No question about it, Bluetooth is very handy thanks to its improved integration with computers, cell phones and automobiles.
When Bluetooth first appeared about five years ago, the hype far outstripped its usefulness. The ability to eliminate the tangles of cords and cables was very alluring. Unfortunately, cost and complexity almost brought the technology to its knees.
Now its back, alive and well, fulfilling its promise as a useful tool in a variety of settings.
Europe was its early adopter and it is standard on nearly all European cell phones. They have adopted Bluetooth enabled phones, laptops, wireless keyboards, mice and more.
Sexy Headsets:
Cingular and T-Mobile wireless carriers use the same technology as their European counterparts and thus offer Bluetooth enabled devices for their customers. Bluetooth is rarer from Sprint and Verizon Communications which are based on North American technologies.
One major boost for adoption of Bluetooth enabled mobile phones will come from State and local governments. Many new laws and ordinances have been adopted or are in various stages of implementation that will levy fines for driving and using a hand held cell phone. The push for hands-free calling will move Bluetooth forward in the marketplace.
Acura TL now offers Bluetooth integrated into the automobile allowing the driver to use the cars stereo system as a speakerphone and displays information on the dashboard. Bluetooth car kits are now available from Motorola, Nokia, Parrot and others for about $100.
Early teething problems included high cost and poor battery life and made it unattractive for handsets. But now Logitech’s Mobile Bluetooth handset can be had for about $50. The $140 Jabra BT800, which lets you control many cell-phone functions on the headset, offers six hours of talk time and five days of standby. After that, you can recharge by running a USB cable from the headset into a laptop so you don't need to take a charger with you. A headset on the way from Plantronics will come with adapters that allow charging from most phone adapters or from an AA battery.
Bluetooth Linking:
Beyond mobile phones, Bluetooth is beginning to make inroads into other aspects of wireless communication. Although Windows support is somewhat primitive by current standards, the technology is standard on Apple Macintoshes and optional on other products. Apple uses the latest, faster version of Bluetooth. If Mac detects a Bluetooth enabled keyboard and mouse during startup, it will link to them automatically.
PalmOne is also a big supporter of Bluetooth. PalmOne's software overcomes most of the Windows difficulties and allows their handheld devices to sync and swap files with a Windows laptop over Bluetooth. Making sync work with a new Mac PowerBook is even easier. As for Microsoft's primitive Bluetooth world, it is possible to get a Pocket PC to sync with Windows over Bluetooth, but is only for the technically savvy.
Bluetooth Worth Waiting For:
Bluetooth still falls short. Early promoters envisioned that you would be able to walk up to a printer with your laptop of PDA, click a button, and print. We’re still waiting for that one. Bluetooth printers are rare but we can assume that the advent of Bluetooth enabled digital camera phones will spur this technology further and make for easy printing of those treasured moments.
The technology savvy users are an impatient lot. If it doesn’t catch on right away they move on to something newer and different. If anything, Bluetooth has proven that acceptance can take a while. But isn’t it worth the wait?
We technology watchers are an impatient lot who tend to give up on anything that doesn't catch on right away. Bluetooth has proved once again that acceptance can take a long time -- and that sometimes it's worth the wait.
By Raymond Klesc
The technological horizon has always got something new to offer, and among the most recent of these offerings is Bluetooth enhanced hardware. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this latest-and-greatest technology, headsets and headphones in the Bluetooth line offer the ability to use your cell phone without the need for hands or dangling wires. In other words, when you have one of these, you’ve got yourself a wireless piece of hardware that attaches to the ear which allows cell phone communications to take place without the inconvenience or hassle of holding the phone to your ear or trailing long wires from the headset to the body of the phone.
If you’re toying with the idea of purchasing a Bluetooth headset or set of headphones, you’ll need to understand that – as a result of the nature of this type of technology – they aren’t as small or light as a headset that isn’t wireless. This is simply because it needs extended technology in order to function, as well as a battery to be used as its power source. What this means is that many of these sets are rather bulky and can be a bit uncomfortable. If that’s not something that you’re willing to accept, then perhaps Bluetooth isn’t the product for you.
One of the biggest benefits of this type of technology is that it affords you the opportunity to have a conversation on your cell phone without having to hold it up to your head. With the concerns of harmful radiation that’s emitted by these phones, the Bluetooth headsets and
headphones serve as a buffer and eliminate the exposure to these harmful rays. It also allows you to make contact with your computer and lets you use one headset for both
the cell phone and PC simultaneously. If you feel that you’re going to have the need for features such as these, then consider purchasing this type of product.
Though Bluetooth products such as these are compatible with most types of phones and carriers, that’s not true in every case. Before making a purchase, be sure that there are no compatibility issues. You’ll need to be sure that your phone complies with Bluetooth 1.1 or greater and that
it offers the options of both hands-free and headset capabilities. Plug compatibility isn’t an issue, since it’s a wireless unit.
If you’re not planning to wear the headset or headphones all day, then you’ll need to be sure that they’re kept close at hand if a call should happen to come in on your phone. You may need to place it on a cord around your neck so that you’re free to move about without the worry of
leaving your Bluetooth somewhere. That means that you’ll have to ensure that your equipment has a loop that will allow a strap connection.
Other things to consider are whether or not your set can be used if you wear eyeglasses, the cost and range of the unit, ease and comfortability of use, weight, the ability to switch from one ear to the other, technical support, the presence of a pairing password, appropriate monitors for
battery limits, effective noise cancellation and a plethora of other features that you may feel are necessary.
By Simon Canfield
By Jason Morris
offer many features and are ideal for
small businesses or businesses that are run from home. As
well as increasing the portability of your phone system,
they also increase office efficiency and productivity.
The first cordless phone systems were introduced in the 1970
and suffered from issues such as large handset size and
short battery life. Since then the technology and security
of modern systems has grown continuously.
A good cordless phone system can now offer benefits such as:
voice mail, call forwarding, caller I.D. and many more. The
latest systems also offer: lightweight handsets, speed
dialling, digital answering and long battery life. You can
now choose from a range of high quality cordless phone
systems that offer excellent clarity with virtually no
interference.
Cordless phone systems allow you to contact a user that may
be walking around. Each system has a base unit which enables
you to page the handset of a user, so long as they are in
range. You can then speak to the user through the intercom
facility. Some systems allow you to use another handset as
the intercom instead of the base station.
Cordless phone systems can be integrated into existing
office phone systems. Over the past few years, the
development of new technology has made it possible for some
cordless phone systems to be integrated into already
existing office phone systems. Enabling companies to take
full advantage of all the features and benefits that come
with cordless phone systems, without suffering the cost and
upset arising from the implementation of a new full office
phone system.
Put simply, cordless phone systems allow you to wander
freely around your business environment, without the fear of
missing an important call or losing vital new business. They
are truly wonderful pieces of equipment and can only enhance
the profitability of any small business.
By Keith Kingston
We have become a society that demands the most technologically advanced equipment, and cell phones are no exception. That’s why the cellular telephone industry is changing so rapidly. Today’s phones are quite impressive with many bells and whistle, but wait, the cell phones of the future are like something out of a sci fi movie. Who would have dreamed that we’d come this far in such a short time?
The cell phones of tomorrow are so compact that you’ll need a beeper just to find where you left them. Current phones are incredibly tiny but they are going to get even smaller. You’ll be able to purchase a watch with cell phone and all you’ll have is a headset to talk with. Of course it will be all voice activated. The phones that are simply a tiny screen with wireless headset are also on the horizon.
The cellular market believes that if pricing is right, you’ll throw away the old dial up systems and use cellular for you home communications as well as your mobile communications. That’s why a company is in the process of developing a very futuristic full size handset that will plug into your cell. Perfect for those long at home conversations.
I know your thinking, well that’s nice but that’s not so far out. ButWait! There’s more great news.
Your cell phone is going to be your garage door opener and your universal remote for your TV. Yes that’s right! Kind of like one stop shopping. It’s also going to work as a remote car start on new vehicles equipped with the technology. So let’s see. You’ll be able to turn on the TV for your morning update, start your car to warm in the middle of winter, and then drive on off to work, all the while talking to your pal. Now that’s pretty impressive!
Hold on! Just when you thought there couldn’t be anything more, there is! Your cell phones going to be equipped with an MP3 player, a DVD player, and a mini game machine. All at your fingertips. So when your board to tears at work, or waiting for an appointment, you’ll have a full entertainment system at your fingertips.
Today mostcell phones come equipped with a digital camera. Remember all the oohs and aahs when that technology hit the market. Well it’s going to get better, you are going to have a true video camera built into your phone, which will be good for 10 to 20 minutes of record time.
Wait, there’s more! Cell phones are going to be able to read RFID tags, which are cheap disposable tags that contain information about a product. In the future items in a store will all contain these tags and your phone will have a built in RFID reader so you’ll be able to quickly access product information. Sounds like the day’s of a live person helping you might become a thing of the past.
There is even talk that these devices could make checkouts a thing of the past. Of course that would mean we’ve also become a cashless society. I know we are almost there now. You would scan an item in the store, then punch a button to purchase it. Goodbye to long check out line ups.
But wait, they want to take it one step further! Your cell phones going to act as your wallet for electronic style payments. You’ll be able to access your bank accounts, and credit cards with the touch of a button.
Currently we’ve got email and some limited web functions available on our cell phones, but that’s all going to change! Your cell phone is about to become the smallest computer ever built. I will allow you to do everything you can do at your desk top, with the advantage of mobility.
The list goes on and on. The creative juices of the cellular industry are flowing fast. With wireless systems like blue tooth on the market, the flood gates have opened. Your going to see cellular technology beyond your wildest dreams. Get ready for the twighlight zone.
By Martin Smith
Our phones already have lots of features built in, like integrated digital cameras, color display, even PDA's. Audiovox phones also have lots of accessories. With Audiovox cell phone accessories we can gain greater access to the world around us and have fun at the same time.
Audiovox offers a full range of accessories including hands free car kits (required by law in some areas for using you cell phone while driving), desktop speaker phones, cell phone antennas and antenna boosters, holders, and cases. Spare or replacement batteries are also available, as are keypads, some of which flash.
Other accessories for your Audiovox cell phone are: USB data cables and connectivity kits. An over the ear car headset will keep your hands free for other things like driving, working at your keyboard, or even fixing dinner. Earphones and a microphone are great for those not comfortable with speaker phones. Cases and pouches will keep your cell phone safe from grime and impact and some are even waterproof.
The popular changeable faceplates and covers are also offered by Audiovox, as are a wide collection of downloadable ring tones. You can get an MP3 player for your phone, rapid chargers, they even have a double battery charger so that you can charge a spare battery as well as your primary battery.
A holster or belt clip can be a useful alternative to the pocket or purse when you are out and about.
Audiovox has a whole line of cell phones for you to choose from, some of which are the Audiovox pre-paid cell phones that can help you avoid the excesses of provider calling plans.
Cellular joysticks for gaming, an FM stereo headset and an AC/DC wall adaptor for a car charger, all of these accessories are designed to make your Audiovox cell phone even more useful and adapted to your needs.
By Jason Morris
Buying a new business phone system is one of the most important purchases any business will ever make. The selection of a phone system can either bring a business closer to its customers and clients or, cause confusion and chaos amongst all that use or interact with it.
It is therefore essential that you choose the right phone system for your business needs. The telephone is quite often the fastest and easiest way to reach customers and clients. It should also be the fastest and easiest way for them to reach you. It should be flexible enough to be able to cover all of your company’s needs and handle all calls appropriately. The last thing any business wants is for its important business callers and customers to be routed incorrectly, disconnected, or faced with a long list of confusing automated options.
There are lots of factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a new business telephone system. Below are a few of the main ones:
1. You need enough capacity to fulfil your current business needs.
2. Assess your potential future growth and select a compatible phone system accordingly.
3. Ensure compatibility with any equipment you already own (headsets, handsets, conferencing equipment, cabling etc).
4. What features does your business phone system need to incorporate?
Fulfilling all the factors above and any more you can think of can be an expensive challenge for any business. The aim of this guide is to help you understand what decisions you need to make in order to choose the right phone system for your business.
Types of business phone system
There are three major types of phone system available: KSU- Less phones, Key systems and Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems. Which type of phone system you choose will depend on the amount of extensions you require and the features your telephone system needs to have installed.
KSU-Less systems
KSU-Less systems are usually more suited to companies that typically have less than ten employees, or require less than ten extensions. That isn’t to say that all companies requiring less than ten phone extensions can make do with a KSU-Less system. It may be that you require more features which are only available through either a PBX or Key phone system.
Requiring a far lower initial investment than the other types of business phone systems, KSU-Less phones are specifically designed to include many of the features usually only available through the implementation of a full small business phone system.
KSU-Less systems can be easily unplugged and relocated, because they are not permanently wired into your office. This portability allows you to treat a KSU-Less phone system, much the same as any business machine, rather than a lost permanent investment.
You will need to ensure that any KSU-Less system you choose is compatible not only with the type of wiring you have in your office, but also with any accessories you may already have, such as: headsets, answering & fax machines and modems. Because KSU-Less phone systems are relatively inexpensive, they are not usually sold, installed, or maintained by telecoms vendors.
All of this means, you have to go out there and do not only the shopping yourself but, also the installation and support. This is one of the two major drawbacks of KSU-Less systems. The last thing any business needs is to be concerned with the reliability and maintenance of its phone system. Another drawback of KSU-Less systems is that they are more prone to something known as crosstalk. This is where separate conversations may blend into each other. With PBX, Key systems and Hybrid systems falling in price, it sometimes makes more sense to invest in a full business phone system, rather than become susceptible to the risks of a KSU-Less system.
Private Branch Exchange (PBX) systems
If your business typically requires more than forty extensions, or your needs dictate you need advanced functions from your business phone system, then PBX systems are often the solution. PBX systems used to be extremely expensive and only affordable by huge corporations with hundreds of extensions. Though this is still the case for larger installations, the development of the technology required has progressed to the point where a powerful, fully functional PBX office phone system for a small business is able to fit on the top of a desk.
Nearly all these compact PBX phone systems come with all the features you might want as standard. You pay a premium for the programmability and flexibility that a PBX offers, but in most cases the price difference is not as much as you may imagine between that of a less flexible phone system.
Key Systems
Key phone systems are more typical in businesses that require five to forty extensions. This type of phone system uses a central control unit called the Key System Unit (KSU) to provide features and functions that are not available using ordinary phones. An example of this is: key systems using a KSU allow one extension to call another in house extension, and prevents any other users from picking up a line that is already in use. Key systems usually come as standard with most features any business would expect, but in some cases they are often less flexible than a PBX phone system.
PBX & Key Systems (hybrids)
Though Key and PBX systems have some different technical features, these differences have become somewhat blurred over the past couple of years. Many Key systems now offer features that were once only available to those who chose to install a full PBX phone system. Some systems also operate internally as either a PBX or Key system depending on the software installed. Sometime these systems are often referred to as “Hybrid” phone systems.
Installation & maintenance of PBX and Key phone systems
PBX and Key phone systems require installation by fully trained and qualified telecoms engineers. All outside and inside lines must connect to the PBX or KSU cabinet. The installation and maintenance of one of these types of phone system can be just as expensive as the phone system itself. In many cases you may be able to use the existing phone lines available in your office, but unless the phones you have been using are relatively new, they may not be compatible with your new system, requiring you to purchase new handsets as well as the system itself.
The Right Size System
It is important that when buying a new business telephone system, that you know your requirements in advance. Knowing what features need to be included with your new telephone system will stand you in good stead when it comes to negotiating with potential suppliers. When considering buying a new telephone system for your business, there are two major factors that determine the size of the system you require:
Lines. These are sometimes called trunks. The number of lines a system has denotes the number of outside lines being used by a company.
Extensions. Most extensions will be made up of handsets. Though any equipment that requires a phone line is classed as an extension. This includes fax machines, modems, and credit card equipment etc.
It is important that you make a list of all the extensions and lines you may need for your new phone system. Not forgetting some users may need more than one line and multiple extensions.
With key systems, the size of a phone system is indicated as a combination of both lines and extensions. For example a system that has 10 lines and 30 extensions will be shown as a 10 x 30 system.
With PBX phone systems, size is defined as a combination of lines and extensions, called "Ports". The number of "Ports" is the maximum number of connections that can be made to the phone system. These include outside lines and inside extensions, as well as any other telephone system accessories.
When planning for a new business phone system, you should take into account the future expansion of your company, by foreseeing any extra needs at an early stage. Even if your current telephone system is handling calls well for the time being, this may not be the case when any future expansion or improvements are fully implemented. A good business phone system should be able to handle expansion easily and in a cost effective manor. PBX phone systems allow you to expand their capabilities, by adding new expansion cards, thus increasing the number of ports available for use. A few key systems can be expanded by the addition of another cabinet that is identical to the first.
When planning your new system it is important that you enquire about the potential cost for the addition of more extensions or ports. It is important that when choosing a new business phone system, you ensure expansion will come not only easily but as affordable as possible for your company.
Telephone System Dealers and Installers
Finding a good reliable dealer is the most important part of buying a new business phone system. A good reputable dealer will not only be able to sell you the system you require, but will offer excellent, guaranteed installation and service as well as always be on hand to answer any questions you have when problems arise. To put it simply they will be there to hold your hand and guide you through the process, from the planning and selection of a suitable system, to the implementation of you new system and training of staff. Any potential supplier will be more than happy to talk to you about any aspect of a new business phone system, and offer testimonials as to the quality of their systems and installation service.
It is not uncommon for buyers to require a demonstration of potential new phone systems. Any reputable dealer will be more than happy to offer a full demonstration of any phone system they supply. It is better for the dealer to visit your site, that way they can get a proper view of your existing system and evaluate your future communication requirements and cabling needs.
Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) specify how quickly a dealer responds to a problem with your phone system. A good dealer will offer a range of SLA’s to cater for most business needs and budgets. Expect to pay more if your business requires 24/7 support or response times shorter than normal.
Below are some questions that you could ask a dealer when looking for a supplier of a business phone system:
1. Can I have a system demonstration?
2. Who will install the system and cabling?
3. What range of Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) do they offer?
4. Who will provide system training and what are the costs?
5. Can the dealer provide remote maintenance facilities?
6. What guarantees and warranties do they offer?
Check List
1. Decide which type of phone system best suits your businesses needs.
2. Plan the size of your new system by evaluating the amount of lines and extensions you require. Don’t forget to plan for any future expansion.
3. Decide what extra features you might require from you new business phone system (voicemail, door phones, etc).
4. Contact a few reputable dealers.
5. Arrange for a demonstration of suitable phone systems.
6. Work with your chosen dealer to select and purchase the correct system for your business.
7. Don’t forget to sort suitable training and an adequate service level agreement.
Final
The purchase and installation of the correct telephone system for your business is a very important decision. It is imperative that you get it right first time, as the functionality and prosperity of you business could heavily depend upon it. Remember to follow the few simple guide lines outlined in this report, and you will be more prepared than most.
Here is FAQ about cellular phones that taken from Alex Fir's article
1. What's the difference between analog and digital phones?
Analog phones operate on an older and less effective technology. This technology doesn't scale well and is more costly. Analog service is not compatible with numerous new features. Digital phones are lighter and more compact and have a longer battery life. When you are inside of a calling area the quality is better than analog. Digital phones support new features like caller ID, text messaging or wireless internet services.
2. What is a Dual Band Phone?
A Dual band phone is a phone that can operate on an analog and digital service.
3. What type of battery has the longest life?
Lithium-Ion or Li-Ion batteries have the longest life. They also happen to be the lightest in weight. The two pluses means there is minus attached, which is price. A li-ion battery will always be the most expensive type of battery available.
4. What's the difference between the Stand-by time and Talk time?
Your phone is in standby mode when your phone is on but you aren't talking. The power consumption is minimal and the phone can stay in this mode for a longer period of time. When you are using the phone you are using talk time. This consumes battery power at a much quicker rate. Your battery life will be somewhere between talk time and standby time
5. What is a roaming charge?
A roaming charge is when you make a call from outside of your calling area. Your calling area is defined by plan local, regional or national.
6. What are peak and off peak hours?
Peak hours are during the day when the cellular networks are very busy. These minutes are at premium and your plan will typically include the smallest amount of these. If you use more than your allotted peak minutes they will be billed at a much higher rate than off peak minutes. Off peak is the exact opposite of peak time. Each cellular provider has their own definition of off peak.
7. What are anytime minutes?
Anytime minutes are simply put minutes you can use anytime, peak or off peak. On most plans you will use anytime minutes first.
8. Do I pay for the call when someone calls me?
Usually yes. You are billed for the airtime when you receive a call. However some service providers are offering unlimited in network calls.
9. Should I buy a cell phone or look for a free cellular phone?
Free phones generally speaking don't have the latest features, they are anywhere from 6 to 12 months behind. Also, free cell phones generally come with longer contracts. But, it is still possible to get a great deal on a free cell phone.
10. What to do if you want to upgrade/downgrade or cancel your service plan?
You can usually upgrade to higher plan without any cost. Some may force you to extend your contract for 1 to 2 years from that point. Downgrading your plan is often times not an option and when it is there is usually a penalty or fine.
