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!

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!

Could the next generation have infrared? Maintain control with unlocked cell phones!

Recent news suggests that future iPhones (and, likely following, all smartphones) will have infrared. What is infrared? It’s a way for gadgets to talk to each other over a short range, and unlocked cell phones may be the only way to maintain control over this technology.

Infrared could be used, for example, to allow a museum exhibit to send you more information, specifically in a multimedia format (audio or video, for example). You may have seen infrared if you’ve played multiplayer on a DS, but in that instance you generally initiate the function; this new version would be on all the time, except, of course, for those who maintain control with unlocked cell phones.

The dark side to infrared: at malls (for instance), you may receive targeted advertising (remember pop-up ads?). It could also be used to override some or all of your cell phone’s operations in certain places. For example, you may not be able to use it in movie theatres.

How to avoid this likely future? Unlocked cell phones. With unlocked cell phones, you can override carrier restrictions/apps, and depending on the amount of benefit infrared offers, turn off the entire function. Unlocked cell phones allow you to maintain control over the software and hardware of your phone. Apps can sometimes behave similarly, but carriers control the gateway to apps, unless of course you cut them out of control with an unlocked cell phone!

Palm is one company moving toward unlocked cell phones.

You may have heard that many carriers and cell phone manufacturers are dead against unlocked cell phones. Apple even tried to making jailbreaking the iPhone against its copyright on the phone. However, last summer, the federal government ruled that jailbreaking phones (turning them into unlocked cell phones) is not illegal, or at least not protected by copyright.

For many phones, however, it does void the warranty. Unlocked cell phones destroy exclusivity contracts cell phone manufacturers make with carriers, such as the iPhone with AT&T, and now Verizon.

But exclusivity creates a huge problem with demand—popular phones like the iPhone are wanted the world over (and certainly the US over), but carriers are not always available, don’t always provide adequate bandwidth for powerful phones like the iPhone, and don’t always provide quality service. The only answer, then, is unlocked cell phones.

But should you jailbreak it yourself? Probably not. If you do it wrong, your risk turning your expensive smartphone into a brick. Rather, buy unlocked cell phones from reputable retailers, or send them in to become unlocked cell phones by the same.

What’s the advantage of unlocked cell phones? Have the phone of your choice in the region of your choosing, on the best (or most reliable) carrier, and control what you do with the phone when you upgrade.

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.