Section Editor Joni Blecher, a.k.a. the Cell Phone Diva, wants to answer all your questions about cell phones, service plans, and wireless connectivity.
Send her a question!
Looking for something blue
Q: I'm looking to purchase a new phone, and I want one that has Bluetooth, wireless Internet, and polyphonic ring tones. Sadly, I haven't seen many phones that fit the bill here in the United States. What's the deal?
--Fred
A: You're right, Fred; there aren't many Bluetooth phones available here in the States. The majority of Bluetooth mobiles work on GSM networks. Still, there is at least one handset coming soon with those features that will work on CDMA networks: the
Sony Ericsson T608.
Flippin' favorites
Q: I currently have Cingular, but I'm planning a switch to Verizon Wireless. Which phone should I get? Right now, I've narrowed my choice to the
Samsung A530 and the
LG VX4400. I want a reliable phone that I can have fun with and is just all-around great. Is it smarter to wait for a cooler model? Talk to me.
--Mike
A: The VX4400 is an extremely durable phone with a fair number of features. The A530, which has similar specs, does have a few fun extras, such as an external 256-color display and a funky photo caller-ID feature. It also happens to be one of the more attractive phones that Verizon Wireless supports. If you like its diminutive size, then I'd say it'll serve you well. Now for the big question: Should you wait for something better? Truth is, there's always a newer, flashier handset right around the corner. You could drive yourself crazy waiting for the right time to pounce, and keep in mind that both the A530 and the VX4400 work with the company's Get It Now service, so you'll be able to add new bells and whistles to keep yourself entertained.
A whole new look
Q: Any idea what's up with Verizon Wireless? The company seems to have the worst selection of phones right now (especially candy bar-style models) and doesn't seem to be offering much in the way of new features.
--Rachel
A: It's true; Verizon phones typically don't win many points for flashy features. The company is best known for its impressive service and broad coverage area. But judging by its latest crop of nice-looking flip models, which include the
Motorola T720 and the Samsung A530, I bet we'll start seeing even more attractive mobiles in the near future--even candy bar-style phones.