You have to ask yourself so many questions when you buy a mobile phone, how many minutes do I need? How many texts? Which network will be best for me? How much can I afford a month? 12 month contract or 18? Shall I go for Cashback or a FREE Gift? That’s before you have even questioned which mobile phone you want. So you find a mobile phone you like the look of, but some of the features don’t make any sense, you can see an acronym of a set of words but what’s the use if you don’t know what they mean. Well, I have the answers right here with my Mobile Jargon Buster!
Band
Network providers use frequencies GSM900 and GSM1800, these are known as bands and are standard bands for many countries. However the likes of the USA and Canada use GSM1900. Dual-band phones are good for countries who operate both GSM900 and GSM1800. Tri-band phones are good for countries that use GSM900/1800 and 1900. Therefore if you wish to take your phone stateside get a Tri-band phone.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is short range wireless technology that allows you to send/receive pictures, videos and messages to/from other Bluetooth devices.
EDGE
Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution technology is a data transfer mechanism, which provides 3 times the data capacity of GPRS.
GPRS
General Packet Radio Service is a technology that allows the receipt and transmission of data. Also referred to as 2.5G, GPRS will be charged based on the volume of data you send/receive.
GSM
A Global System for Mobile communications, is the technology that enables roaming, which allows you to make a call home from abroad. Remember, you will be charged at the international rate unless you have inclusive minutes in your tariff.
HSDPA
High Speed Downlink Packet Access, allows you super fast download times for media to your phone, regarded as five times faster than 3G.
IM
Instant Messaging is the ability to have a person to person text conversation in real time in the same fashion as one would use with MSN only on your mobile.
IMEI Code
International Mobile Equipment Identity is a unique code that identifies your particular handset and you can find it underneath your battery or dial *#06# on your phone.
Java
This allows you to download, store and use games and applications on your mobile.
MMS
Multi Media Messaging also known as picture messaging allows you to send pictures and other media to your contacts. If you send one to a recipient who does not have MMS enabled it will result in a text message from their provider giving them access to view the picture online via the providers website.
MB
A Megabyte is a unit of space required by a file, one Megabyte is a million bytes.
PDA
This stands for Personal Digital Assistant, commonly used to describe many smartphones.
Polyphonic
This term is associated with your ringtones, they are a higher quality tone than standard tones and are quite close to CD standard.
SMS
This is the short term for a text message, which is the sending/receiving of a written message to your mobile phone.
T9
This is predictive text which is much faster than multi tapping your letters. If your phone has this functionality all you have to do is press the number that has the letter you need once, for example to spell Hello press 4-3-5-5-6. For long words your phone will come up with suggestions after only a couple of key taps.
Talk Time
Refers to the amount of time you can talk starting with the battery fully charged.
UMTS
Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service is the full name of the aformentioned 3G or 3rd Generation Telecommunications.
WAP
Wireless Application Protocol this allows to access information from the web that can be displayed on a mobile screen.
WLAN
A wireless local area connection allows your device to stay connected to the network while being able to move your device around.
I hope this helps you in the search for your next mobile phone, if there is anything not on the list please post a comment and i’ll define it for you.
Greg
e2save.com Online Relationships
