A blog all about cell phones!

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!

Motorola Droid 2

Over the past two and a half years, everyone has dealt with the poor economy by tightening their belts, and for many that includes circumventing the high cost, fees, and contracts that come tied to new cell phones, and instead buying used cell phones.

Not only are used cell phones cheaper, but they are completely in the spirit of the green movement. When you buy used cell phones, your keeping e-waste out of landfills and reducing your carbon footprint (there’s also less packaging-most cell phones come with every tiny piece wrapped in an oversized piece of plastic, not to mention the display packaging).

With everything that used cell phones have going for them, used cell phones have a solid place in the future-as an economical, environmentally friendly choice.

If you’re prone to breaking your phone, dropping it in water, or losing it, used cell phones also offer a great deal, helping to offset the waste you create when you lose a phone, as well as the cost of destroying a new cell phone.

Love to be a part of the latest trends? Here are some used cell phones that are, rather, well, new:

The Samsung Behold 2 has a multitouch screen, 5mp camera (about the highest now available on cell phones), bluetooth, and built in GPS. Yet, it still retains many of the buttons and features familiar to Samsung users, making it a great upgrade for anyone who’s been holding on to their old Samsung for a little too long. Bonus? It runs on Android, the current “it” OS.

Speaking of Android, the Motorola Droid 2 is available for a great priced as a used cell phone. With a built in QWERTY keyboard, 5mp camera with LED flash, and all the other bells and whistles, it’s perfect for anyone who wants to get the most out of their smart phone, or if you just want to look cool.

And  of course, we can’t talk about looking cool without mentioning the elusive Apple iPhone. Continually selling out, the used cell phones market is a great place to score one at a bargain of a price (especially given the demand!). Bonus? This 3G iPhone is unlocked, so you can use it on any GSM network.

HTC Aria

The new year is a great time to replace your old phones (with unlocked cell phones, in particular, if you haven’t already). Whether you want the great bargain of purchasing used cell phones, or whether you just want the benefits of unlocked cell phones, there are a number of great options:

For the cost-conscious buyer:

The LG Shine has a long battery life, email, instant messaging, bluetooth, and a USB hub so it can meet all of the basic needs of a smart phone user at a very agreeable price (made more agreeable because unlocked cell phones have no contracts or hidden fees).

For the Super Trendy:

The iPhone 4g is in incredibly high demand; 4g means a faster network, which improves the use quality of the iPhone-and remember, unlocked cell phones work on any GSM network, so you can get the iPhone on the best 4g network for full use and value of all the apps, calling, and texting you can handle.

For the Tech-Trendy:

The HTC Android Aria has made a splash this year to rival the iPhone. With all the apps and advantages of Android, the Aria is a great choice for tech lovers, especially those who can appreciate the full-functionality of unlocked cell phones.

HTC Aria

Unlocked cell phones offer flexible carrier choice, meaning you can take them to any GSM network. They’re also free of the restrictions that certain carriers will sometimes put on phones. That means that one of many unlocked cell phones may be the perfect travel companion for you this season, allowing you to switch between carriers if yours doesn’t have roaming, or if it has poor service where you’re going (just pick up a prepaid SIM card preloaded with minutes).

Replacing the Blackberry World, the unlocked Blackberry Tour is an updated model (released summer 2009) and is available on all GSM networks and Sprint. Designed for travel, the Blackberry Tour is a sleek device with a full QWERTY keyboard (with a key arrangement that’s been rated very highly) and 3.2 mp camera.

Among unlocked cell phones the iPhone continues to rule, and is an especially popular choice for those planning to travel since it’s many apps offer enhanced GPS, ways to find the best restaurant and local attractions, as well as games to keep you entertained en transit.

Finally, the HTC Android Aria, released last summer, is a great choice. Android is continually gaining ground against Apple, which you may know if you know anyone with an Android as people can’t stop talking about how great they are. Of course, they’re open platform is often co-opted by carriers who load their own restrictions onto them, so browsing them in Cellular Trendz’ unlocked cell phones section is your best bet, as you’ll be able to use the phone the way it was meant to be.

Whatever your holiday plans, make sure to include upgrading your cell phone to an unlocked cell phone.