2/17/05 |
Confessions of the Cell Phone Diva: a fond farewell
After four years of reviewing countless mobiles, dispensing advice, and answering your questions, the Cell Phone Diva is hanging up the phone and moving on. Read her final column as she leaves her readers with some parting words of wisdom and bids you a fond farewell.
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1/27/05 |
Use your phone here, there, and in between
Grab your passport. This week, the Cell Phone Diva takes flight and tells you how you can take a mobile on your overseas vacation or bring one back to use here in the States. Plus, is your phone vulnerable to viruses? Read on to find out.
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1/13/05 |
Going digital
Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the best network of them all? The Cell Phone Diva has an answer. Plus, how to free photos held hostage on your camera phone, and what to do with a high-speed data network.
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12/16/04 |
10 reasons to own a cell phone
Believe it or not, there are still some people out there who are mobile-less and can't quite justify taking the plunge. This week, the Cell Phone Diva gives you her top 10 list for owning a cell phone. Plus, how to send a text message from a PC, and whether you'll soon be able to make calls on planes. Read on to find out.
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12/2/04 |
5 things you must know about the Cingular/AT&T Wireless merger
We've all seen the commercials about the merger between Cingular and AT&T Wireless--"Raising the bar," they say. But this merger also raises a lot of questions, and the Cell Phone Diva is here to help. Read on to see how this union will affect you.
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11/18/04 |
Ring tones and refurbished phones
Can a refurbished phone be the new mobile love in your life? This week, the Cell Phone Diva dishes the dirt on restored handsets and whether they're worth the trouble. Also, see which carriers are slashing fees and reducing your monthly bill. Read the column.
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11/04/04 |
Bluetooth on wheels
Breaker, breaker, do you copy? This week, the Cell Phone Diva has the 411 on Verizon's Push To Talk service and a new wireless directory that's in the works. Also, are there any phones left that--gasp--simply make calls? Read on to find out.
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10/21/04 |
Cells for students
It's, like, so not cool to be in high school and not have a cell phone. This week, the Cell Phone Diva gives some pointers to our younger readers on how to get connected--with a mobile and with their parents. Also, should you buy a phone on eBay? Read on to find out.
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10/7/04 |
Bluetooth for Sprint?
If you're revving your engine to try out your Bluetooth phone with the latest high-tech cars, you might want to hit the brakes and read what the Cell Phone Diva has to say before going for a test-drive. And what's the big deal about unlocked cell phones anyway? Read on to find out.
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9/23/04 |
Treo too?
We're not one to gossip, but there's been plenty of speculations about the new Treo smart phone. This week, the Cell Phone Diva takes a look at what's buzzing around the rumor mill. Plus, don't be bullied by those pushy cell phones salespeople. Be skeptical, and score the best deal for yourself.
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9/10/04 |
Faceplates and family plans
Are you sick and tired of being robbed by your service provider? Or wanting to spice up the look of your drab phone? This week, the Cell Phone Diva explains how to make the switch. Plus, why today's megapixel camera phones won't cut the mustard as a standalone digital camera.
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8/26/04 |
Cell phone 101
Kids, school is in session. In this week's column, the Cell Phone Diva teaches students how to get the best deal on a new mobile. Plus, how to transfer pictures from your phone to your PC, without spending a fortune.
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8/12/04 |
Alphabet soup
This week, the Cell Phone Diva unveils the mysteries of different networks and tells you how to find a phone that will work in your home. Plus, see if your mobile's number is a hit in the making.
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7/29/04 |
Syncing with your cell
In this edition, find out how to you use your phone as a modem and connect to the Web. Plus, is MusicKube's music identification service a played out tune?
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7/15/04 |
Bonjour, can you hear me now?
In this week's column, the worldly Cell Phone Diva dishes on world phones and explains why the Motorola V710 is worth the wait. Plus, is Sprint behind the times on phone technology.
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6/24/04 |
The next big toys: Megapixel camera phones and Nextel's smart phone
In this edition, find out if you should spring for one of the first megapixel camera phones, how to unlock a SIM in an AT&T phone, and more. Plus: the real shocker was at the U.S. Open.
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6/09/04 |
Help, my Lexus won't talk to my phone
Get the skinny on Verizon Wireless and Bluetooth phones, as well as news on upcoming models.
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5/20/04 |
Bluetooth behind the wheel
In this column, Joni Blecher tells you how to make the most out of the Bluetooth capability in your phone, whether you're surfing the Web on your laptop or making calls from a Bluetooth-enabled car. Plus, more info on number portability.
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5/5/04 |
Back to basics: phones designed for phone calls
While some people crave a cell phone with as many crazy features as possible, most just want a model that sounds good and has decent battery life. This week's column find five basic mobiles that make up for in call quality what they lack in looks. Also this week: phones with passports.
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4/20/04 |
A look inside the carrier maze
Read the behind-the-scenes stories on the cost of service plans; pseudo customer appreciation; and Sprint's text-messaging service.
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4/7/04 |
Sexy faceplates and the real cost of cell phones
Want to know the real cost of making calls from overseas and how your phone can change your life? Read the column.
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3/24/04 |
Is your cell phone betraying you?
Can your cell phone tell other people where you are? And how do you keep an old flame from checking your voicemail? Joni has the answers to those and other burning questions.
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2/27/04 |
Full-featured phones that really play MP3s
Find out what it takes to trade your monthly cell phone service in for a prepaid plan and if full-feature handsets really deliver a richer experience.
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2/5/04 |
Use your phone to surf at the beach
The Diva reports on using your landline phone with your cell phone service, the state of Bluetooth phones, and more.
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11/12/03 |
10 things you must know about number portability
November 24 is fast approaching, and it looks like you'll be able to keep your cell phone number when switching carriers. But this new service is not without its pitfalls.
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10/28/03 |
The truth behind camera phones
Find out how camera phones really work and who you can and can't send pictures too. Also, why you get bad service when buy a new phone from your carrier.
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8/14/03 |
FCC rulings for the hearing impaired
The diva has the scoop on a new FCC ruling that benefits the hearing impaired and brings you a sneak preview of a hot new phone from Siemens.
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6/24/03 |
Finding a Bluetooth phone
The Diva explains the ins and outs of Bluetooth phones in the United States, gives you the skinny on Verizon Wireless, and speculates about the costs of the recent number-portability ruling.
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5/8/03 |
What's the difference between GSM and CDMA?
How do you decide between GSM and CDMA? What do you do when you lose your phone? The diva answers all this--and more.
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4/17/03 |
Should you buy a new phone now?
With manufacturers issuing fancier models every time we turn around, it's hard to know if you should wait or take the plunge with a new wireless wunderkind.
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3/31/03 |
Should you buy a new phone now?
A slew of new phones are coming down the
pipe. The Diva has the dish on whether you should wait or buy now.
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3/13/03 |
Bluetooth headsets for most mobiles
In this edition, find out if you'll be able to keep
your number when you change carriers, discover Bluetooth headsets for
non-Bluetooth phones, and more.
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2/7/03 |
Which smart phone is right for you?
In this edition, Joni Blecher helps you decide with PDA/phone combo is right for you and how to use the products you already have to get e-mail on the go.
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1/10/03 |
Should you get insurance for your phone?
What are you really getting when you take out insurance on your phone?
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12/12/02 |
How to choose between two cool color phones
Wish you could hang onto your number when you change carriers? The Cell Phone Diva has the scoop.
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11/7/02 |
Small phones that do the basics well
Wondering what to do about all those unwanted calls that get deducted from your bucket of minutes? Shopping for a basic phone that won't cramp your style? The Diva tackles these questions and more.
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10/10/02 |
Universal numbers, first-timer buyers, and SMS
Confused by SMS? Ticked off at your service provider? Ready to buy a phone? Senior Editor Joni Blecher tackles the tough questions.
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9/26/02 |
Should you cut the cord?
Get the scoop on new Verizon mobiles and services, world phones that do it all, and cutting the cord--the phone cord, that is.
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9/12/02 |
The skinny on phones with built-in cameras
Find out when you'll be able to keep your mobile number if you switch carriers, when you can get your hands on phones with built-in cameras, and more.
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8/29/02 |
Sync Outlook contacts with your phone
Learn how to sync your phone with your Outlook contacts with your phone and if the new 1xRTT data networks from Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS are worth the price.
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8/16/02 |
Find out what a GPS-ready phone can do for
you
Senior Editor Joni Blecher delivers the inside scoop on how to get ring tones for your Nokia cell phone and what GPS ready really means.
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8/1/02 |
Should you buy that phone on eBay?
Want to know if it's a good idea to buy cell phones on eBay or which phones you can buy abroad, then use here? Senior Editor Joni Blecher gives you the inside scoop and more.
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7/18/02 |
Find out which carriers have the fastest data service
Get the latest take on which carriers have the fastest data networks and how voice-activated dialing is best used.
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6/20/02 |
Get the inside scoop on new cell phones
Find out how to use a Bluetooth headset with your existing cell phone, learn which carrier offers the best service for cross country trips and get the inside scoop on new mobiles.
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6/7/02 |
Budget cell phones from major carriers
In this edition, Senior Editor Joni Blecher picks her favorite bargain mobiles from nationwide carriers and tells you what next-generation networks really offer.
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5/23/02 |
Find out if your phone can download ring tones
More info on downloadable ring tones, how to pick the best family plan, and what a GPS-enabled cell phone can really do.
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5/9/02 |
Find out how to keep your cell phone
Find out how to keep your work cell phone number when you change jobs, why you should pick carrier first, and if you should upgrade to AT&T's GSM/GPRS service.
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4/24/02 |
Should you get a 1xRTT-ready phone now?
Thinking of upgrading to a phone that works on 1xRTT networks? Senior Editor Joni Blecher explains if it's a wise decision. Plus, find out what prepaid plans really offer, and get the inside scoop on why all carriers aren't created equal.
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4/11/02 |
How insurance can save your phone
Find out if you need insurance for you phone, learn about mobiles that pull double duty as pagers, and get some insight on how the Sony Ericsson T68 performs.
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3/28/02 |
Family plans, hard-to-find ring tones, wireless mobile connections, and more
Get the skinny on family plans, find out if you can use your cell phone as a wireless modem for your laptop, and more.
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2/22/02 |
An upgrade to the color Palm phone, new uses for old cell phones, and more
In this edition, the Diva delivers the scoop on new cell phones from Samsung and Nokia. Also, learn how your old mobile can help victims of domestic violence and more.
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2/8/02 |
Syncing solutions for Motorola mobiles, cool U.K. phones, and more
Find out about cool phones available in Europe, Pocket PC 2002 convergence products, and alternate syncing solutions.
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1/25/02 |
The meaning of 1xRTT, laptop connections, buying advice, and more
Learn how to use your cell phone as a wireless modem for your laptop. Plus: the difference between next-generation voice and data networks, and more.
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12/14/01 |
Sprint's 3G network and cell phone buying tips
Get a better understanding of Sprint's 3G network. Plus: facts you need to know about buying cell phones.
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11/21/01 |
Ring tones for Ericsson mobiles, understanding E911, picking a Palm phone, and more
Find out how to compose tunes for your mobile, learn how closely E911 service will track you, locate a Siemens S40 phone, and more.
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10/31/01 |
Sharing minutes, ring tones for Sprint phones, and how to change a Nokia faceplate
In this edition, find out how to save money with family service plans, which Sprint PCS phones accept downloadable ring tones, and the best way to change Nokia faceplates without breaking a nail.
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10/4/01 |
Favorite phones, PIM syncing, and hard-to-find phone cradles
In this edition, the diva delivers the skinny on her favorite budget mobiles, ways around contact manager/phone syncing, and how to use your cellular phone's service on your home line.
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9/20/01 |
Phones for use with hearing aids and WAP shortcuts
Find out about hearing-aid-friendly phone solutions, wireless Web shortcuts, and storing phone book numbers on a SIM card.
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9/6/01 |
Where to find ring tones and more
Senior Editor Joni Blecher explains how to get free Nokia ring tones, alternatives to Ricochet service, and whether you should upgrade your Samsung SPH-3500.
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8/2/01 |
Taking your cell phone global
Several readers have written us with questions concerning international roaming and getting service with existing models in foreign countries. So in this edition, she tackles the topic of taking your cell phone global.
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7/19/01 |
Time is money
Tracking minutes, AOL to go, prepaid plans, and more.
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6/5/01 |
Calling all readers
Got a question about the wacky world of mobile phones? The Diva has the answers.
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5/17/01 |
What people are asking the Cell Phone Diva
Looking for a new phone or service provider? Ever wonder if you'll be able to keep your cell phone number when you change carriers? Senior Editor Joni Blecher offers her insight on these and other matters.
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