What can mobile phones be used for?

The obvious answer is that they can be used for making phone calls. But this function is now just one amongst many.

Let us consider the humble phone call itself. Unlike land-line phones, mobile phone calls are not considered as local or long distance. They are either nationwide or continent wide or worldwide. The frequencies the phone works on determines this. For example, if the phone is described as dual band, which is very common, it will work in Europe as well as the UK and possibly other countries too. Triple and quadruple band frequencies allow for larger parts of the globe to be covered. The information booklet should explain this.

It is possible to access local phones and computers without going via a space satellite. Most phones have USB connectivity so you can transfer files to and from computers, MP3 players, MP4 players as well as other phones. This can also be achieved by a wireless connection - so no leads necessary. There are a number of protocols for doing this, of which Bluetooth (named after a famous Danish king), Wi-Fi and infra-red connections are common.

Mobile phones are increasingly being used for internet connections, and again there are a number of protocols used: for example, GPS, WAP, 3G, GPRS and HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access). HSPDA is the highest specification protocol at present, and this is reflected in the price of the phone.

Your phone may also be camera. At present the resolution of the camera is usually above 1MPixel. It is possible to find resolutions of up to 10 MPixels. This means 10 million pixels on your photographs. Although, in reality, because of lens effects it is in practice usually much lower.

For filming, video capture is now pretty standard and although the memory of the phone will not be great, portable memory cards will enhance this to any level you choose or can afford.

Phones with a one Giga byte memory are increasingly common, and this is a useful way of turning a phone into an MP3 player. Couple this with FM reception and you have a portable sound system.

Developments will continue apace, we have now seeing the introduction of large touch sensitive screens and computer/phone hybrids (smart phones) as well as GPS tracking systems. It can only be a matter of time before your phone can be used to clone dinosaurs.

For the latest cheap mobile phones at the best prices, visit www.mobiles2yourdoor.co.uk today.