New and Improved Cell Phones

By Rachael Harlan
Monday, February 20, 2006
Viewed 12269 times.

It seems like everywhere you look there's someone on a cell phone. And as more people are getting connected cellular companies are making their phones better than ever.

"We have phones that will allow people to have complete internet access."

"Video features, still shot camera."

"Speaker phone, free voicemail."

"Bluetooth technology."

"Complete access to one or several e-mail accounts."

"Video players, we also have mp3 players."

The new buzz: smartphones, like the Treo 700 and the Sidekick. Devices like these function as both phones and computers. But why are people spending three and four hundred dollars on a cell phone?

"Convenience. The idea of bringing it all together just makes everything that much easier."

You used to need to buy a computer, a camera, a planner, a calculator and an mp3 player, but now you can get all these features and more for a fraction of the cost...in a cell phone.

Approximately 812 million cell phones were shipped last year, 14% more than in 2004. That means roughly one in every six people on the globe bought a cell phone during the year. In 2006 global cell phone shipments are expected to climb as high as 850 million.

But while these multi-function phones are increasing in popularity, what do people really want?

"Something affordable."

"Really really easy to use, like for the techno idiot."

"All I want my cell phone to do is make calls and not drop calls. I don't need any bells and whistles."

Cell phone companies are continuing to develop new products with more and more features, but when it all comes down to it, many say they just want something simple. Rachael Harlan. Northwestern News Network.