Barnes and Noble introduces the NOOK
 |
 |
| |
|
|
Mobiles with built-in cameras, a new kind of roaming, and keeping the same phone number By Joni Blecher (9/12/02) Senior 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! Picture perfect Q: When do you see the new camera phones being released in the United States? I follow your reports about their use in Japan and can't wait to buy one. (Sprint offers one, but the camera attaches separately.) -- Greg A: Actually, Sprint phones aren't the only models with a snap-on camera--the Sony Ericsson T68i also has this functionality. As for all-in-one devices, we'll start to see them in early 2003, which translates to some time in the first half of next year. Some of the models to look out for are the recently announced Nokia 3650, the Sony Ericsson P800, and the Motorola A820. Waiting at the GAIT Q: Do you have any information on Multi Network Technology (GAIT) phones? -- James A: This is a term that you may hear a lot more about in the future from carriers such as Cingular Wireless and AT&T Wireless. A GAIT (GSM ANSI Interoperability Team) cell phone is one that will work on TDMA, GSM, and analog networks. Currently, Cingular Wireless is selling the Nokia 6340, which is a GAIT mobile. But that's not your only option; Sony Ericsson's T62u, which should be out later this year, is also considered a GAIT phone. We'll probably begin to see a few more of these models coming out in the near future as carriers make the transition from TDMA networks to GSM. New carrier, new number Q: I've been a Verizon (Bell Atlantic) customer for 10 years, and the service has been below average. I have heard in the news that the larger carriers have locked up our cell numbers and that the FCC is looking into giving them to the user. Is this a true statement, or do I have to change my number to switch carriers? -- M. Ames A: Unfortunately, in the near future, you won't be able to keep your cell phone number if you change carriers. An FCC mandate with a deadline of November 24, 2002 that would allow you to keep your cell phone number and use it with another carrier's service has just been postponed for another 12 months. |
|
 |
More resources | |
|
|
| ||||
|
Find and buy ring tones, images, and games for you phone Check CNET editors' favorite cell phones See how your phone's radiation level compares to others' |
Joni Blecher is a section editor for CNET Reviews.
