So you realize that you need a new phone.
Replacing your existing mobile phone is simple. Whether you simply lost it, had it irreparably damaged or simply want something new, the first basic consideration is “do you know what you need?”
Mobile phones these days simply no longer serve as a way to call or text your friends. Phones come with cameras, media players, internet connectivity and so much more. Chances are, you may already be familiar with many of these extra features and would want to have a device that is geared to your specific needs.
Needs are simple matters of preferences and actual usage patterns. Some people use phones for actually making calls, others spend plenty of hours browsing the internet or updating their status on Facebook, others would spend the day sending hundreds of text messages. For each of these specifics, there is a phone out there that is maximized to your needs.
Of course, a phone is not your only consideration. There is also your SIM card. If you are already under a carrier and would like to keep using the same number then this is not a big concern, but for others, choosing an operator is also important. If you have a lifestyle that gets you travelling a lot, know the places that you will be frequenting; this will determine which operator you should go for as network coverage and availability varies depending on where you are.
For those staying within urban areas, the choice of operator becomes a matter of speed and service preference. Depending on whether you need an operator with a decent online store, fast 3G network or good contract options, these preferences will determine which carrier you should get.
For a more in-depth view at choosing which mobile phone is right for you, go straight to the Times Online UK.
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Insta Guide: Getting a Phone Quick
Thursday, March 11th, 2010Ribbit Mobile’s Call Anywhere Option is on Thin Ice
Thursday, November 5th, 2009Show me a cheap service that makes anything more convenient and I will give you a raised eyebrow. The reason is simple, if you have something truly good, for a very cheap price, then what you are offering is not really good or worse, there is something greater to be gained by the seller. I am all for the whole ‘cloud’ concept of the internet with recent advancements in VOIP technology and many others. Still, after so many ‘big brother’ problems and an even bigger problem with adware sites phishing for information, you start getting a little paranoid about call-anywhere plans.
The idea of Ribbit Mobile’s incoming call rerouting, on the offset, is pretty straightforward; an internet server will re-route all you incoming calls to a specific device. This saves you a lot with having to pay for collect and it also gives you the freedom to not give away your direct line. You can also have all the incoming calls routed to voicemail at your convenience. Ribbit is offering a transcribing process, and they’re giving users the option of human assisted or automated transcription for more, uh, private messages.
After the whole fiasco with Spinvox and their alleged automated transcription services, I sincerely doubt that anyone will be willing to have their voice message transcribed anytime soon. I for one am still not sold on the idea. There are plenty of other internet based calling methods such as Skype and Yahoo Messenger that makes the whole Ribbit service seem redundant. More so, rerouted calls can still be traced and it does not completely guarantee the privacy of my personal number. If the service expands to deliver something truly new or innovative, I just might give it a second look. For now, I am just keeping tabs on the latest updates for this little cloud based service.