Archive for July, 2011

Will Apple Defeat Android?

News has boomed recently with Google’s Android OS is under attack for patent infringement. Apple is accusing Android of infringeing on 10 patents (2 of which have initially been confirmed) and Oracle is adding another 7 to that list. (Apple is also accusing Motorola and Nokia of infringement).

Apple’s Android OS has existed very much in the spirit of unlocked cell phones: it’s based on open source software and an app store anyone can contribute too.

Much like how carriers don’t like unlocked cell phones, they don’t like Android’s openness, or rather they like it a little too much: most carriers Android as a blank template for installing their own software. (That’s why unlocked cell phones/jailbroken cell phones are so awesome: they say heck-no to carrier locks and restrictions).

Google/Android’s battle will take months (if not years), but it could have positive implications for open source software and unlocked cell phones. If Google fights successfully, over-restrictive copyright law might be improved (or removed!). This would be a boon for both consumers and developers like Google.

Of course, if Google loses, it could be the end for HTC phones, and possibly Android. Or they might lose an intense amount of market share. In that case, consumers can still have their jailbroken iPhones and other unlocked cell phones!

Used Cell Phones Are A Great Option For Kids

Their are tons of great used cell phones for kids!

Today’s parents are raising kids in a culture where they want to know-and from an early age-when they will get their first cell phone! While parents can buy their kids toy plastic cell phones, most know that the real thing has bright colored games, fun songs and sounds, and the ability to call their cousins, aunts, and grandparents.

For most parents, the first consideration is price. The sooner you start a kid on cell phones, the sooner that price gets added to the monthly bill. Used cell phones are a good way to avoid some of the cost:

  1. Used cell phones can be bought cheaper that brand new top of the line phones, and the younger a kid is, the less they are going to care
  2. Used cell phones don’t have to be locked down to a carrier. If they abuse their priveleges, you can take away their service! Just take the used cell phones off your plan, or don’t buy more minutes.
  3. You don’t need a carrier at all: teach kids responsibility by giving them a used cell phone, then teach them about buying minutes, how much they cost, and how to manage them. They will either thrive, or give up!

Some parents worry that their kids may be too young for the responsibility of a cell phone. Used cell phones alleviate some of that worry since they are cheaper to buy and to replace. Further, there are tons of apps available to help parents manage and monitor their kid’s cell phone usage.

Whatever age you think is right for your kids, make the transition easier with used cell phones!

The Value of Unlocked Cell Phones

What apps are you allowed to have? True unlocked cell phones give you unlimited access!

Everyone’s talking about unlocked cell phones now that Apple has released an unlocked version of the iPhone. But understanding the value of unlocked cell phones goes beyond the new iPhone.

First, (and especially in reference to the iPhone, which has before been saddled with inadequate carriers and an iron gate guarding the app store and software use), “unlocked cell phones” is often synonomous with “jailbroken cell phones”. Why? Because when you create unlocked cell phones the do-it-yourself route, you’re also gaining control over the software and apps.

Second, unlocked cell phones aren’t just about the ability to jump carriers in an awesome, contract free lifestyle (although it can be). Unlocked cell phones are about the ability to choose a carrier. When Verizon follows suit of just about every other carrier and starts charging more for data (no more everything plans!) unlocked cell phones will allow consumers to instead choose a carrier with a plan that suits them, or to avoid carriers altogether and prepay their minutes.

Finally, it may be a good start, but Apple’s unlocked iPhone does not really fit into the spirit of the discussion about unlocked cell phones. It’s expensive, and likely trying to capture the market that is already aware how awesome unlocked cell phones are (especially iPhones). Rather, unlocked cell phones are about breaking free from the confines of carriers and developers, and gving consumers the ability to control and use their cell phones how they want!

Do New Tricks With Used Cell Phones

Motorola Droid 2

Droid Apps are great for those who want to be cutting edge!

Besides the fact that people are using cell phones as their primary camera, they may soon be using them as credit cards as well. If you haven’t upgraded your phone recently, used cell phones are an affordable way to get with the times!

Starbucks has an app that allows users to prepay for their coffee, then swipe their phone at the register. Other companies are working on apps that would turn your cell phone into your visa, master card, etc.!

So if you haven’t upgraded to a smartphone, or haven’t upgraded your smart phone to the latest network (3G, or better yet, 4G), now may be the time!

Used cell phones are an affordable way to upgrade your phone, and unlike buying from a carrier, there won’t be any fees, contracts, or hidden costs when you buy used cell phones,

Other ways used cell phones can save you money can include decreasing the stress of losing or breaking your used cell phones. Cheaper to replace, used cell phones are cheaper to buy in the first place. Plus, the most common accidents (water damge, destroyed screens) are often not covered by carriers, so used cell phones are a great way to avoid carrying around a hobbled phone!

Just be careful when buying apps to look at reviews, and avoid buying from sellers who may be dishonest!

What are your favorite time saving apps?

 
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