments are coming in. <br /><br /> BillShrink, which says consumers spend $300 more per year on plans than they should, filed a comment with the FCC on Tuesday to lend a hand, according to the <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2009/10/13/fcc-considers-ways-to-simplify-cellphone-bills/" target="blank"><i>Wall Street Journal</i></a>. <br /><br /> The article says BillShrink has uncovered $800 million in potential savings on mobile phone plans in the last 5 months alone. <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/04/21/onlinebillreviewcom-claims-itll-slice-28-percent-off-your-cell-phone-bill.htm">OnlineBillReview.com</a> is a similar service. <br /><br /> BillShrink's comment with the FCC centers on simplifying <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/roamingpoliciesbycarrier/Roaming_Policies_by_Carrier.htm">roaming</a> costs, contract termination, taxes, basic plan charges and additional fees. <br /><br /> In the meantime, you can lower your wireless bill now simply by <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/qt/callyourcarrier.htm">calling your carrier</a>. You can also <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/a/cancelcontract.htm">cancel your contract cheaply</a>. More tips about how to save money on your cell phone are <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/frequentlyaskedquestions/tp/tipsonsavingmoney.htm">here</a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/fcc-considering-billshrink-proposal-to-simplify-cell-phone-bills.htm">FCC Considering BillShrink’s Proposal to Simplify Cell Phone Bills</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 00:47:36.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/fcc-considering-billshrink-proposal-to-simplify-cell-phone-bills.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/fcc-considering-billshrink-proposal-to-simplify-cell-phone-bills.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/fcc-considering-billshrink-proposal-to-simplify-cell-phone-bills.htm&zItl=FCC Considering BillShrink’s Proposal to Simplify Cell Phone Bills">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/fcc-considering-billshrink-proposal-to-simplify-cell-phone-bills.htm 2009-10-14T00:47:36Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/compilation-of-tracfone-prepaid-wireless-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/tracfoneprepaidwireless/tp/tracfoneprepaidwireless.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/H/5/-/-/tracfone.jpg" alt="TracFone Wireless" style="width:175px;height:44px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © TracFone Wireless</i></center></div>TracFone Wireless is a subsidiary of América Móvil, which has more cell phone customers than AT&#038;T and Verizon combined, according to TracFone. <br /><br /> The carrier has various pay-as-you-go options with no contracts. You can even upgrade the buckets of minutes so they "double for life". <br /><br /> TracFone Wireless also has monthly plans that come with no contracts. There's a family plan, too, along with a Service Protection feature in case your minutes are about to expire. <br /><br /> Is TracFone right for you? Learn about the carrier in my <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/tracfoneprepaidwireless/tp/tracfoneprepaidwireless.htm"><b>TracFone plan compilation</b></a>. You can also learn about the other <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm">prepaid wireless carriers</a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/compilation-of-tracfone-prepaid-wireless-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm">Compilation of TracFone Prepaid Wireless, Pay-as-You-Go Plans</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Wednesday, October 14th, 2009 at 00:01:11.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/compilation-of-tracfone-prepaid-wireless-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/compilation-of-tracfone-prepaid-wireless-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/compilation-of-tracfone-prepaid-wireless-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm&zItl=Compilation of TracFone Prepaid Wireless, Pay-as-You-Go Plans">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/14/compilation-of-tracfone-prepaid-wireless-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm 2009-10-14T00:01:11Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/13/best-budget-cell-phone-gift-ideas-of-2009.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 111px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/bestbudgetcellphonegifts.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/D/5/-/-/solarvoice908.jpg" alt="SolarVoice 908 solar-powered Bluetooth headset from i.Tech Dynamic" style="width:111px;height:175px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center>SolarVoice 908 solar-powered Bluetooth headset<br /><i>Image © i.Tech Dynamic</i></center></div>It's never too early to start gift shopping for the holidays. In 2009, how about having your cell phone gift stand out from a sea of similar gadgets? <br /><br /> <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/bestbudgetcellphonegifts.htm"><b>This list</b></a> helps you find some of the best and most unique items at prices you can afford. <br /><br /> I've selected options ranging from a solar-charged Bluetooth headset to various green cell phones, a rugged handset and an in-car Bluetooth speakerphone. <br /><br /> We also have a very lightweight handset and a touch screen phone with a bright, LED display. <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/cellphonereviews/tp/bestbudgetcellphonegifts.htm"><b>Start your gadget shopping research now!</b></a><p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/13/best-budget-cell-phone-gift-ideas-of-2009.htm">Best Budget Cell Phone Gift Ideas of 2009</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Tuesday, October 13th, 2009 at 00:01:10.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/13/best-budget-cell-phone-gift-ideas-of-2009.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/13/best-budget-cell-phone-gift-ideas-of-2009.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/13/best-budget-cell-phone-gift-ideas-of-2009.htm&zItl=Best Budget Cell Phone Gift Ideas of 2009">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/13/best-budget-cell-phone-gift-ideas-of-2009.htm 2009-10-13T00:01:10Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/12/mega-list-best-prepaid-wireless-plans-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 175px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/G/5/-/-/prepaidwireless2.jpg" alt="Prepaid wireless carriers" style="width:175px;height:88px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © respective carriers</i></center></div>For some, signing a cell phone contract is worthwhile because of the lower-priced handset that comes with it. For others, <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm"><b>prepaid wireless</b></a> represents lower plan prices without a commitment. Is prepaid right for you? <br /><br /> While AT&#038;T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless mostly sell contract-based plans, various competitors typically use their networks to offer prepaid wireless under their own brands. <br /><br /> <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/serviceplananalysis/tp/prepaidpayasyougowirelessplans.htm"><b>This is a library</b></a> of the best prepaid wireless and pay-as-you-go plans at the major no-contract carriers. It features all prepaid plans from AT&#038;T, Boost Mobile, Cricket, Jitterbug, PlatinumTel, Straight Talk, T-Mobile, TracFone and Virgin Mobile.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/12/mega-list-best-prepaid-wireless-plans-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm">Mega List: Best Prepaid Wireless, Pay-as-You-Go Plans</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Monday, October 12th, 2009 at 00:46:20.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/12/mega-list-best-prepaid-wireless-plans-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/12/mega-list-best-prepaid-wireless-plans-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/12/mega-list-best-prepaid-wireless-plans-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm&zItl=Mega List: Best Prepaid Wireless, Pay-as-You-Go Plans">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/12/mega-list-best-prepaid-wireless-plans-pay-as-you-go-plans.htm 2009-10-12T00:46:20Z http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/09/compilation-of-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-plans.htm <div style="margin: 5px 0pt 5px 5px; font-size: 0.8em; float: right; width: 140px;"><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/tp/straighttalkprepaidwireless.htm"><img src="http://z.about.com/d/cellphones/1/0/j/4/-/-/straighttalk.jpg" alt="Straight Talk logo" style="width:140px;height:73px;border:none;" /></a><br /><center><i>Image © TracFone Wireless, Inc.</i></center></div><a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/tp/straighttalkprepaidwireless.htm"><b>Straight Talk</b></a> is new on the prepaid wireless scene. As of July 30, 2009, Straight Talk is a brand of TracFone Wireless, Inc. <br /><br /> Along with Straight Talk, TracFone has three other cell phone brands as well: TracFone, NET10 and SafeLink Wireless. <br /><br /> Straight Talk has among the simplest offering around. It just has two plans. One costs $45 for unlimited minutes and another is priced at $30 for 1,000 anytime minutes. Web usage is limited. <br /><br /> Straight Talk is a <i><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/phoneglossary/g/mvnodefinition.htm">mobile virtual network operator</a></i> (MVNO), which means it doesn't have its own radio spectrum or network infrastructure. Instead, it uses the Verizon network. <br /><br /> While coverage from Straight Talk is limited in certain areas (i.e. much of Kansas, Mississippi, Nevada, western Texas and Nebraska), the carrier offers good coverage in major metropolitan areas. <br /><br /> Is Straight Talk right for you? Decide for yourself in my <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/od/straighttalkserviceplans/tp/straighttalkprepaidwireless.htm"><b>Straight Talk compilation</b></a>! You can also learn about plans at <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/boostmobileserviceplans/tp/boostmobileprepaidwireless.htm">Boost Mobile</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/cricketserviceplans/tp/cricketprepaidwirelessplans.htm">Cricket</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/virginmobileserviceplans/tp/virginmobileprepaidwireless.htm">Virgin Mobile</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/jitterbugprepaidplans/tp/jitterbugprepaidwireless.htm">Jitterbug</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/platinumtelserviceplans/tp/platinumtelprepaidwireless.htm">PlatinumTel</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/tmobileserviceplans/tp/tmobilecellphoneplans.htm">T-Mobile</a>, <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/sprintserviceplans/tp/sprintserviceplans.htm">Sprint</a> and <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&#038;zu=http://cellphones.about.com/od/attserviceplans/tp/attserviceplans.htm">AT&#038;T</a>.<p style="background:#f5f3ef;border: 1px solid #d5d0bf;padding:.5em;"><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/09/compilation-of-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-plans.htm">Compilation of Straight Talk Prepaid Wireless Plans</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/">About.com Cell Phones</a> on Friday, October 9th, 2009 at 00:54:24.</p><p><a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/09/compilation-of-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-plans.htm">Permalink</a> | <a href="http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/1hc&zu=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/09/compilation-of-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-plans.htm#gB3">Comment</a> | <a href="http://cellphones.about.com/gi/pages/shareurl.htm?PG=http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/09/compilation-of-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-plans.htm&zItl=Compilation of Straight Talk Prepaid Wireless Plans">Email this</a></p> http://cellphones.about.com/b/2009/10/09/compilation-of-straight-talk-prepaid-wireless-plans.htm 2009-10-09T00:54:24Z