You can go online to send faxes and e-mail using your cellular phone as a wireless "modem" for your laptop. To do this, you'll need a phone that can function as a modem, a cable to connect your phone to your laptop, and a carrier that offers Internet or data options. For cellular phones without a built-in modem, you'll need to purchase a cellular-compatible PC card modem that works with your laptop. You'll also need a compatible cable to connect the card modem in the laptop to your cell phone.

Sometimes the PC card and cable are packaged together as a kit i.e. You can click on the Service Plans tab to see which carriers in your market sell that phone. Newer phones have built-in modem capability, so your laptop doesn't need a PC card, but you'll still have to purchase a compatible cable to connect the phone to your laptop's serial port. Getting Web Updates on your phone: Some carriers offer news, stock and sports updates with activation of a Web-messaging option or service plan. Other carriers provide free news updates as long as you subscribe to text-messaging services.

When you sign up for these services, carriers require you to establish an account either on their Web site or on a Web site designed to provide your updates. Once you establish an account, you will be able to select and modify your updates, including when you receive them, simply by accessing your account via the Web site. The updates arrive as text messages (also called short messaging service), so your phone needs to support this feature. Depending on the carrier, updates are subject to character limitations ranging from 100 to 150 characters. Alarm Clocks on phones: With most phones, you simply select the alarm option and enter a time.

Some alarms will work even when the phone is turned off. Usually, the phone's alarm will sound just like your ringer alert. E-mail and Faxes on your phone: You can also send and receive data/fax documents, access the internet, email accounts and corporate databases whenever you are on the move. All you need is a compatible phone and computer and the connecting accessories (unless you use infrared). Your mobile acts as a phone line. Calls are normally charged at the same rate as voice calls. You can ask for this facility from your phone service, for just a little extra charge. And then, you become truly global! In touch with the world at your fingertips! Screening your calls: A caller ID displays the caller's number on your phone's screen.

It is standard with many digital cellular and PCS (Personal Communications Service) carriers. Some callers can't be identified, depending on how their call is routed to you. Locking your Phone: Locking your cell phone is a great way to ensure you're the only one using your handset. Once you activate the lock mode, you must enter a four-digit code on the keypad each time you turn on the phone. This prevents anyone else from making calls or accessing the phone's memory or menu functions. Tracking Battery Strength: Prevent the Memory Effect - Keep the battery healthy by fully charging and then fully discharging it at least once every two to three weeks.

Exceptions to the rule are Li-Ion batteries, which do not suffer from the memory effect. Do not leave the battery dormant for long periods of time. Always use a battery charger, which is by the same manufacturer as your phone, it gives it more life. It also helps if you overcharge your battery now and then. Keep the Batteries Clean - It's a good idea to clean dirty battery contacts with a cotton swab and alcohol. This helps maintain a good connection between the battery and the portable device. Do not leave your cell phone near any source of heat, a common place being the dashboard of your car, as extreme heat may affect the battery.

The battery also operates better at room temperature, vis--vis extreme cold. The vibrator mode of your cell phone consumes more battery, so when not needed, use the ring-tone mode. Battery Storage - If you don't plan on using the battery for a month or more, store it in a clean, dry, cool place away from heat and metal objects. Batteries tend to de-charge when not in use, so make sure you charge them again before using. The performance of any cell phone battery, however, no matter how properly cared for, usually diminishes after about a year. It is better to get your battery replaced then.  

Nowadays there is so much choice for an individual to buy a cell phone. Every company is producing the models with state of the art technology and features everyday. Price is the main thing that makes a difference in these different models. An expensive phone is likely to have more features, reliability and a better technology than a cheap one. Everyone wants a best phone in the market for him but high price of the cell phones comes in the way therefore price is a big thing that needs to be kept in mind while buying a cellular phone. But expensive and sophisticated phones are not everyones choice; there are people who just want a simple cell phone which is not much expensive but does its job well only as a cell phone.

Also the extra features provided in the expensive phones are not everyones need. Therefore the price is a main thing to keep in mind whenever you to buy a cell phone. Do not buy a cell phone just because it is expensive; buy the one that suits your needs. Lucky for the customers that nowadays there are a huge number of cell phone manufacturers who have a vast number of models for customers to choose from. Every vendor holds certain advantages that the other lacks in. This creates a great competition which is very healthy for the cell phone industry.

Also this competition results in the reduction of the price which is beneficial for the end user. Some people have liking for a certain brand but they still have a lot of choice in the models offered by the same brand. Every other day a new model is launched by a company, this is a strategy of companies to keep a customer stick to their brand and attract more.