With the advancements in the field of telecommunications, cell phones are becoming more and more popular among all age groups. Cell phones had become such a breakthrough invention that they gained popularity over the years and still continuously gaining the attention of more people to the present time. This led to development of more cell phone models. Some offers the basic features and some are more advanced that they become a piece of multi-purpose, all-in-one multimedia gadget. This leads to the question of whether a cell phone is a real necessity or just a form of luxury.

Some people admit that they cannot function without their cell phones on hand. But prior to the invention of cell phones, people were able to manage with their works, businesses and everyday lives. Generally, communication was not a problem. Over the past 10-15 years, mobile telecommunication had gone a long way from a bulky and heavy strange looking unit to the flashy, posh and elegant unit that we see nowadays in the market. To date, majority has a cell phone and the usage had greatly increased over the years making mobile communication the world’s most used mode of communication.

When does a cell phone become a necessity and when does it become a luxury? Utilization of a cell phone saves time and energy as one can contact a certain person at any given time. A person on the road can still stay connected using mobile technology provided by a cell phone. In the household, a cell phone is used to check on other family members. Clearly, the answer would depend on the kind of lifestyle that a person has. Current lifestyles depend too much on technology that failing to keep up with the pace would result to a less productive life.

When a person works in an environment where technology is practiced, not owning a cell phone can result to poor work output. In contrast to another person who’s job does not require him to stay connected with others on a regular basis. This is an example of cell phone being a necessity, when it makes one person more productive.

When does it become a luxury? This only happens when one seeks for more than what is really needed. One can more or less justify the need for a cell phone but aiming for advanced features and flashy models that are not beneficial with the way you live is already a luxury. Owning a cell phone should always be for a practical reason.

With the constant emergence of various cell phone models over the past years up to the present time, it is important to keep in mind the basic purpose of a cell phone which is mobile communication. With the various features that come in handy with every cell phone, it is an important consideration to keep in mind what makes a cell phone functional and useful. What are the basic features that should not be ignored when choosing a cell phone?

The most important feature to consider is strong signal reception. Cell phones are meant to communicate and they work through a network that provides cell sites. There are many factors that create negative effect in acquiring good reception such as weak signal, static from other electronic devices or the phone itself. Therefore, one must be critical in choosing a phone that is capable of acquiring strong signal and good reception.

Second feature to consider is battery life. Since cell phones are meant for mobility, strong battery life is a key factor to consider. Cell phones make use of different batteries depending on the manufacturer or model. Lithium Polymer is the latest type and offers the latest technology and lasts 50 times longer than Nickel Metal Hydride which is the most popular choice of battery among cell phone users because it is cheap and it lasts long. Lithium Ion batteries are also efficient and long lasting although they tend to be more expensive and they only fit new cell phone models. The oldest type is the Nickel Cadmium battery which is slowly being phased out by cell phone manufacturers due to memory defects, toxic nature and tendency to be damaged easily and irreversibly.

Third important feature is the weight and size. A cell phone that is lightweight and not too big nor not too small is an investment. This feature enables you to carry it anywhere without the extra load and burden of making it fit inside your pocket or handbag. Size and weight depend on the user. Some prefer bigger models because they are more comfortable with it, while others prefer smaller ones for ease in carrying it around. A good cell phone has the features that are not bothersome for one who intends to carry it anywhere at all times.

Last but not the least, a cell phone must offer features such as SMS and a built-in memory to store enough phone numbers in its directory. All these are important features that make up a good cell phone.

Mobile Phones, more commonly known as Cellular Phones or Cell Phones are electronic gadgets that are portable and offer convenient means of communication. Cell phones combine technology with mobility in telecommunication. Over the years, cell phones had gained the interest of the public leading to extreme popularity making it the world’s most used means of communication. Nowadays, some people even prefer having cell phones than maintaining regular land lines due to its mobility, cost-efficiency, entertaining features and capacity to maintain a personal directory making it a multi-purpose gadget.

Current advancements in cell phones also allow sending of text messages via Short Message Service or SMS; and depending on the features that support the cell phone unit, pictures, music, videos and animated picture messages can also be forwarded or sent to other cell phone users via Multimedia Messaging Service. These features makes messaging and communication interesting, fun and engaging.

Communicating messages through calls, SMS and MMS via cell phone is possible anytime and anywhere provided that certain considerations are met including the availability of cell site, battery life and the features that support the cell phones. Cell phones are long-range electronic devices that connect to cellular network of base stations which have links to the public switched telephone networks making it a highly useful portable device.

Like in standard telephones, proper phone etiquettes should also be practiced when using a cell phone. Another concept of a cell phone is that it is personal. A cell phone contact number is more often than not, designated to one person. That is why when trying to get hold of a particular person, calling him through his cell phone guarantees higher chances of actually speaking to that person first hand than calling his office phone or residential phone number wherein other people may answer the call. Calling the cell phone number of the person you want to get in touch with saves time because it means calling the person directly.

Cell phones are powerful devices. Breakthrough innovation in communication was made possible using a cell phone device which is supported by the network provider wherein one can actually see the person on the other line. This led to the popularity of video cell phones or video phones. The world of cell phone advancements and technology make the world seem so small, and since e-mails and internet browsing are also made possible using cell phones, it adds convenience and enables one to save the time and energy in getting hold of a computer anytime and anywhere.