ie8 fix
Ask the Cell Phone Diva : Your questions answered.
Finding a Bluetooth phone
By Joni Blecher 
Section editor, CNET Reviews
(June 24, 2003)

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

Samsung A530
Samsung A530
(Click to enlarge.)
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.


More resources

The diva talks back

...Local number portability

The courts just ruled that service providers should meet the infamous November deadline for the Wireless Local Number Portability Mandate. (For those keeping score, deployment has been stalled three times.) The carriers say the delay boils down to money--up to a billion dollars in costs for them. But what I'm really hearing is that somehow, someone will have to pay for the privilege of keeping his or her cell phone number. And when I say someone, I really mean you, the consumer.

Maybe there will be a fee to move your number to a new handset (it already costs up to $35 to maintain your number now with a new phone from the same provider), or contracts will get tougher. Either way, consumers will feel the carrier's implementation costs. On the flipside, maybe providers will become more competitive, customer support will improve, and on- and off-peak times will be more reasonable. Whatever happens, one thing is certain: A very complicated business just got more confusing, thanks to a mandate that should have made it infinitely simpler.

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