A blog all about cell phones!

Despite Apple’s reputation for being a control freak—keeping their app store behind an ivory gate, limiting what computer languages can be used on their devices—but they may some day through the American cell phone industry into a dynamic beyond unlocked cell phones.

There are many reasons to love unlocked cell phones: having no contract so you can get the best deal, being able to mod the software and delete the carrier junk apps (and then scratching off the corresponding branding), and just being able to say f-you to the companies.

Well, Apple may do all that for you. They’ve already told the carriers a big NO to branding and preloaded add-apps—but they were also recently awarded a patent that would extend those unlocked cell phone like services, AND do the work for you.

Basically, Apple would become a middle-man between the user and the phone companies, leveraging their iPhone popularity for the lowest rates, switching between or mixing and matching different companies without a user ever seeing a dip or change in service. They could even take payments, making the branding, contracts, and other junk associated with all the carriers obsolete.

Of course, unlocked cell phones would still have a place, since not everyone would want an iPhone, so you have to assume that a dual system of some sort would have to emerge, but it’s an interesting future to think about. You’d never have to risk bricking your phone to unlock it again!

10 years ago, Nokia phones were one of the most common sights, and they still are world wide despite fancier smart phones from Samsung and Apple being more popular in the US.

In terms of used cell phones, Nokia phones last forever. You’ll have to update to have your phone work on the next generation broadband before it will die, although it may not have the pizzazz of other phones, and it’s economical, before and after it become a used cell phone.

Now though, Nokia has found a way to spice up their ringtone to appeal to younger kids/teens (Nokia phones are a great first cell phone, whether a new or used cell phone, because of their price, and because they rack up a smaller bill that smart phones with tons of data use).

Introducing the new Nokia ring tone…the dubstep version. Dub step is both a musical style as well as dance style that has become popular over the last two years. The new ring tone was chosen through a competition.

I for one, love the new ringtone. It’s melodic, modern, and shows that Nokia still has tons of vitality.

Already have a used cell phone? You can download the ringtone if you like it.

Do you love or hate the new Nokia ring tone? If you love it, are you adding it to your used cell phone?

Palm Pre- RIP

If you follow tech news you’ve probably heard that HP is getting out of the computer-making business. While it had the more revenue, it had the lowest profit margins of all HP departments. Of course, those computers included Palm devices. Palm was one of the first US cell phones to release a device sold directly to consumers as an unlocked cell phone.

Palm OS, which HP renamed Web OS,only ever made it to two percent of the market (with Android and Apple dominating the rest). It’s release of unlocked cell phones was a huge step forward for the US cell phone industry, but failed to increase the brand’s popularity when unlocked iPhone cell phones are available online.

Unlocked cell phones are rarely sold directly to consumers as cell phone providers make more money by locking customers into contracts by subsidizing phones and holding monopolies over popular devices. Unlocked cell phones undermine all this, as they can be used on any GSM network, modified, and bought without a contract (often for less).

What will happen to Web OS? Some have speculated the software will be picked up by the open source community, although it’s still possibly for HP to sell the brand (though unlikely). Stuck with a no longer supported Palm phone? Upgrade to an unlocked cell phone that will work on your network.

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!

The most popular phone for pictures.

While many still think of cell phones as phones only, many users are seeing them as an opportunity to have an everywhere camera, which can instantly upload photos to the web. Used cell phones affordability makes cameras even cheaper!

That makes used cell phones an incredibly affordable option for those who want an everyday camera that’s quick to take pictures, and used cell phones can be so affordable that you can afford the most popular brand of used cell phones: Apple.

In fact, recent data published by Flickr indicates that iPhone users are the most likely to use the site (more than other phones, more than real cameras!). Since iPhones are normally expensive, used cell phones provide an option for you to join the thousands sharing photos with their friends using iPhones & Flickr.

Going for a tricky shot? Used cell phones make dropping your phone less disatrous, since it can be more easily replaced then when you buy from a carrier, because used cell phones are super affordable! Especially if you love having the latest and greatest, of which iPhone 4G is currently king.

Most phones, including many used cell phones, are available with a 5MP camera, sometimes they have zoom, and sometimes they have flash. Check out used cell phones to find a phone that fits your needs!

What other way have you used cell phones in place of other devices?