Where is 4G Available

Answer:

4G service is still in its infancy, and is not yet widely available. Each carrier's service is offered in different locations.

Here are the details on where 4G service from each carrier currently is available.

Sprint, which was the first cellular carrier to offer 4G service, has continued to expand its network. As of this writing (December 2010), Sprint's 4G network is available in 68 markets.

For a detailed list of cities with 4G coverage, see Where Is Sprint 4G Service Available?.

To check availability in your area, visit Sprint's Web site.

Verizon's 4G network was launched in early December 2010 in 38 major metropolitan areas.

For a detailed list of cities with 4G coverage, see Where Is Verizon 4G Service Available?.

To check coverage in your area, visit Verizon's Web site.

T-Mobile's HSPA+ network is not a true 4G network, but does deliver speeds faster than a typical 3G network; it's considered more of a 3.5G network than a true 4G network. The HSPA+ network is available in 75 markets.

For a detailed list of cities with 4G coverage, see Where Is T-Mobile 4G Service Available?.

To check coverage in your area, visit T-Mobile's Web site.

AT&T does not yet offer a 4G service, but plans to launch one in 2011.

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iPhone 4S Cost

Looking to purchase an iPhone 4S? Whether this device is your first iPhone or you're stepping up from an earlier model, you should be prepared to shell out some cash. Here's how much you can expect to pay for the iPhone 4S itself, and for the service that you'll need on the phone.

The iPhone 4S comes in two colors (black and white) and three storage capacities. There is no difference in price between the white handset and the black model, but the price for the different storage capacities varies greatly.

The iPhone 4S with 16GB of storage costs $299. With 32GB of storage, the iPhone 4S costs $299. And the new 64GB version costs $399. All of these prices require that you sign a new two-year service agreement and assume that you are eligible for an upgrade from your carrier.

If you are not eligible for an upgraded phone at a full discount, AT&T is charging $450 for the 16GB iPhone 4S, $550 for the 32GB model, and $650 for the 64GB model.

Sprint and Verizon Wireless subscribers who are not eligible for an upgrade will be charged the full retail price for the phone. That's $650 for the 16GB iPhone 4S, $750 for the 32GB iPhone 4S, and $850 for the 64GB iPhone 4S.

Those prices are the same for the unlocked, contract-free version of the iPhone 4S. Apple will begin offering it in November, 2011.

AT&T requires that you subscribe to both a voice and data plan for the iPhone 4S. Voice plans start at $39.99 a month (for 450 minutes) and range up to $69.99 a month (for unlimited minutes).

AT&T offers three data plans: 200MB ($15 per month), 2GB ($25 per month), and 4GB (includes Internet tethering; $45 per month).

AT&T's data plans do not include text and picture messaging. The carrier offers a choice of two messaging plans: pay per message (20 cents per text) and unlimited messaging ($20 per month). Gone are the $5-per-month (200 messages) and $15-per-month (1500 messages) options that AT&T offered with the iPhone 4.

If you select AT&T's cheapest plans, you'll pay $54.99 a month. That gives you 450 calling minutes, 200MB of data, and no messages.

Visit AT&T's iPhone 4S Page

Sprint is the only carrier offering an unlimited data plan for new iPhone 4S buyers. (Verizon Wireless is grandfathering in existing customers who still have an unlimited plan, allowing them to transfer it to their new iPhone.)

Sprint's plans package voice and data service together. The individual plans start at $69.99 a month (450 voice minutes, unlimited data, unlimited messages) and go up to $99.99 a month (unlimited voice minutes, unlimited data, unlimited messages).

If you select Sprint's cheapest plan, you'll pay $69.99 a month. That gives you 450 voice minutes, unlimited data, and unlimited messages.

Visit Sprint's iPhone 4S Page

Verizon's voice plans start at $59.99 per month (450 voice minutes, unlimited texts) and go up to $89.99 a month (unlimited minutes). Data plans start at $30 per month (2GB of data) and go up to $100 per month (12GB of data plus mobile hotspot service).

If you select Verizon's cheapest plans, you'll pay $89.99 a month. That gives you 450 voice minutes, 2GB of data, and unlimited messages.

Visit Verizon Wireless's iPhone 4S Page

View the original article here

Sprint Roaming Policy

Image © Sprint Nextel Corp.U.S. wireless roaming is free on all nationwide Sprint plans. While no additional fees are incurred during Sprint roaming, these minutes are treated like your regular Sprint minutes.

For example, a U.S. roaming minute at 3 p.m. on Tuesday would count as a regular anytime minute whereas a roaming minute on Saturday would count as a free night-and-weekend minute.

International roaming minutes, on the other hand, are billed as separate minutes of use. These minutes do not pull from your regular monthly plan minutes. It can take 30 to 60 days before international roaming usage appears on your Sprint invoice.

International roaming can cost up to a pricey $4.99 per minute with Sprint. Sprint lists its international roaming rates here. Read more wireless roaming policies by carrier here.

View the original article here

Ringtone Personality Test - Question Do you like to dance?

Question #3 if (3 > 1){ reste = 20 - 3 phrase = "(" + reste + " questions remaining)" if (reste == 0){ phrase = "(This is the last question... the next page will show your results)" } if (reste == 1){ phrase = "(" + reste + " question remaining)" } document.write("" + phrase + "") }

Do you like to dance?

Tip: Question sounds out of scope? Don't forget that this is a "personality test". Therefore, your answer to that question and others will help determine which of our free ringtones best matches your style.

_______

Also Check Out:
- The 5 Best Websites for Free or Cheap Ringtones
- An Extensive List of Websites for Free or Cheap Ringtones

Other Popular Links:
- Cell Phone Chooser: Let Us Find Your 5 Best Phones
- Best Budget Cell Phones 
- Best Budget Smartphones
- Best Smartphones
- Best Places to Buy a Cell Phone 
- Own a Budget Cell Phone? Tell Us What You Think of It

View the original article here

Cell Phone Insurance

Answer: Is cell phone insurance something you need or would you be losing money on it? It depends.

One out of every three customers will lose or damage their phone within the first year, according to Sprint. In total, this amounts to approximately 60 million cell phones that are lost or damaged every year in the U.S. alone, according to Asurion.

Asurion is the third-party insurance agency for most of the major wireless carriers (including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless).

Factors to Consider

While it depends on your unique situation, the short answer is you could often be spending more money on it than you’re saving.

Cell phone insurance can be handy if your handset is stolen, lost or damaged. Many cell phone carriers do offer cell phone insurance for a low monthly fee.

Like with any other insurance policy, though, the name of the cell phone insurance game is whether you’ll spend more money insuring it than you’d save when filing a claim and getting a replacement unit.

The ultimate answer will depend on how soon you’d need a new phone. If you need a replacement device in only 3 months, for example, cell phone insurance will likely have saved you money. If you need it in 3 years, insurance will likely have cost you more money.

As a general rule, it’s unlikely that cell phone insurance would save you money if you have a low-cost, budget cell phone. Cell phone insurance can be more valuable, though, with higher-priced phones (and especially smartphones).

As an example, Sprint offers an equipment replacement program for $4 per month with a $50 to $100 non-refundable deductible (depending on the device) per approved claim.

AT&T charges $4.99 per month with a $50 to $125 non-refundable deductible per approved claim. AT&T allows two claims per year with a maximum replaced value of $1,500 per claim.

T-Mobile charges $5.99 per month with various non-refundable deductibles. Verizon Wireless charges $5.99 per month with a $39 deductible for basic phones or $7.99 per month with an $89 deductible for advanced devices.

Hypothetical Examples

Say you buy a cell phone for $100 and insurance for $5 per month with a $50 deductible. You would only save money on a replacement if your claim is filed by the ninth month. At that point, you would have paid $95 in total ($45 for insurance and $50 for the deductible).

If you buy a phone for $200 and insurance for $5 per month with a $75 deductible, you would save cash if you file before the two-year mark. By then, you will have paid $195 in total ($120 for insurance and $75 for the deductible).

Alternatives to Traditional Cell Phone Insurance
If you’re under contract at your carrier, it might be prudent to avoid insurance and hold out until you’re upgrade eligible. After 12 or 24 months, for example, many carriers offer $100 to $200 off when you restart your contract date and buy a new phone.

If you’re not under contract, this consideration likely won’t be a factor for you. Prepaid wireless carriers typically do not offer discounts for buying a new handset. Without signing a contract, cell phones are usually more expensive.

Because signing a contract often subsidizes the price of your phone, another general rule about insurance is it’ll more likely save you money when you’re not under contract.

Another option is to make your own cell phone insurance program (call it your self-insurance program) instead of paying another company for it.

Just put $5 aside every month, for example, in a high-interest savings or money market account. If your phone goes kaput, you’ve already set aside money for a replacement without having to worry about making a claim or paying a deductible.

View the original article here

iPhone 4S Overview

Apple has taken the wraps off of its new iPhone, but the new device is not the long-awaited iPhone 5. Instead, Apple unveiled the iPhone 4S, a new phone that's an evolutionary upgrade to the iPhone 4, rather than a revolutionary new phone.

Key among the iPhone 4S's new features: a faster processor, a better camera, a new wireless system, and a new carrier offering service on the phone.

The iPhone 4S will be available in three capacities: a 16GB model that will cost $199, a 32GB model that will cost $299, and a 64GB model that will run you $399. (Those prices all require that you sign a new two-year service agreement.) AT&T and Verizon Wireless will continue to offer the iPhone, and will be joined by Sprint, which had been widely rumored as a carrier for the new phone.

The iPhone 4S will be available for pre-order on October 7 and will ship on October 14 in the U.S.

The look of the iPhone 4S is very much like that of the iPhone 4: Apple says the new phone "has the same beautifully thin glass and stainless steel design." Like the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4S is available in white and black.

Perhaps the biggest improvement that the new iPhone will feature is its A5 processor, the same dual-core chip used to power the iPad. At the iPhone 4S launch event, Apple's Phil Schiller said this chip would allow the iPhone 4S to feature CPU performance that is twice as fast and graphics performance that is up to 7 times faster than the iPhone 4.

The camera on the iPhone 4S should be a major improvement over that found on the iPhone 4. Apple says its plan was to create an all new camera that could challenge today's point-and-shoot cameras. To that end, its resolution has been bumped up to 8-megapixels and features a new custom lens. The camera app is designed to launch more quickly, and Apple says the camera's shot-to-shot capability is twice as fast as the iPhone 4, which should mean you don't miss the photos you want to take. You'll also be able to access the camera right from the phone's lock screen.

The improvements extend to the iPhone's video recording capabilities, too: the iPhone 4S can record video in full 1080p HD and features an image stabilization feature.

Perhaps in an effort to address the antenna problems that plagued the iPhone 4 after its launch, Apple says that the iPhone 4S features a new wireless system that allows the phone to "intelligently switch between two antennas." This should result in better call quality and faster download speeds.

Speaking of download speeds, the iPhone 4S is not officially a 4G phone, but Apple's Schiller did say that the device could reach speeds that some companies describe as 4G: uploads at up to 5.8Mbps, and downloads at 14.4Mbps.

One of the key features that Apple highlighted at the iPhone 4S launch event is the phone's voice control functionality, which is used in the built-in Siri app. This app serves as a virtual personal assistant, which can help you "get things done just by asking," Apple says. Siri understands natural language, and allows you to speak questions and commands such as "Will I need an umbrella?" and "Remind me to call Mom."

Apple also announced an upgrade to its iOS platform, iOS 5. The iPhone 4S will run iOS 5 and the software will be available as a free update to users of the iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS. New features in iOS 5 include a Notification Center, which allows you to manage and view notifications without interrupting your other tasks, and iMessage, a new service that allows you to trade photos, videos, and text messages with other users of iOS 5.

iOS 5 also brings the launch of iCloud, Apple's suite of free cloud-based services, which include iTunes in the Cloud, Photo Stream, and Documents in the Cloud. These services allow you to wirelessly store content in iCloud, and wirelessly push it to all of your iOS devices and your computer.

View the original article here

iPhone 3G Service Plans

Sure, the price of the iPhone 3G may be less than the last-generation iPhone, but in the long run, the price of the iPhone 3G will be higher. That's because the iPhone 3G's service plan is more expensive. But just how much more can you expect to spend?

When Apple and AT&T launched the first-generation iPhone in June 2007, the handsets were expensive. A model with 8GB of storage cost $599; a few months later, that price was dropped to $399.

AT&T offered three service plans for the first-generation iPhone. The least expensive plan was $60 per month (about $66 with taxes and fees), and included 450 voice minutes, unlimited data usage, and 200 text messages. A plan offering 900 voice minutes was $80 per month and one with 1,350 voice minutes was $100 per month; both of those plans also included unlimited data and 200 text messages per month.

Fast forward to July 2008: A new iPhone 3G with 8GB of storage sells for $199. That's a savings of $200 over the old iPhone, and the new model comes with 3G data service and built-in GPS, among other features.

That high-speed 3G service comes at a price, however: AT&T's available service plans for the iPhone 3G are more expensive than the plans that the carrier offered for the first-generation phone.

The least-expensive service plan for the iPhone 3G costs $70 per month. That includes 450 voice minutes and unlimited data. The plan with 900 voice minutes is now $90 per month and the option that includes 1,350 voice minutes has climbed to $110 per month.

And none of these plans include text messaging: A text plan that includes 200 messages per month will cost you $5. If you don't opt for a text plan, you'll be charged 20 cents per text message.

That means that the cheapest service plan for the iPhone 3G will cost you $15 more per month than the cheapest plan for the first-generation iPhone. To get the phone discount, you'll have to sign a two-year contract (and, if you're an existing AT&T customer who's not eligible for an upgrade, you may not qualify for the subsidized price). Over two years, that $15-per-month increase will add up to $360--suddenly that $200 price cut on the handset itself isn't such a bargain.

The price of the service plan hasn't increased to a prohibitive level--and many users will find the new rates a small price to pay for high-speed Web access. But if you're interested in buying a new iPhone, remember what the true cost will be.

View the original article here

iPhone 3G Price

Answer:

Looking for information about the new iPhone 4S, instead? Read How Much Does the iPhone 4S Cost?.

Wondering how much you'll pay to get a shiny new iPhone 3G? The price of the iPhone really depends on two factors: The price of the phone itself, plus the service fee you pay every month to AT&T. Here's a complete list of all the costs associated with buying and owning an iPhone 3G.

THE PHONE ITSELF

The iPhone 3G is available from four authorized retailers: Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, and Walmart. All of them, except Walmart, charge the same price for the various iPhone models. (Walmart's prices are $2 cheaper.) All of these prices require that you sign a new two-year service contract with AT&T; existing AT&T customers who are eligible for an upgrade will get these prices, too.

8GB iPhone 3G (Black): $19916GB iPhone 3G (Black): $29916GB iPhone 3G (White): $299

AT&T subscribers who are not yet eligible for a handset upgrade will be charged the following prices:

8GB iPhone 3G (Black): $39916GB iPhone 3G (Black): $49916GB iPhone 3G (White): $499

All existing AT&T customers will be charged an upgrade fee of $18, whether or not they are eligible for the discounted prices.

MONTHLY SERVICE

When purchasing an iPhone 3G, you'll need a voice plan, a data plan, and a text messaging plan in order to use the phone. Here's how much you can expect to pay for your monthly service:

Data

Unlimited Data Plan: $30 per month

This is a requirement; AT&T does not offer another data plan for the iPhone 3G.

Voice Plans

AT&T offers a choice of voice plans for the iPhone 3G. All offer a certain number of nationwide calling minutes, and all offer free calling to other AT&T mobile phones.

$99.99 per month: Unlimited voice minutes$79.99 per month: 1350 voice minutes$59.99 per month: 900 voice minutes$39.99 per month: 450 voice minutes

All of the plans (except the unlimited plan) include rollover minutes, which allow you to save unused voice minutes and apply them to your next bill should you go over your allotment. Additional minutes cost between 35 cents and 45 cents per minute, depending on your plan.

Most of the plans offer unlimited free night (9pm to 6am) and weekend calling; the only one that doesn't is the plan with 450 minutes, which limits you to 5000 night and weekend minutes.

All of the plans also require that you pay a one-time activation fee of $36 to set up the line.

Text Plans

The first-generation iPhone did not require you to pay for a text plans; all text messages sent and received were included as part of the unlimited data plan. That's no longer the case. If you plan on using your iPhone 3G to send text messages, you'll want a text plan. Here are the options.

$20 per month: Unlimited Texting$15 per month: 1500 text messages (sent or received); 5 cents for each additional message$5 per month: 200 text messages (sent or received); 10 cents for each additional message

Without a plan, you'll be charged 20 cents for each text message you send or receive.

View the original article here

Cell Phone Service Contracts

Signing a service contract with a cell phone carrier is often necessary to get the cellular service and the cell phone that you want. But committing to a two-year contract can be intimidating, even if you're not a commitment-phobe.

Don't take the commitment lightly. After all, you are agreeing to pay what can be a large sum of money to this company every month for the next 24 -- or more -- months. Over time, you may spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on cell phone service.

And, once you've signed on the dotted line, it may be too late to go back. So before you take that step, do your research. Here's what you need to know before you sign up for cellular service.

Before you sign up, find out how you can get out of the contract, should you need to. Most companies will fine you if you decide to terminate the contract early -- and those fines can be as high as several hundred dollars. Find out exactly how much you'll owe if you need to bail, and find out if the fine goes down over time. You may be fined $360 for cancelling within the first year, for example, but that fee may get lower each month after that.

Some cellular carriers offer a limited trial period during which you cancel your contract without paying the penalty fee. Find out if you carrier offers this trial, which is likely to be no longer than 30 days -- if that.

If you do get a trial period, use the time wisely. Use your phone in as many different locations as you can, such as in your home, on your usual commuter routes, and at any places you frequent, so you'll know if your service works where you need to use it. If it doesn't, you may need to switch carriers -- something that can be very difficult to do later on.

You sign up for service that costs $39.99 a month, but when your bill arrives, the total you owe is closer to $50 than $40. Why is that? One reason is the taxes and fees that can't be avoided. Before you sign your contract, ask your carrier for an estimate of your actual bill, with taxes and fees included, so you'll have a better idea of how much you'll really be paying each month.

Not all of the "fees" on your cell phone bill are mandatory, and you should be on the lookout for any services that you didn't authorize. You may find yourself charged for cell phone insurance or a music service you don't need. And if you don't need them, you certainly don't want to pay for them. Ask up front about any of these additional services, and authorize only the ones you want to use.

One of the best ways to save money on a cellular plan is to only pay for as many minutes as you need. If you're not a frequent caller, you may not need to opt for the unlimited calling plan. But you should make sure you're paying for at least as many minutes as you plan to use each month, because going over your allotment can cost you a whole lot. You'll be charged a per-minute rate, which can be sky high, for each additional minute you use. Find out what that rate is, and do your best to avoid paying it. Bumping your plan up to the next level might be more beneficial.

If you use your phone for messaging or surfing the Web, you also should purchase an adequate messaging and data plan. If you're a frequent texter, for example, you'll want to make sure your messaging plan has you covered -- otherwise you could be charged on a per-message basis, which can quickly add up. And remember that you can be charged for incoming texts, sent from well-meaning friends and colleagues, if you don't have a texting plan. So make sure you're covered.

You also should make sure that the data plan you select meets your needs; if you go over your data allotment, you can end up paying a pretty penny for every megabyte of data you upload or download.

If you don't opt for an unlimited calling plan, your carrier may offer you unlimited calls at certain times of the day or week. Some offer free nighttime calling, for example, while others offer free weekends. Before you start dialing your friends, though, make sure you know when those nights and weekends start. Some carriers consider anything after 7pm nighttime, while others don't turn the meters off until 9pm.

Roaming charges, which are incurred when you venture outside of your carrier's regular service area, are becoming less likely today, as more and more people opt for national calling plans. But if you opt for a cheaper regional calling plan, you could get hit with a hefty roaming charge if you travel with your phone. Find out what constitutes your calling area, and what you'll be charged if you venture outside of it.

Traveling internationally with your phone can be an expensive proposition -- but that's only if you're phone will work overseas. Not all carriers offer service that is compatible with the technologies used in other countries. And even if they do, you're likely to find that any calls you make or receive overseas are very, very pricey. If you're a frequent flier, ask about your international calling options.

While you may be satisfied with your shiny new cell phone right now, remember that you're not always going to feel that way. It may lose its appeal before your service contract is up, or it may get lost or broken. Find out what options you have for upgrading or replacing your phone, and what kind of fees you'll be charged in those situations.

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HSPA+ Definition

Definition:

HSPA+ is an enhanced version of high-speed 3G wireless networks. Because it is so closely related to 3G and is not a new, built-from-the ground-up technology, HSPA+ has been called a 3.5G network instead of a true 4G network. But HSPA+ networks are capable of delivering 4G speeds, with download speeds between 5 megabits per second and 8 mbps.

AT&T Wireless and T-Mobile both offer HSPA+ service.

View the original article here

iPhone Retailers

Thinking about purchasing an iPhone? Here's a list of the places you can go--online or in person--to make your purchase.

Apple Store: You can start your purchase online, but you'll need to finish it at a retail store. The online store will walk you through the beginning of the purchase process. It asks you a series of questions to set up your account with AT&T--which is a requirement for using an iPhone. (If you're already an AT&T customer looking to upgrade to an iPhone or add an additional line to your account, you can do that here, too.)

After entering your basic information, you'll select a rate plan for your phone. An iPhone data plan is $30 per month for unlimited data; that's the only option available. You do get a choice of text messaging plans, though: For 200 messages, you pay $5 per month. For a detailed explanation of the iPhone's monthly plans, see AT&T's Service Plans for the iPhone 3G.

After reviewing the plan you've chosen, Apple's site presents you with a list of nearby retail stores where you can go in and pick up your phone. If you'd like, you can set up an appointment to pick up your phone at a certain retail store, or you can opt not to be restricted to a certain store and time.

Apple stores offer three iPhone 3G models: A $199 8GB black model, or a $299 16GB model in black or white (when signing a two-year service contract with AT&T). Note that the site does not ask you which model you'd like to purchase. You can select a phone when you get to the store, but the site does warn you that your preferred model and color may not be in stock.

AT&T: Unlike the Apple store, AT&T lets you complete your entire iPhone 3G purchase online. You are limited to purchasing one iPhone online per household, though. At AT&T's site, you can select which iPhone you'd like: the $199 8GB black model, or the $299 16GB model in black or white. (You may also find some refurbished iPhones available at a discount.) You also can select your voice and text messaging plans, plus you'll need to sign up for the required $30-per-month unlimited data plan.

AT&T offers free two-day shipping on iPhone 3G orders; once you've received the phone, you'll need to connect it to a computer that has iTunes installed in order to activate it.

Best Buy: Best Buy does not offer the iPhone 3G online; the phone is available only in Best Buy retail stores that include a Mobile department. You can find a list of Best Buy stores that sell mobile phones at BestBuy.com. The entire purchase process will be handled in the store. Like AT&T, Best Buy offers the $199 8GB black model, or the $299 16GB model in black or white, plus an assortment of refurbished iPhones at a discount. All of these prices require a two-year AT&T service contract.

Walmart: Walmart also sells the iPhone 3G, but don't expect the discount retailer to offer a discount price: Walmart's iPhones are only $2 cheaper than other retailers charge for the same models. That means you'll pay $297 for the 16GB model (white or black) or $197 for the 8GB version (black only). Walmart does not sell the iPhone online; you can only purchase it in stores.

These four retailers are the only authorized sellers of new and refurbished iPhones. They all require that you sign a two-year service contract with AT&T to get these subsidized prices on the phone. You will find a slew of retailers claiming to see unlocked iPhones--those not tied to AT&T--online, but you should be very careful before purchasing such a phone. You'll need to do a bit of work to the phone to get it to make calls and access the Internet, plus the phones can be expensive ($600 or more), and you may be left with little recourse if it doesn't work.

View the original article here

iPhone Handset Price

Wondering how much you'll pay to get a shiny new iPhone 3G? Here what you can expect to pay to get your hands on Apple's slick smartphone.

The iPhone 3G is available from four authorized retailers: Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, and Walmart. All of them, except Walmart, charge the same price for the various iPhone models. (Walmart's prices are $2 cheaper.) All of these prices require that you sign a new two-year service contract with AT&T; existing AT&T customers who are eligible for an upgrade will get these prices, too.

8GB iPhone 3G (Black): $19916GB iPhone 3G (Black): $29916GB iPhone 3G (White): $299

AT&T subscribers who are not yet eligible for a handset upgrade will be charged the following prices:

8GB iPhone 3G (Black): $39916GB iPhone 3G (Black): $49916GB iPhone 3G (White): $499

All existing AT&T customers will be charged an upgrade fee of $18, whether or not they are eligible for the discounted prices.

View the original article here

4G Wireless Primer

4G wireless has gotten plenty of hype recently, thanks to the launch of 4G networks from AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless, as well as the launch of the 4G-capable smartphones, like the HTC EVO 4G and the Samsung Epic 4G.

Despite all of the hype, 4G is a technology that's still in its infancy and is not yet widely available or well-understood. Here's a complete guide to 4G technology to help you learn everything you need to know about this high-speed wireless service.

4G is the term used to describe the fourth-generation of wireless service. 3G, or third-generation, networks, currently offer the most widely available high-speed wireless service. But more 4G services are becoming available, promising faster speeds.

4G wireless is supposed to deliver service that is anywhere from four to ten times faster than 3G networks. But not all 4G service is the same, and speeds can vary -- especially when you're using 4G service in the real world.

As of this writing (April 2011), all of the four nationwide cellular carriers offer some form of 4G wireless service. Find out who is offering it, and where you can access 4G wireless.

Just because your carrier is offering 4G service, that doesn't mean your existing phone will run on the network. Chances are, you'll need a new phone to take advantage of 4G speeds, as only a few handsets currently support 4G service.

View the original article here

Smartphone Defined

Definition:

A smartphone is a device that lets you make telephone calls, but also adds features that you might find on a personal digital assistant or a computer. A smartphone also offers the ability to send and receive e-mail and edit Office documents, for example.

While there is no standard definition of the term "smartphone" across the industry, there are a few features that you'll find on every smartphone. Here's a list:

Operating System: A smartphone will be based on an operating system that allows it to run productivity applications, such as the BlackBerry OS, the Palm OS, or Windows Mobile.

Software: A smartphone will offer more than just an address book. It may allow you to create and edit Microsoft Office documents or manage your finances.

Web Access: A smartphones offer some sort of access to the Internet. You can use your smartphone to browse your favorite Web sites.

QWERTY Keyboard: A smartphone includes a QWERTY keyboard, so the keys are laid out in the same manner they would be on your computer keyboard.

Messaging: All cell phones can send and receive text messages, but what sets a smartphone apart is its ability to send and receive e-mail. Some smartphones can support multiple e-mail accounts. Others include access to the popular instant messaging services, like AOL's AIM and Yahoo! Messenger.

View the original article here

Cancel Cell Phone Contract

While many consumers continue to feel depressed from today’s economic recession, a new question is being increasingly begged and hotly debated: What happens if you’re under contract with your cell phone carrier and you lose your job or otherwise experience financial hardship?

How can you affordably break or cancel your cell phone contract?

While your first thought likely would go to averting homelessness and making rent or being able to pay your mortgage, the increases in bankruptcy, foreclosure, unemployment and credit card debt are all contributing to a burgeoning trend from the cell phone industry to help you if you receive the dreaded pink slip of job death.

Virgin Mobile recently blazed the way by launching on April 15, 2009 a “Pink Slip Protection” plan. The recession-friendly program will waive up to three months of monthly charges if a Virgin Mobile customer becomes unemployed.

While the recently unemployed would likely welcome three months of not having to pay a cell phone bill, many people still spend more than three months to find gainful employment again.

Though you can typically downgrade your plan rather effortlessly and lower your monthly bill, contracts often lock you in and prevent you from quickly jumping ship due to a $150 or $200 early termination penalty imposed by most carriers.

No-contract and prepaid cell phone plans continue to proliferate for this very reason.

Following Virgin Mobile’s lead, consumer interest groups on April 21, 2009 requested for the major cell phone carriers to waive the fiercely debated and often intensely loathed early termination fees for consumers who have lost their jobs.

The Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition and the National Consumers League have both sent letters to Sprint, Verizon Wireless and AT&T on behalf of consumers against the standard U.S. policy of early termination fees.

The reason cell phone carriers say they impose early termination fees is to help recoup their costs for subsidizing cell phones so you can buy them at a lower cost. While most carriers haven’t yet been willing to nix early termination fees entirely, major carriers have recently granted consumers the right to have such a fee prorated so penalties are only levied based on your remaining contract time.

As further validation that consumers are feeling the cell phone pinch and are prepared to react accordingly, a new study by the New Millennium Research Council says 39 percent of Americans will “likely” downgrade their services if they feel the recession will continue over the next six months.

Tip: Sell, Transfer Your Cell Phone Contract

With more than 60 million Americans now having the idea of killing their contracts at the ready, according to the New Millennium Research Council study, that presents a service need for consumers as well as a opportunity for new kinds of businesses.

Instead of paying your carrier such a stiff fine to leave, here’s a concept many people haven’t considered: trading or selling your contract to someone else. Various Web sites have popped up to help you do so for much less than it’d cost you to terminate early.

Celltrade at CellTradeUSA.com is cashing in on people in their time of cellular need with a service that charges you $19.99 to transfer a contract (to “get out”) and nothing at all to take over someone else’s contract (to “get in”). The company supports Sprint, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, Alltel, Cricket Wireless, U.S. Cellular and others.

CellSwapper at CellSwapper.com is a competitor to Celltrade that charges a little less: $14.99 to transfer a contract and nothing to take over someone else’s contract.

Tip: Ask Your Carrier About a ‘Hardship Policy’

If you can’t get out of your contract or don’t want to try to sell or transfer it, simply call your cell phone carrier and ask them a series of questions to help you lower your wireless bill. You might be surprised how effective one call can be. Here’s what to say.

If you’ve recently been laid off or you’re in some other sort of dire financial situation, you’d also be prudent to ask your cell phone carrier about its “financial hardship policy”. Your cell phone carrier could lower your bill outright, help you downgrade some of your services or grant you a more lenient payment plan.

If you find yourself laid off or in financial hardship, the most important step you can take to make sure your cell phone bill remains in check is to proactively contact your carrier, explain your hardship and lobby for an easement.
Cell Phone Chooser: Want About.com to reveal your best new cell phone? Let our exclusive, 20-question cell phone chooser do all the work for you. You won’t find anything else like it online. Here’s the first question:

What cell phone size do you prefer?
A) Small.
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Your Two Cents: Have a comment or question related to this article? Chime in here!

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AT&T Data Plans

AT&T recently announced the end of its unlimited data plans for iPhone and other smartphone users. Instead of one flat-rate unlimited option, the carrier now offers tiers of service that allow users a certain amount of data access each month.

Note that these prices are per month costs for data only; you'll also need to subscribe to a voice plan in order to make calls.

Here's an overview of each plan.

AT&T's DataPlus plan lets you access 200MB of data each month. AT&T says that 200MB of data is enough to:

send and receive 1,000 e-mails (with no attachments), andsend and receive 150 e-mails with attachments, andview 400 Web pages, andpost 50 photos online, andwatch 20 minutes of streaming video.

If you go over your 200MB limit, you will receive an additional 200MB of data for another $15. That extra 200MB of data must be used in the same billing cycle, however.

AT&T says that 65 percent of its smartphone customers user less than 200MB of data per month on average.

If you think you'll use more than 200MB of data consistently, the DataPlus plan is not your best option, as you'll end up paying $30 per month for 400MB of data. A better option would be what's next on the list, the $25-per-month DataPro plan.

AT&T's DataPro plan lets you access 2GB of data each month. AT&T says that 2GB of data is enough to:

send and receive 10,000 e-mails (with no attachments), andsend and receive 1,500 e-mails with attachments, andview 4,000 Web pages, andpost 500 photos online, andwatch 200 minutes of streaming video.

If you go over the 2GB limit, you will receive an additional 1GB of data for $10 per month. That extra 1GB of data must be used in the same billing cycle, however.

AT&T says that 98 percent of its smartphone customers use less than 2GB of data per month on average.

If your smartphone allows tethering, which means you can use it as a modem to connect other devices to the Internet (a feature that will be available in the iPhone's iOS 4), you'll need to add a tethering plan.

To use a tethering plan, you must also subscribe to AT&T's DataPro plan, and then will need to add the tethering option on top of that.

Note that all of the data you use while tethering your smartphone counts against the 2GB limit of your DataPro plan.

AT&T says it will notify customers via text message (and e-mail, if possible) when they are nearing their monthly data limit. AT&T says it will send 3 notifications: when customers reach 65 percent, 90 percent, and 100 percent of their monthly data allotment.

AT&T also allows customers with iPhones and other "select" devices to use its AT&T myWireless app to check data usage. The free app is available in Apple's App Store from the iPhone, as well as in other smartphone app stores.

Additional options for checking your data usage include dialing *DATA# from your smartphone, or visiting att.com/wireless.

If you're not sure which data plan is right for you, you can estimate your personal data usage with AT&T's data calculator. It's at att.com/datacalculator.

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4G Phones

The Galaxy S II is super-slim and super-slick. This unlocked Android smartphone packs in just about all of the advanced features you could ever want, such as a 4.3-inch Super AMOLED Plus display, dual-core processor, Android 2.3, an 8-megapixel camera, and full HD video recording. If that's not enough, this phone also can wirelessly link with your TV, laptop, or printer. 

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Cell Phone Radiation

The T-Mobile myTouch 3G with Google’s Android operating system, which competes fiercely against the iPhone 3G S for AT&T and Palm Pre for Sprint, has the second-highest cell phone radiation level of any handset in a new, easy-to-digest consumer guide of 1,000 cell phones and smartphones.

That begs the bigger question on the phone you’re using now or about to purchase: Are cell phones safe or do they cause cancer? It’s one of the oldest questions in the cell phone book for which we still don’t have a conclusive answer.

The good news is that researchers continue to churn out studies and burn through funding (and ask for more money) to get definitive answers.

But just like food must be labeled with nutritional facts, the same argument can be made that cell phones should list their radiation output.

In the meantime, we at least have a standard by which cell phone radiation is measured and sometimes reported. It’s called SAR, which stands for specific absorption rate.

In North America, a cell phone’s SAR rating is measured between 0.0 and 1.60 with 1.60 set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the maximum level of radiation permissible.

Using the SAR measurement standard, we now also have a non-profit organization called the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that has published an important online consumer guide reporting in excess of 1,000 cell phones, PDAs and smartphones on how much radiation they emit. The EWG, by the way, is the same group that publishes the helpful Skin Deep cosmetic safety database.

“We would like to be able to say that cell phones are safe,” said EWG senior scientist and lead study author Olga Naidenko, Ph.D. “But we can’t. The most recent science – while not conclusive – raises serious issues about the cancer risk of cell phone use that must be addressed through further research. [But we] can take steps to reduce exposure [now].”

With 4 billion people on the planet talking on cell phones or 60 percent of the world’s population (according to the EWG), 270.3 million wireless subscribers in the U.S. or 87 percent of Americans as of Dec. 2008 (according to the CTIA) and recent studies finding “significantly higher risks for brain and salivary gland tumors among people using cell phones for 10 years or longer,” the question of your exposure is critical and prescient.

How Does Your Cell Phone Rate?

Talking on your cell phone isn’t like having an X-ray. To quantify your radiation level, though, you can now look your cell phone up at the EWG’s radiation guide so you know if you’re chatting away on one with a high SAR (not preferable) or low SAR (preferable).

While some cell phone carriers list this SAR information (i.e. Verizon Wireless does this relatively well), there’s currently no standard across the industry because there hasn’t been governmental action to require it. Some carriers divulge the information and others don’t. But the EWG has amassed 1,000 cell phones and their SAR levels in one place.

The T-Mobile myTouch 3G, for example, has a maximum radiation level of 1.55 W/kg when held to the ear, the EWG says according to the phone’s manufacturer. This SAR level is just slightly under the FCC-mandated legal maximum and could be of concern to consumers.

By contrast, the lowest SAR rating for a cell phone in the EWG’s guide is the Samsung Impression (SGH-a877) for AT&T, which has a maximum SAR level of 0.35 W/kg when held to the ear, the EWG says according to the phone’s manufacturer. The EWG says the iPhone 3G S rates at a somewhat high 1.19 W/kg and the Palm Pre rates at a lower 0.92 W/kg.

The EWG’s online cell phone radiation guide went live on Sept. 9, 2009 with this mission:

“At EWG, our team of scientists, engineers, policy experts, lawyers and computer programmers pore over government data, legal documents, scientific studies and our own laboratory tests to expose threats to your health and the environment and to find solutions. Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know.”

While we wait for definitive answers to surface about cell phone safety and radiation, the purpose of the EWG guide is to help consumers pick out cell phones with low SAR levels.

The EWG’s top 10 best cell phones and smartphones (with low radiation) can be found below along with the top 10 worst (with high radiation). These handsets are listed from best to worst in the best listing and start with the worst in the worst listing.

Lowest Radiation: Top 10 Best Cell Phones
Samsung Impression (SGH-a877) [AT&T]Motorola RAZR V8 [CellularONE]Samsung SGH-t229 [T-Mobile]Samsung Rugby (SGH-a837) [AT&T]Samsung Propel Pro (SGH-i627) [AT&T]Samsung Gravity (SGH-t459) [CellularONE, T-Mobile]T-Mobile Sidekick [T-Mobile]LG Xenon (GR500) [AT&T]Motorola Karma QA1 [AT&T]Sanyo Katana II [Kajeet]Highest Radiation: Top 10 Worst Cell Phones
Motorola MOTO VU204 [Verizon Wireless]T-Mobile myTouch 3G [T-Mobile]Kyocera Jax S1300 [Virgin Mobile]BlackBerry Curve 8330 [Sprint, U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless, MetroPCS]Motorola W385 [U.S. Cellular, Verizon Wireless]T-Mobile Shadow [T-Mobile]Motorola C290 [Sprint, Kajeet]Motorola i335 [Sprint]Motorola MOTO VE240 [Cricket, MetroPCS]BlackBerry Bold 9000 [AT&T]In addition to knowing your current or new cell phone’s SAR rating, the EWG also recommends eight safety tips to help you easily and immediately lower your cell phone radiation exposure. Here are five more tips as well from Barton Publishing.

The EWG’s guide allows you to search for your specific make and model – so long as it’s in their database – and you can also find cell phones by cell phone carrier and cell phone manufacturer. You can access the EWG’s full cell phone radiation guide here.

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How to Set Up an iPhone

 When the syncing process is complete, you can disconnect your iPhone from your computer.

Liane Cassavoy

You'll know the syncing process is complete when you see the message at the top of iTunes, and the "Sync in Progress" message disappears from your iPhone.

Once the syncing process is complete, your can disconnect your iPhone and are free to use it. Enjoy!

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What is 4G Wireless?

4G wireless has gotten plenty of hype recently, thanks to the launch of 4G networks from Sprint and Verizon Wireless, as well as the launch of the HTC EVO 4G smartphone. But what exactly is 4G wireless?

Answer:

4G wireless is the term used to describe the fourth-generation of wireless service. 4G is a step up from 3G, which is currently the most widespread, high-speed wireless service. 4G is only available in limited areas.

While all 4G service is called "4G," the underlying technology is not the same. Sprint, for example, uses WiMax technology for its 4G network, while Verizon Wireless uses a technology called Long Term Evolution, or LTE.

No matter what technology is behind it, 4G wireless is designed to deliver speed. On average, 4G wireless is supposed to be anywhere from four to ten times faster than today's 3G networks. Sprint says its 4G WiMax network can offer download speeds that are ten times faster than a 3G connection, with speeds that top out at 10 megabits per second. Verizon's LTE network, meanwhile, can deliver speeds between 5 mbps and 12 mbps.

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Definition of SAR

Definition: With a sea of studies on both sides of the cell phone radiation fence often leaving consumers confused, there is one standard to help you determine the government-monitored radiation level of your cell phone. It’s called SAR.

SAR is a “way of measuring the quantity of radio frequency (RF) energy that is absorbed by the body,” according to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA).

SAR stands for specific absorption rate. The lower your cell phone SAR, the lower your electromagnetic radiation exposure and therefore potential health risks associated with using your cell phone.

In North America, a cell phone’s SAR rating is measured between 0.0 and 1.60 with 1.60 set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as the maximum level of radiation permissible.

The CTIA requires all cell phones in the U.S. to comply with this SAR limit from the FCC.

In Europe, the SAR rating runs from 0.0 to 2.0 as adopted by the European Union Council and recommended by the International Commission on Non-Ionising Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).

In North America, SAR is measured in watts per kilogram (or W/kg) averaged over one gram of biological tissue while in Europe SAR is averaged over 10 grams. The FCC limit, which averages over one gram of body tissue, is much stricter than the rest of the world.

The iPhone 3G, for example, has a relatively high SAR rating of 1.388. The Motorola Rapture VU30 reports a lower SAR rating of 0.88 at the head and 0.78 at the body while the LG enV 2 reports a higher SAR rating of 1.34 at the head and 1.27 at the body.

In addition to proactively selecting a cell phone with a low SAR rating, you can also reduce your radiation exposure by using a short-range Bluetooth wireless headset (like this one) to keep your cell phone away from your head or use your cell phone’s speakerphone.

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Number Portability FAQ

Answer: Yes. In the United States, wireless local number portability (WLNP) is a legally mandated service that allows the transfer of a cell phone number from one carrier to another.

History

Number portability for landline phone numbers existed before it did for wireless numbers. In July 2002, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) set a Nov. 2003 deadline for WLNP to take effect. Verizon Wireless resisted.

The FCC activated WLNP in Nov. 2003 in the top 100 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), which are the major cities in the U.S. In May 2004, the FCC made the service live in the rest of the U.S.

The FCC also made it so a landline number can be transferred to a cell phone carrier.

Overcoming Hurdles

Wireless local number portability has come a long way in the U.S. Transferring your cell phone number from one carrier to another used to be more complicated than it is today.

The switch also used to take longer than it does now. While the process of transferring (or porting) a number from one carrier to another initially took weeks, the FCC eventually mandated that the transfer take place within four business days.

Some cell phone carriers (such as Verizon Wireless) used this four-day window to attempt to convince customers not to switch. In response, the FCC in May 2009 changed the number portability requirement to one business day.

How to Initiate a Transfer

As of late 2009, the process has become very fast and painless. When you activate new service with a cell phone carrier, they’ll often ask if you’d like to transfer your existing number from another carrier. Transferring your phone number is free.

If they don’t ask and you do want your previous number ported over, make sure to let your new carrier know before you’re assigned a number there. If you request a phone number transfer, they’re required by law to grant it.

It’s very important not to cancel your current cell phone service until you have successfully transferred the old number to your new carrier. If you cancel at your previous carrier before establishing new service elsewhere, the number you’re trying to save will be lost.

To achieve a valid WLNP transfer, the cell phone carrier you’re switching to must offer local service in the same area as your existing phone number. Some carriers have online tools to immediately check your transfer eligibility (such as this AT&T tool).

Before You Transfer, Check Your Contract

While your previous cell phone carrier isn’t legally allowed to refuse a valid transfer request, you may still be bound to a service contract there.

If that’s the case, you’ll either have to wait until your contract expires or pay an early termination fee. If you’re with a prepaid wireless carrier without a contract or if you’re no longer under contract, you’re in the clear to initiate a transfer.

Tip if You’re Not Transferring a Number

If you’re activating new cell phone service without a number to port from elsewhere, you don’t have to accept the first number a computer assigns to you.

Though this isn’t a commonly known fact, at the time of account creation you can ask your carrier to rotate through many available phone numbers. There is no fee to do so and this can help you snag an easily memorable number.

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LTE: A Definition

LTE, which stands for Long Term Evolution, is the name for a technology standard used for 4G wireless networks. LTE is used by Verizon Wireless and AT&T to deliver high-speed wireless service.

On average, 4G wireless is supposed to be anywhere from four to ten times faster than 3G networks. Verizon says its LTE network can deliver speeds between 5 megabits per second and 12 mbps.

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iPhone 4 Price

Answer:

Looking for information about the new iPhone 4S, instead? Read How Much Does the iPhone 4S Cost?.

Wondering how much you'll pay to get your hands on the new iPhone 4? The price of the iPhone really depends on two factors: The cost of the phone itself, plus the service fee you pay every month to AT&T or Verizon. Here's a complete list of all the costs associated with buying and owning an iPhone 4.

To get the iPhone 4 for the lowest price, you must sign up for a two-year service contract with AT&T or Verizon.

New AT&T customers will get these subsidized prices, as will existing AT&T customers who are eligible for an upgrade. (AT&T is offering early upgrades to some existing customers; this article can help you find out how to check your upgrade eligibility.)

Verizon Wireless is offering the same subsidized prices to new subscribers and those eligible for upgrades. Existing customers who are eligible for upgrades can get these prices through the carrier's "New Every Two" program. Those who are not eligible for upgrades will need to pay full price, but may be able to take advantage of Verizon's Trade-In Program.

16GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $19932GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $299

AT&T subscribers who are not yet eligible for a handset upgrade will be charged the following "Early Upgrader" prices. (These prices also require a two-year service commitment.)

16GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $39932GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $499

If you don't want to sign a service contract with AT&T, you'll pay more for the iPhone 4. The No Commitment prices are:

16GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $59932GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $699

Verizon customers who are not eligible for an upgrade will have to pay full retail price for the iPhone 4. These prices are:

16GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $64932GB iPhone 4 (Black or White): $749

All existing AT&T customers will be charged an upgrade fee of $18, whether or not they are eligible for the discounted prices. Verizon Wireless is not charging an activation fee for new customers.

When purchasing an iPhone 4 with a service contract, you'll need a voice plan, a data plan, and a text messaging plan in order to use the phone. Here's how much you can expect to pay for your monthly service:

AT&T offers two options: DataPlus or DataPro.

DataPlus is a $15-per-month plan that allows you to access 200MB of data.

DataPro is a $25-per-month plan that allows you to access 2GB of data.

For a complete breakdown of these plans and how much data you'll be access with them, read AT&T's Data Plans: All the Details.

If you'd like to use your iPhone 4 as a tethered modem (to which you can connect other devices to the Internet), you'll need to subscribe to the $25-a-month DataPro plan and an additional $20-per-month Tethering plan.

Verizon Wireless offers three data options:

2GB Data Bundle with Personal Email: $30 per month

5GB Data Bundle with Personal Email: $50 per month

10GB Data Bundle with Personal Email: $80 per month

If you'd like to use your iPhone as a wireless hotspot (to which you can connect other devices to the Internet), you'll need to select one of these data plans:

4GB Data Bundle with Personal Email and Mobile Hotspot: $50 per month

7GB Data Bundle with Personal Email and Mobile Hotspot: $70 per month

12GB Data Bundle with Personal Email and Mobile Hotspot: $100 per month

AT&T offers a choice of voice plans for the iPhone 4. All offer a certain number of nationwide calling minutes, and all offer free calling to other AT&T mobile phones.

$69.99 per month: Unlimited voice minutes$59.99 per month: 900 voice minutes$39.99 per month: 450 voice minutes

All of the plans (except the unlimited plan) include rollover minutes, which allow you to save unused voice minutes and apply them to your next bill should you go over your allotment. Additional minutes cost between 40 cents and 45 cents per minute, depending on your plan.

Most of the plans offer unlimited free night (9pm to 6am) and weekend calling; the only one that doesn't is the plan with 450 minutes, which limits you to 5000 night and weekend minutes.

Verizon offers three voice plans for the iPhone:

$69.99 per month: Unlimited voice minutes$59.99 per month: 900 voice minutes$39.99 per month: 450 voice minutes

You also need a messaging plan if you want to use your iPhone 4 to send and receive text, picture, and multimedia messages, and instant messages via AOL, Yahoo, or Windows Live. Here are the options from AT&T.

$20 per month: Unlimited messages$15 per month: 1500 messages (sent or received); 5 cents for each additional message $5 per month: 200 messages (sent or received); 10 cents for each additional message

And here are the options from Verizon:

$20 per month: Unlimited messages$10 per month: 500 messages PLUS Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Messaging$5 per month: 250 messages

Without a plan, AT&T charges 20 cents for each text or instant message you send or receive and 30 cents for each picture or video message. Verizon charges 20 cents per text message and 25 cents per picture/video message.

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