mobile-tips

Samsung SGH-Z400 (Mobile Tips)

2006-11-17T17:24:00.000-08:00

From the range of Samsung’s latest phones comes the SGH-Z400. The SGH-Z400 is a slide-up form factor in a slim design. It supports video telephony and streaming and includes a 2 Megapixel camera, document viewer and external memory slot packed into a 18.4mm thick unit.

Other features:

Standard UMTS 2.1 GHz / GSM / GPRS (900 / 1800 / 1900MHz)
Display 2.0” 240x320 262K Color TFT LCD
MP3/ AAC / AAC+/AAC+(e)
Bluetooth
USB 30 MB embedded memory, expandable
Size 97 x 48 x 18.4 mm
Weight 107g

Read more about the Samsung SGH-4000

More cool stuff for your Samsung cell phone
http://www.forums.tamingthebeast.net

Nokia 7610 Full Factory Reset

2006-11-17T17:06:00.000-08:00

To perform a full factory reset/format:

Power the phone off
Press down talk/green + 3 + *
Power the phone on

This procedure will also work on a 6600/6620.
by Erik C. Thauvin

Top mobile tips (Get more from your mobile)part2

2006-11-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

1-To encourage people to leave a message when they call, personalise your voicemail. That way they know they've reached the right number.

2-
Don't miss out on meetings even when you're out of the office. Just Conference Call instead.

3-Keep your office open even when you can't take calls by using RespondPlus. Live operators will take your call and text the information to your handset.

4-You can allocate special ringtones to important callers so you instantly know who's trying to get in touch.

5-When you don't want your phone to interrupt a meeting or disturb colleagues, you can set ringtones to a lower level, a discreet beep or on most handsets, a silent vibrate. Likewise, you can put SMS alerts to silent when the need arises.

http://www.yourcommunications.co.uk

Top mobile tips (Get more from your mobile)part1

2006-11-17T16:58:00.000-08:00

Here are just a few suggestions to ensure you get the most from your mobile phone

1-If you receive unsolicited text messages you can now forward them directly to 87726 or VSPAM on your mobile handset and the message will be sent directly to Vodafone who are consolidating all the messages that they receive from their customers on a daily basis and forwarding them on to the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services (ICSTIS). This should help regulatory action be taken against the companies sending the unsolicited text messages.

2-Many phones now have a business card capability. This allows you to store your own details in a handy format that can then be sent out to colleagues and contacts.

3-Avoid unintentional and potentially embarrassing 'pocket calls' by activating your automatic keypad lock.

4-Did you know you can convert emails to text messages using Vodafone Mobile Alert Plus?

The Source Article

Transfer pictures taken with camera phones to a computer

2006-11-16T18:36:00.000-08:00

POLICE! MY PICTURES ARE BEING HELD HOSTAGE!

Buying that camera phone seemed like a good idea at the time. After all, you'll have your phone with you much of the time, and the camera will give you the opportunity to capture and share moments forever that you'd normally forget. But once you start taking photos with your phone, you may not know what to do with the pictures, which defeats the purpose of having a camera phone in the first place.

1. Use e-mail
The problem with Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and picture messaging is that, for the most part, they work only within your carrier. In other words, if you have an AT&T phone, you can't send a picture message to your buddy who's on Verizon. After much foot-dragging, the carriers have just agreed to an MMS interoperability standard, but that won't help you for quite some time. If it turns out that your picture recipient uses a different carrier, he or she should receive a text message explaining how to view the photo online. If your intended recipient doesn't receive such a message or the receiving phone isn't MMS-compatible, simply use your phone to send the picture to your friend's traditional e-mail address. (Keep in mind that sending pictures in any manner costs money, either per message or as part of a data plan.)

You can also use e-mail to move pictures from your phone to a PC. Again, you'll have to subscribe to a data plan or pay per-message fees in order to do this, so this can be an expensive solution, especially if you're dealing with several pictures at a time. That leads us to the next item...

2. Purchase a data cable and sync software
For moving pictures to your computer, there's nothing simpler or more cost effective than investing in a data cable and some synchronization software. It's a one-time fee, and it's much faster than e-mail. All of the software products we mentioned previously support photo sharing. Your carrier or phone manufacturer also may offer cables and sync software as optional accessories.

3. Use a photo-messaging site
Sprint PCS, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile all feature very good sites for storing and sharing your camera phone images. Once you get your pictures to one of these sites, you can send them to any e-mail address. You can also select albums or individual images to share with others by sending an e-mail invitation.

Another option is to use third-party providers, such as Kodak Mobile and Snapfish, that let you store and share your camera phone pictures.

4. Wireless connectivity
As with contact transfers, you may be able to transfer photos wirelessly as well. Memory-card transfers are also an option, depending on your phone.

By John Frederick Moore, CNET Freelancer12/3/2004

Capture great shots with your phone

2006-11-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons people leave their pictures imprisoned in their camera phones is that they're disappointed with the shots they've taken. The images are too blurry or too washed out, or the perspective is distorted. In detecting details, film cameras and digital cameras are more limited than the human eye, and camera phones, in turn, are more limited than both film and digital cameras. For that reason, you not only need to apply basic photographic principles to get the best-looking pictures possible, you need to be aware of and know how to compensate for your camera phone's deficiencies.

Framing your shot
The camera phone is a great way to capture a spontaneous or otherwise unexpected moment. With that in mind, many people attempt to snap a picture without thinking about the composition of the shot. That's the wrong approach if you actually want to display your pictures in some fashion.

1-Use the entire frame
Any photographer will tell you that one of the most basic techniques is to use the whole frame. Many people tend to focus their attention on only the center of the frame or the main subject of the picture, while ignoring the rest of the scene. When you take the whole frame into account, you pay close attention to objects in the background or on the periphery of the image.

2-Place subjects off-center
Another classic rule is to avoid placing the main subject in the center of the frame. Placing the subject slightly off-center gives a more interesting sense of space, as you can see in the difference between the two images below.

Adjusting for lighting conditions
It would be nice if the lighting conditions for taking photographs were always optimal, but that's not the case. Many of those buttons and dials you find on traditional cameras deal specifically with this problem. Unlike 35mm-film cameras or digital cameras with manual settings, however, camera phones don't offer a wealth of user controls for manipulating the lens to adjust for lighting conditions. With that in mind, you'll have to do your own compensating for less than ideal lighting conditions.

1-Avoid low light
Because they automatically make adjustments to the shutter speed based on the amount of light available, camera phones have difficulty capturing details in low-light environments. Taking pictures in bright environments provides a faster shutter speed and more depth of field. Therefore, the more light in your environment, the sharper the image. Even a unit with a built-in flash will provide minimal support since the range is only about 2 or 3 feet, compared with the 10- to 15-foot range you get with a midlevel digital camera.

2-Adjust the brightness level
If the image on your display seems too dark or too light, try adjusting the brightness level before taking the picture. You'll be able to see the difference on the screen as you make the adjustment, especially when taking pictures of subjects that have light-colored elements.

3-Adjust the white balance
In some cases, it's not so much a matter of having enough light as it is what kind of light you're dealing with. In these instances, adjustments to the white balance can improve your pictures. Experienced photographers use blank white or gray cards to help judge the white balance. Not everyone will have the time or the inclination to go through this procedure to take a quick snapshot. If that's the case, you can simply keep the white balance set at Auto. But if this setting doesn't properly compensate for lighting conditions and if you have a couple of minutes to spare, you can use the same technique the professionals use:

-Place a white card or sheet of paper in front of you.
-Go to picture-taking mode.
-Look at the white card through the screen.
-If the card appears off-color (too yellow or red, for example), go to your camera phone's white--balance settings and toggle through the selections until the card appears as close to white as possible.

4-Avoid backlighting
Before snapping a picture, think about where your light source is coming from. When the light source is behind your subject, it will appear too dark, almost like a silhouette. Cameras with fill-flash options can compensate for this, but camera phones, even those with built-in flashes, have no such feature. Unless you want your subject to appear as a silhouette, it's best to stand with the light behind you, not your subject.

5-Keep your subject close
Camera phones use fixed-focal-length lenses, and the focal length--the distance between the optical center of the lens and the place where it focuses the image--is very short. The LG VX6000's focal length, for example, is 3.3mm; for a 35mm-camera lens, 50mm is considered a normal focal length. That means the lens can capture details in a wide area but not a deep one. If your subject is too far away, it will appear very small. It's best if you keep your subject within 3 or 4 feet of the camera.

6-Avoid zooming
Camera phone makers, like manufacturers of digital cameras, love to tout their products' digital zoom capabilities. Digital cameras at least have some optical zoom capabilities, which actually uses the optics of the lens to bring the subject closer, but camera phones are stuck with digital zoom options, if they have any at all. Given the limited focal range of camera phones, you may be tempted to use this feature to capture faraway objects. Not only will this degrade the image quality, but you may be able to use it only when the camera is set to take pictures in a lower-resolution setting, which will result in a smaller image.

By John Frederick Moore, Author, Capture great shots06/15/2006

Get the most out of your cell phone battery

2006-11-16T18:12:00.000-08:00

THE CASE OF THE DISAPPEARING BATTERY

You can't run from the beep of impending doom. Anyone who's used a cell phone for any length of time has experienced the low-battery warning. And true to Murphy's Law, the battery death knell always seems to sound in the middle of a conversation. Faced with a dying battery, you'll (at best) have to rush to the nearest power source. At worst, losing battery power in midchat will drive you to throw your phone out the window with a maniacal scream.

Prevention is the best medicine, so make sure you charge your phone every night and before you hit the road. But there's also an emergency cure or two.

1. Carry an extra battery
If you spend a lot of time out and about during business trips, you may not have a way to recharge your phone during the day. Even a car charger or a five-hour battery might not be able to beat a day of walking conference calls, interviews from the park, or emergency meetings from the airport lounge. That's why it's a good idea for business travelers to pack an extra battery, especially for phones with a high-resolution, battery-draining color screen.

Also, if you don't mind adding a little extra bulk to your handset, you can purchase (from your wireless provider) an extended battery, which increases your phone's talk and standby time performance.

2. Limit your camera/video use
Your handset's camera or videocam features may be fun and perhaps even useful. But they're also a heavy drain on your battery. If you're away from a power source, be sure to limit your use of these features. Otherwise, you may be in store for an unwelcome surprise in the middle of a conversation. Gaming and Web browsing also burn through your battery.

3. Buy a battery booster
Sometimes there's just no way around getting caught with a dying battery, but you do have one emergency option: a battery booster--think of it as a spare tire for your phone. These products plug into the bottom of your phone and provide you with about an hour of talk time (or 60 hours of standby time). As with the antenna boosters, we haven't tested these products, so we can't guarantee they'll work.

A popular brand is Compact Power Systems' Cellboost. When your phone's low-battery warning goes off, you can connect the booster to your handset to continue your conversation while the battery is charging. If your battery is completely dead, Cellboost's "quick charge" promises that you'll be able to make a call in about two minutes. Cellboost ($7) is compatible with many popular handset models, including offerings from Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sanyo.

Cellboost is a disposable charger with a finite energy supply, but there are other options available, including hand-crank and solor-powered models. There's also a product that uses AAA batteries. See them all in our quick guide to emergency chargers.

For a different approach, check out the $25 Sidewinder Portable Power Cell Phone Charger. It has a hand crank, which is supposed to deliver extra juice to your handset. According to the company, two minutes of winding gives you about six minutes of talk time. Although it requires much more work on your part than the other products, the Sidewinder won't run out of power, so it's designed to be reliable whenever you need a quick boost.

By John Frederick Moore, CNET Freelancer11/30/2004

Stop cell phone spam

2006-11-16T18:01:00.000-08:00

Your first step is to register your number with the FCC's Do-Not-Call Registry. Once your number is on the list, telemarketers are not allowed to call you unless you have a prior relationship with them. If they persist, you can try filing a complaint with the FCC. Of course, I also would suggest simply not answering the phone if you do not recognize the phone number of the caller.

By Kent German, CNET Editor09/07/2005

Avoid skyrocketing cell phone bills

2006-11-16T17:57:00.000-08:00

THE TERROR OF THE PHONE BILL TITAN

You'd think that when you signed up for that $35-a-month plan, your monthly statement would feature a total somewhere in the vicinity of--let's make a guess here--$35. So even after you take into consideration taxes and regulatory fees, which add at least 15 percent, a bill much larger than $41 would be disturbing. When that $35 plan suddenly becomes $60 or $70, your head might start spinning. For some, the confusion continues even after they've canceled the service.

Fine print, as in this example from Verizon Wireless's America's Choice plan, spells out just how much directory assistance costs. In this case, it's $1.25 per call, plus airtime.

1. Limit 411 calls and roaming fees
Directory assistance is a wonderful tool. Some carriers even do you the "favor" of automatically connecting you with the number you requested at no additional cost. Of course they do--after all, a typical 411 call costs $1.50. Make just six of those calls in a month, and you've added $9 (before taxes and fees) to your bill. You'll also want to keep track of your roaming fees if you go with a local calling plan.

2. Check the text
Cell phones are versatile tools, providing several methods for communication. Text messaging is especially popular among younger users. But all those messages you send and receive can quickly add up. If you or someone else on your plan is a text-messaging junkie, check out your carrier's text-messaging plans. Otherwise, you'll pay as much as 10 cents for each message sent and received. It doesn't seem like much, but it's the type of thing that can pile up unexpectedly. The same goes for Web browsing and multimedia messaging--they add up quickly.

Also be aware of those unwanted text message advertisements (also known as spam) that you may receive. Depending on your carrier, you may be charged for the message even though you didn't ask for it. If you receive a text message from an unknown source, don't read it, just delete it.

3. Beware of authorized agent fees
Most people are aware that their carrier charges an early-termination fee--as much as $200--for canceling service before a contract expires. But if you purchased your phone and service from an authorized agent, that is, a retail outlet affiliated with a carrier and authorized to resell their services, you may be responsible for a second cancellation charge as well. When you sign up for service through one of these authorized agents, you can find yourself signing two contracts--one for the carrier and one for the agent--and you're on the hook for all of the terms spelled out in each of them. The problem is that customers often believe they're signing two copies of the same contract because less-scrupulous agents neglect to tell them exactly what they're signing.

Just because the carrier's logo appears in a store, don't assume that you're dealing directly with the wireless provider. If you're not sure, don't hesitate to ask whether you're doing business with the carrier or an authorized agent. If it's the latter, ask the customer service agent to go over the terms of anything you're required to sign. If you don't like what you hear, walk away.

By John Frederick Moore, CNET Freelancer12/2/2004

Change the filename on your phone

2006-11-16T17:53:00.000-08:00

Along with better images, megapixel phones offer more memory. You can store up to 200 high-resolution images on the Nokia 7610, which means you'll have plenty of room for all the pictures you took on a weekend trip, for example. But when it comes time to move those images to your PC, you'll find yourself staring at unruly filenames, such as pic150704_2.jpg. Yes, you can rename your files in Windows, but this can be tedious if you're transferring dozens or even hundreds of pictures at a time.

Instead, change the default image name that the camera phone uses to store pictures. If you're going on a trip to New York and you know you'll be taking lots of pictures, you can change the camera's default image name to New York. Subsequent pictures will contain the filename New York 001, New York 002, and so forth. The following steps apply to the Nokia 7610, but the process is similar among other camera phones that offer this option:

1-In camera mode, click Options, then Settings.
2-Select Default Image Name.
3-Enter a new name, then click OK.

By John Frederick Moore, Author, How to Do Everything with Your Camera Phone06/14/2006

Better cell phone reception

2006-11-16T17:27:00.000-08:00

THE SPECTER OF SPOTTY RECEPTION

Ever feel like your phone is haunted? What else could explain the never-ending dropped calls, garbled words, and reception black holes? Along with poor customer service, reception problems top the list of complaints from cell phone users, in our experience. A static-filled conversation in which both parties constantly repeat themselves is not only annoying, it can also ruin a business deal. The horror!

1. Use your grace period

Every national wireless provider offers a grace period for terminating your contract, ranging from 14 to 30 days from the time you sign up for service. Use this time to determine how well your phone performs in the locations you use it the most, whether at home, the office, or on the road during your commute.

If reception is consistently poor--that is, the indicator on your phone's display regularly shows only one bar or none--then the problem lies with the strength of your provider's signal. In that case, it's time to try a new carrier.

If the reception is strong, however, and you or your callers frequently complain of constant static or other anomalies, then you'll want to try a different phone. Although some users prefer phones with internal antennas because they're less obtrusive, handsets with external, extendable antennas can help boost the signal in areas where cell towers are widely dispersed. In either case, the best advice is to ask your neighbors which carrier they use, then ask to borrow their phone and test it in and around your home.

Note: Although you don't have to pay hefty early-termination fees when you cancel service within the grace period, you may be responsible for any usage fees that you've incurred.

2. Boost your signal

If you have problems with cell reception while you're in your car, you might be able to use a car kit to boost your phone's power. These kits usually require professional installation. They increase the maximum power of your phone's signal and route it to an external antenna on your car's windshield or roof. They also usually include a cradle that you dock your phone in when it's the car and a hands-free speaker and microphone.

You may see advertisements for cheap antenna boosters--small stickers that cost less than $20 (or are sometimes free with other accessories). You insert these stickers under your phone's battery. We haven't tested these, and there is no indication whatsoever that they actually work. Caveat emptor.

By John Frederick Moore, CNET Freelancer11/29/2004

Port your cell phone number from Cingular to Verizon

2006-11-16T17:25:00.000-08:00

Porting your number can be an easy process, but there's one very important point to keep in mind. In order to keep your phone number, do not cancel your Cingular service before opening your new account with your chosen carrier.

Instead, you should start your new service and inform Verizon you want to port your number over from Cingular. Verizon will then do the legwork for you by informing Cingular you're making the switch. The actual transfer will happen automatically, though it can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days.

As a result, you may have to carry around two phones for a short period. When your old phone stops working and your new handset starts operating, you'll know you're all set. For more information, check out this page from the FCC.

By Kent German, CNET Editor6/28/2006

Add Bluetooth

2006-11-16T17:21:00.000-08:00

Let's face it: using a cell phone while driving is distracting at the very least but, more importantly, it can be downright dangerous. Hands-free, in-car phones are certainly less distracting, but they have the huge disadvantage of not being portable. However, Bluetooth changes all of that by providing the safety and convenience of a hands-free, in-car phone while still keeping the flexibility a cell phone provides. So by now, you're probably wondering how to get Bluetooth in your car.

If your car is a high-end 2004 model or newer, contact your dealer; your vehicle may already be Bluetooth capable. If this is the case, you simply need a Bluetooth cell phone. The only catch is that your cell phone must be able to communicate with the Bluetooth device in your car, and not all models do. (For more on the compatibility issues, read "The many faces of Bluetooth.") Your best bet is to check with the parts department at your local dealership, which should have a list of compatible phones.

If your car is not Bluetooth equipped, don't fret. Numerous cellular phone and aftermarket companies make adapter kits, starting at about $200. Motorola, Nokia, and Sony Ericsson all make auto kits that work with their Bluetooth phones. Parrot, a leading aftermarket company, offers several different systems that can either be plugged into a cigarette lighter or installed by a professional who embeds the system into your vehicle. The plug-and-go systems are handy for people who want to be up and running quickly or for those who switch vehicles often. The best part about most of the aftermarket systems is that they work with almost all Bluetooth-equipped cell phones.

If you're handy and feel comfortable taking apart your dashboard and miscellaneous covers that hide your car's electronics, you can install these systems on your own. Be aware, some of the kit manufacturers void their products' warranty if they're not installed by a professional.

Whether you hire a professional to install the kit or do it yourself, keep a couple of things in mind. To get the best results, mount the microphone no more than 16 inches from your mouth, either adjacent to your rearview mirror, on your headliner, or on the overhead console. Be sure the path between the microphone and your mouth is not blocked by anything, such as the sun visor or rearview mirror, and isn't in line with direct airflow from your air vents.

While it's obvious that none of the components should interfere with the seats, the shifter, or the mirrors, be especially careful that nothing is in the path of the air bag, or serious injury could result. It's not always obvious where air bags deploy, so consult your owner's manual or call your dealer if you are unsure about installing the system yourself.

By Tara Baukus Mello, Motor Trend Radio news anchor06/15/2006

Use your cell phone as a modem

2006-11-09T20:40:00.000-08:00

Most phones have built-in data modems, and most of the major carriers support the feature. To dial up the Internet, all you need is a connection kit (usually a data cable and software available from your carrier) that connects your cell phone to your laptop, your ISP information (this varies from mobile to mobile, so contact your provider for details), and a data plan. For the most part, data speeds aren't much faster than a 56Kbps dial-up modem's, but carriers such as Verizon have introduced 3G services with broadband speeds ranging from 144Kbps to a possible 2MB per second.

By Kent German, CNET Editor03/03/2005

Choosing between CDMA and GSM

2006-11-09T20:36:00.000-08:00

GSM and CDMA are the two main digital technologies that cell phone carriers in the United States use to transmit calls.

Of the major operators, T-Mobile and Cingular use GSM, while Sprint and Verizon Wireless use CDMA. Nextel uses another technology called iDEN, but it will be phased out around 2010 due to Nextel's recent merger with Sprint.

Since GSM and CDMA transmit calls using different methods, they are incompatible, so a phone used on one network cannot be used on another. And while there are some complex variations, on a more surface level, each technology offers distinct advantages to consumers.

GSM is the dominant cell phone technology globally. GSM is the standard in Europe, but it's also present in North and South America, Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Caribbean.

So GSM is a much better choice for global travelers who want to take their phone when they go abroad. GSM phones also use SIM cards, which make it much easier to switch your phone number and contacts list between two handsets.

CDMA is used in fewer regions around the world, but it has a very strong footprint in the United States. In fact, its national coverage area here is larger than GSM when you take into account analog networks.
Though they won't be around forever, analog networks provide better coverage in rural areas. Also, CDMA carriers have been quicker about rolling out 3G networks. Though the GSM players will catch up eventually, they lag behind as of now.

By Kent German, CNET Editor02/13/2006

Easily transfer contacts to your new cell phone

2006-11-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

HELP! MY CONTACTS ARE TRAPPED IN MY PHONE!

Talk about a nightmare. Just after you get all excited over the purchase of a new phone, you realize that your contact info is trapped in your dying old phone.

The only way to rescue them, manually inputting hundreds of contacts using the alphanumeric keypad, no less, can be enough to test even the most patient.

You think about how much effort this will require and say to yourself, "Did I really need a new phone?" Well, of course you did, and you can stop imagining this doomsday scenario.

Note: If both your old and new phones use a SIM card on which you've stored your contact information, you can stop reading right now and sleep soundly; you can just transfer your SIM card to the new phone.In fact, there are a few different happy endings to this nightmare.

1. Make your carrier work for youWe know, it's a novel concept. But if you purchase a new phone through and your phone doesn't use a SIM card, you can go to one of your carrier's retail outlets and have a customer service agent transfer your contacts from your old phone to your new one. It may cost you, however, depending on your carrier.

2. Use syncing softwareIf for some reason your provider is unable to transfer your address book to the new phone, don't give in to that syncing feeling.

You can purchase cables and data synchronization software that will do the trick. Your carrier or the phone's manufacturer may provide such tools for your handset.

Otherwise, several third-party options are available. FutureDial offers cables ($30 to $35) for a wide range of cell phones, and its SnapSync software ($30) automatically synchronizes contact information between your phone and Outlook or Outlook Express.

But in this case, you'll probably need separate cables for both your old and new phones. DataPilot's Universal Kit ($80) and Mobile Action's Handset Manager (around $30), however, include cell phone sync software and connectors to support most popular cell phone brands, including Nokia.

Check with the company to be sure your phones are supported. For step-by-step directions on using syncing software, see our Weekend Project. If you use an Apple Macintosh and a GPRS Bluetooth-enabled phone, Apple's iSync will synchronize your contacts, appointments, and events. iSync is available as a free download from Apple.

3. Use online toolsVerizon Wireless recently introduced a new online service that eliminates the pain of moving your contact information. The Backup Assistant lets you store your address book online, so your contact information is readily available in case you purchase a new phone.

This also is a good option in case your cell phone is lost or stolen. Backup Assistant is available at Verizon's Get It Now online store.

A start-up named Vazu offers a free tool that lets you upload contact information from your desktop to your cell phone without buying extra cables. For $5 a month, Nextel offers an online service that lets you store up to 2,000 contacts with multiple addresses and phone numbers.

You can import contact information to the site from Outlook, Excel, or your Nextel phone. Once all the information you need is online, you can transfer contacts to your new phone with ease. An alternative comes from a start-up company called Vazu. It offers a free tool called Vazu Contacts, which lets you upload contact information from Outlook, Outlook Express, Apple Mail, or Novell Evolution directly to your Nokia or Sony Ericsson mobile phone.

You receive contact information as a business card, which you can immediately add to your address book. Currently, Vazu Contacts works only on GSM networks, so AT&T Wireless, Cingular, and T-Mobile customers with supported phones can enjoy the service. The company says it is exploring other networks and phone models.

4. Wireless connectivityIf both your old and new phones have Bluetooth or an infrared port, you may be able to transfer contacts wirelessly. Not all carriers support Bluetooth, however, so be sure to check if yours does. Alternatively, you can transfer files on a memory card.

By John Frederick Moore, CNET Freelancer12/1/2004

Better connection (for Sprint users)

2006-11-09T20:22:00.000-08:00

Here is a tip a friend of mine shared with me a few years ago for all Sprint phones.

If you are in an area where you aren't getting too many lines on your signal bar or if your phone keeps missing calls this is all you have to do. Dial *18 talk, wait for the beep and then hang up.

You should see more bars appear immediately after the call. What this does is send out a signal to the nearest Sprint tower to get you better service. After that you can place your call.

By hhuston, CNET Member11/04/2006

Secure your cell phone

2006-11-09T20:16:00.000-08:00

You can take steps to ensure your data is safe in the event your mobile falls into nefarious hands.

Of course, you should start by assuming you will lose your phone at some point. With that in mind, don't store anything that you wouldn't want anyone else to see, including credit card numbers, bank account information, and other sensitive data.

Also, be sure to use passwords to protect your phone book or the phone itself (this varies by handset). But remember that if you store anything on your carrier's servers (as with the T-Mobile Sidekick II), those files will be much more vulnerable to snoopers. Finally, if you have Bluetooth, turn off the Discoverable feature when not in use.

By Kent German, CNET Editor06/30/2005

Reduce interference on your wireless network

2006-11-09T20:11:00.001-08:00

One of the biggest reasons for wireless interference is the use of 802.11g or 802.11b networks and 2.4GHz cordless phones.

Router for those networks and 2.4GHz phones operate in the same frequency, and they're competing with each other.

This is exacerbated by the fact that they're in the same room. Interference from wireless products in the 2.4GHz frequency is a known issue for 802.11g/b networks; even baby monitors and microwave ovens have been known to wreak havoc on Wi-Fi networks.

You can try a number of things for free, or you can pony up for a new phone. First off, try moving the phone's base unit into a different room from your router/access point.

Also, try switching channels on router/access point. If these suggestions don't work, you can invest in a cordless phone that uses a different frequency than your wireless network: 900MHz or 5.8GHz

By Felisa Yang, CNET Editor10/17/2005

Transfer photos from phone to computer

2006-11-09T20:11:00.000-08:00

How you are able to get photos off of your phone and into your computer without paying your service provider depends on the phone you purchase.

Some camera phones have no way to connect directly to a computer. That means you'll have to either transfer images via your service provider or purchase syncing software that comes with a cable that connects to your phone's charging port.

You might find the one-time cost of the latter option most economical. Our resident cell phone expert Kent German has put together a useful rundown of a few of the packages available. If your phone has a USB port, you can purchase a USB cable and connect it to your computer. Not all USB connectors are the same, so make sure that you buy a cable with connectors that will fit into the ports on both your phone and your computer.

If you're not sure which kind of connector to buy, take your phone to a store and find the one that fits instead of buying one online. You will probably also need software from the phone manufacturer to download photos via USB. This may come with the phone, or you may have to purchase or download it separately.

Some phones can transfer photos to a computer wirelessly, via Bluetooth or infrared, and in the future, we can expect to see phones that support 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi standards. Unfortunately, many phones that are equipped with Bluetooth cannot transfer photos with that technology because the function has been blocked.

In addition, if you're using a Mac, the software that facilitates wireless photo transfer may not be available to you. One of the most straightforward and economical options may be to buy a phone that stores photos on a memory card. Just make sure that the ability to download from your phone's card hasn't been blocked on the model you're buying--yes, some companies do that, too.

Assuming you have full functionality, you can simply remove the card and transfer photos to your computer with a USB card reader.

Most phones with removable memory use formats that are miniaturized versions of the larger cards used in cameras, so you'll probably need an adapter to put your phone media in a standard card reader. It's likely to come with the card, but you can purchase one separately if it doesn't. There are also dedicated mobile media format readers, such as SanDisk's MobileMate. Just make sure that the format of the card reader matches the format of the card or the card adapter that you're using.

By Aimee Baldridge, CNET Editor8/9/2005

Moving pictures off your camera phone

2006-11-09T20:10:00.000-08:00

For moving pictures to your computer, there's nothing simpler or more cost effective than investing in a data cable and some synchronization software. There's a one-time fee, and it's much faster than e-mail. CNET's Weekend Project on cell phone syncing software will show you how

By Kent German, CNET Editor08/09/2006

Using your cell phone internationally

2006-11-09T20:07:00.000-08:00

First off, you will need a GSM phone.

GSM is the cellular technology used in Europe; in the United States, Cingular and T-Mobile use GSM, but Sprint and Verizon Wireless use another technology called CDMA.

My advice to people who are traveling overseas and plan to use their cell phone frequently is to get an unlocked GSM phone--in other words, a GSM phone that isn't tied to a particular carrier.

That way, they can buy a prepaid SIM card in each country and use the phone with a local telephone number and carrier.

In your case, however, that may not be the best option, as it would require some tinkering with the phone when on the go.

An easier but pricier method is to go with a Cingular or a T-Mobile cell phone. The plus side is that in most cases, the phone will automatically detect the local network when it is turned on. Both Cingular and T-Mobile have carrier partners in those countries, so you should get reliable coverage.

The downside here is that because you'll be using a U.S. phone number, you'll need to keep track of how often you use the phone. International roaming can be pricey, so do your best to brace yourself for sticker shock from your bill.

Another point to consider is that the phone should support 900 and 1800 GSM bands, as that will give you the most ideal coverage. Alternatively, if your relative is a Sprint or a Verizon customer, he or she can rent GSM phones from the carrier for the length of the trip. For more information on taking your cell phone abroad, see CNET's quick guide to world phones.

By Kent German, CNET Editor02/17/2006

Using a prepaid cell phone

2006-11-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

Buying a prepaid phone can be a baffling experience with the variety of plans available. And even after that, keeping costs down while still making calls can be confusing. CNET's Quick guide to prepaid phones shows you the ropes

By Kent German, CNET Editor08/11/2006

Using your cell phone internationally

2006-11-09T20:04:00.000-08:00

First off, you will need a GSM phone. GSM is the cellular technology used in Europe; in the United States, Cingular and T-Mobile use GSM, but Sprint and Verizon Wireless use another technology called CDMA. My advice to people who are traveling overseas and plan to use their cell phone frequently is to get an unlocked GSM phone--in other words, a GSM phone that isn't tied to a particular carrier. That way, they can buy a prepaid SIM card in each country and use the phone with a local telephone number and carrier. In your case, however, that may not be the best option, as it would require some tinkering with the phone when on the go.An easier but pricier method is to go with a Cingular or a T-Mobile cell phone. The plus side is that in most cases, the phone will automatically detect the local network when it is turned on. Both Cingular and T-Mobile have carrier partners in those countries, so you should get reliable coverage. The downside here is that because you'll be using a U.S. phone number, you'll need to keep track of how often you use the phone. International roaming can be pricey, so do your best to brace yourself for sticker shock from your bill. Another point to consider is that the phone should support 900 and 1800 GSM bands, as that will give you the most ideal coverage. Alternatively, if your relative is a Sprint or a Verizon customer, he or she can rent GSM phones from the carrier for the length of the trip. For more information on taking your cell phone abroad, see CNET's quick guide to world phones.

By Kent German, CNET Editor02/17/2006

Using a cell phone as a landline

2006-11-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

Using a cell phone as your primary phone line is becoming increasingly common.

I think as long as you can get adequate reception in your home and don't make many international calls, you can make it work. And yes, it can be cheaper than paying two phone bills. Just be sure to include enough minutes in your plan to cover all your calls, and be sure you get free long distance with your mobile carrier (most do).

If you're looking for a cell phone docking system, we have reviewed three models: the RCA Cell Phone Docking System, the CellAntenna CellDock 1000, and the Motorola SD4500. RCA's product is the better of the three, in our opinion

By Kent German, CNET Editor11/04/2005

E-mail your pictures

2006-11-09T19:52:00.000-08:00

While camera phones have arrived, sharing the digital photos from a phone isn't the smoothest process yet.

Most carriers charge a monthly fee for photo-messaging services, and you can send pics only to someone who has the same carrier as you.

If paying for picture messaging isn't your cup of tea, there's always e-mail, either from your phone or your computer (as long as you have a data plan for sending e-mail).

For sending pictures to friends who don't subscribe to your carrier, don't have cell phones capable of accepting images, or--the horror--don't have a cell phone, e-mail is your only option.

The details will vary from phone to phone, but the basic concept is the same. To e-mail directly from your cell phone:

Go to the picture gallery and select a picture to send.

Click options, then click Send.

If you previously saved the contact information, select the address from the phone book. Be sure to select the e-mail address from the contact information, not the phone number.

Otherwise, you'll need to enter the e-mail address manually.
Insert a text message or an audio clip (optional).
Click Send.

By John Frederick Moore, Author, How to Do Everything with Your Camera Phone06/13/2006