How To Get A Cell Phone Deal In 3 Easy Steps

According to new studies, more than ฝ of Americans now own cell phone. I have a cell phone and so does everyone I know. Modern life would be very inconvenient without cell phones- how could you ever find anyone (or a better question, how did we find anyone before cell phones)? I have used all the major phone service providers over the years and I've basically settled on one (different service providers work differently in different areas). However, lets take a look at how to find a cell phone deal no matter where you live.

1) Comparison shopping. Both online and offline. Brick and morter stores and online stores often have different prices for the same phones or phone plans. This is where comparison shopping comes in to play. Find a service provider and visit their store or mall booth. Then check their website. You might be surprised to learn that the prices are not identical. It only makes sense. There is no overhead involved in an online store and if the customer does everything himself, prices should only be lower.

2) Go for the free phone. Some cell phone service providers will give you a free phone if you sign up with their service. Some won't. We've found that getting a free phone can be really cool due to the fact that sometimes the service provider will give you a state of the art phone for no upfront charge just to get you to become their lifetime customer.

3) Use Ebay. Some people sell their slightly used phones for great bargains online if you are willing to spend the time and wait for a good deal to popup. I've been in love with a Nokia phone for about 6 months now and am waiting for a real discounted phone to be put up for auction on Ebay. A lot of the service providers will activate your phone if you bring it in to their store (regardless of where you bought it).

There are ton of cool tricks to getting a cell phone deal. These are just 3 basic common sense ones, learn 'em all today and get a killer cell phone deal.

Tatango! Two Way Mobile Group Collaboration

A few days ago I posted about Wiggio, a site that allows for group communication and collaboration, where you can get notifications via SMS text. One of the limitations of the site is that you cannot post from your cell phone to the group, you must have Internet access to get to the Wiggio site. I think this may limit how many students can fully participate in Wiggio since some of them will not have Internet access at home. A site called Tatango may be an alternative for groups where all members do not have accessible Internet outside of school.

Tatango allows for group communication via web and/or cell phone. Tatango allows anyone to create a group, add members, and have text or audio message communication via cell phone. The cell phone communication is two-way, so group members can post to the other members via cell (audio or text) and respond via cell. All of the communication is documentated in the Tatango site. Tatango does not do is have a nifty calendar/schedule or resource folder like Wiggio does. But Tatango is more accessible for visually impaired students because they can take advantage of the audio feature for posting and replying to the group messages. In addition, Tatango does have a "public" option where you can create public groups. While I think most teachers would deselect this option for obvious safety issues, there could be some interesting class projects using this feature. One example would be to have a group created around a current events topic and get quick opinions on the topic (for example stem cell research in science or a supreme court ruling in social studies), especially if the topic affects different areas of the country in various ways (such as more federal funding being given to New Orleans and less federal funding to another area).

Comparision Wiggio & Tatango
Privacy Options - Both
SMS notifications - Both
Audio notifications - Tatango
Reply via Cell to Group - Tatango
Calendar/Schedule Feature - Wiggio
Resource Storage - Wiggio
Conference Calling with Group Members - Wiggio
Online Polling (not cell phone based) - Wiggio

Curriculum Integration Ideas for Tatango
Homework Help
Tatango would be a great way to create a homework help line that students could participate in. Since all communication is documented it is a great way to not only get help, but for the teacher to see who is struggling and in what areas.

Discussions on Curriculum Topics
After students finishing reading an chapter in their class novel, they could have an SMS text or Audio discussion on the reading to get them ready for class the next day. The whole discussion is documented in Tatango, so the students can use it for review later on and the teacher can use it to learn what they students understand and what questions may have arisen.

Documenting Group Work
This is pretty obvious but still should be acknwoleged that studnets in groups could use this to forumate and brainstrom ideas.

Interviewing/Reporting
I could see students who are reporters for the school newspaper using this resource to get quotes and interview community members. Since the quotes and interviews can immediately go to all the reporters (or just the teacher/student editor) they could get immediate feedback on their quote and find out if there are other questions they should be asking.

Language Practice
Students in foriegn language classes could use this to practice their oral and text language skills with each other through a group conversation. Since text messaging is so popular in other countries (as I have learned from Kevin Gaugler and Barbara Lindsey) students should know how to communicate via text in foriegn countries as well as orally and by traditional writing.

Wiggio: Mobile Group Communication & Collaboration

I have been playing with a resource called Wiggio for a couple of months now and am ready to give some feedback. Overall, I really like the resource. I think that it has a lot of potential for facilitating group communication and collaboration inside and outside of the classroom. Wiggio allows anyone to set up a group for free. In the Wiggio group all members can post to a community calender, send mass audio, SMS text, or email message to one or more of the group members, conduct conference calls or chats, create polls, and store files in folders. While this is not a resource that can only be used via cell phone, it is a resource that is aided by the fact that so many student's own their own cell phones. Students can set up their accounts so they instantly receive text message reminders and alerts from the Wiggio group. For example if a group member created a voice message, it would automatically be sent to the group member's cell phones. Also, the scheduled events on the calender could also be sent to group members cell phones as text message reminders of up comming meetings and due dates.

All the communication in Wiggio is documented, so teachers can know how much input students have had in their group activities and what type of input they have had. I really like the achieving of group data since it is often difficult for classroom teachers to evaluate group work and individual member contributions. Teachers could also be part of the Wiggio group, so they could watch the group activities as they are proceeding and jump in when they feel it is necessary.

My Wiggio Wish List:
While I do like Wiggio, I have a few suggestions to make the site more compatible with today's mobile student.
1) Allow posting to Wiggio's calender and folder from the cell phone (maybe try to couple it with Dial2do or Jott)
2) Allow for conference calls to be achieved on Wiggio
3) Allow viewing of new documents (such as images/video) posted to the group on cell phones.
4) Allow group members to take a poll on their cell phone (rather then just being told there is a poll).

Is anyone using Wiggio for group communication? With Students, Teachers, Community Members, or Parents? If so, please share your stories in the comments.

Cell Phone Etiquette You Need To Know

Owning a cell phone can be a lot of fun. It’s portable, convenient, and is comforting to have when driving alone late at night. But now that there are millions of people who own cell phones, proper cell phone etiquette is becoming a concern.

Owning a cell phone doesn’t give a person a right to be rude or inconsiderate of others. It may be okay to take your phone with you and have it on while you are in business settings, with the exception of business meetings, but it’s not okay in some social settings.

People in a movie theater aren’t going to appreciate it if your cell phone is ringing during a movie. They’ll be even more annoyed if you answer it and talk during the movie. A nice leisurely dinner at a restaurant can be ruined if someone at the table next to you has their phone on and is taking calls. I’ve even been in church near someone who apparently thought it was okay to take a call during services. I was close enough to hear what was being said and it definitely was not an urgent call.

Yes, sometimes it may be necessary to have your cell phone on even if you are in a restaurant, theater, concert hall, or meeting. In those situations, put the phone on vibrate. If the phone goes off, discreetly check to see who is calling. If it is necessary to talk to the caller, excuse yourself and go to a quiet area out of earshot of the other diners, theater patrons, etc and return the call.

In some parts of the world wireless phone jamming devices have been installed in public places so that your phone just won’t work. In many other places, signs are starting to pop up telling people to turn off their cell phones in both public and private buildings. Not turning off a cell phone can even cost a person money. In New York City, there’s a $50 fine for breaking a bylaw that prohibits the use of mobile/cell phones at all indoor performances.

A person can choose to be part of the problem or part of the solution. If people demonstrate consideration for others there won’t be the need for more jamming devices, more “no cell phone” signs, and more laws being passed to fine users who don’t obey the “no cell phone” rules.

Make sure the voice mail is set up on your phone. Encourage people to leave a message for you if you are not able to answer the phone. Then return the call as soon as you can. But make sure to return the call. Just as it is inconsiderate to take a call in a restaurant or theater, etc. it is also inconsiderate to not return a call in a timely manner.

Poll Students for Free from Landline or Cell Phone!

I recently came across a website called Hey Cosmos. This site seems to be intended as a way to socially make plans quickly via phone polling. However, I saw some educative benefit in using the site as a quick, free, and accessible polling system for teachers and students. The way that it works is you create a poll question (which is an auditory poll), along with potential answers, and even responses to those answers. When done, you can "blast" out the poll to as many phone numbers (mobile or landline) as you wish. Then the person receiving the poll hears the recorded message, responds by hitting the appropriate number on the keypad and hangs up. The response is instantly reported on the Hey Cosmos site (in a private space).

The person who created the poll can even send out a response after receiving all the poll answers. For example a teacher who wants to poll their students about the topic for current events discussion the next day, can send out a blast, and after they receive their responses (about 60 seconds) they can blast out the chosen topic so the students can be prepared for the current events discussion the next day in class.

What I really like about this site:
1) It is very accessible (especially with the landline option) and only a phone call, so no text messaging charges apply.
2) It is easy to use.
3) The person creating the poll can insert their own voice (great for foreign language teachers or ESL).
4) Nice for visually impaired students.
5) There is a record of polls and respondents
6) There is privacy!
7) Students do not have to create an account to take the polls.

Limitations with the site
1) I wish I could blast from my cell phone rather than having to go to the Cosmos site.
2) I wish I could send a text poll option (instead of it always having to be audio).

Curriculum Integration Ideas:
Review Quizzes
I think this is a great resource for teachers to create some fun or quick review quizzes. Since students can get an instant response after they select their answer, it is a great way for them to get feedback. Also since all of the responses are stored in the Cosmos private account, the teacher can see which students are struggling with which topics.

Language Teachers
For students in foreign language classes, this could be a fun way to practice their oral speaking skills. The students could create surveys and polls in the foreign language. In addition, the students could demonstrate their comprehension of the foreign language by answering the correct questions that their teacher sends out.

iPhone users, this is for you!

I am not an iPhone user. The reason is because I like to use cell phones that the majority of students and teachers have, which are more basic cell phones. As that changes, I will purchase an iPhone or something similar, but until then I will be in the trenches with the students. However, I often get emails from people asking about free iPhone applications that might couple well with education. I found a great site called 148, where they list hundreds of free applications for the iPhone and iTouch. Everything from Writepad to Facebook to video games are included on this site. There are also reviews and links to load the applications onto your iPhone.

A Bluetooth Cell Phone Review Shows You What You Need To Know

The rise of Bluetooth technology which is the newest technology is indispensable due to the amazing benefits that it offers. Bluetooth is a specification for the use of low-power radio communications to wirelessly link phones, computers and other networks over short distances. It is specially intended to backup wireless networking of personal consumer devices and other electronic devices hence, a need to read a Bluetooth cell phone review is required.

Bluetooth networks feature a dynamic topology which is called a piconet or PAN and wireless signals transmitted with Bluetooth cover short distances, typically up to 30 feet.

Bluetooth Cell Phones

You probably have no idea just how important a Bluetooth cell phone review can be. If you have decided to buy a Bluetooth phone, then of course you are going to want to read a Bluetooth cell phone review on any phone you may be considering so that you can get a better idea on the make and model and whether it is going to be the right phone for you.

Reading a Bluetooth cell phone review will be a really great thing, and by reading a Bluetooth cell phone review you will be educating yourself more and this is only going to be to your benefit.

Learn What is Out There

Besides reading a Bluetooth cell phone review, there are a few other steps that you are going to want to take as well in order to ensure that you choose just the right Bluetooth phone.

It is often worth it to go in person to a store when you are going to buy a phone as opposed to shopping online, so that you can speak to a knowledgeable professional who will be able to show you the different models available and help you decide which is going to be best and most suitable for you and your needs.

Most stores have the option of trying out a cell phone before purchasing it, so you may want to try various models in order to get a feel for them and better determine whether or not it is going to be right for you and your needs. You may perhaps want to check the keypads, and know the various features and functions.

It is important to know the costs of such as the price range of these phones are significantly different, in order to allot the amount you can in this area. This serves as a basis for you so that you can stick to this and buy a phone that is within your means. Doing this will vividly slim your choices.

Reading a Bluetooth cell phone review is an edge as it will show you what you need to know. It is always a wise idea to do a reading and understand all that is within the Bluetooth cell phone review in order to fully enjoy the benefits.

Andy Immotna has been maintaining a number of premium membership websites that constantly provides members with resell rights products and highly valuable information products that people use to feed their membership sites and article directories.

Can Cell Phones Harm Your Health?

It seems like everywhere a person goes there is at least one person in view with a cell phone to their ear whether it is on the road, in a store, in a parking lot, walking down the street, etc. Even in places where cell phone usage is banned such as concert halls or movie theaters there is the occasional offender, or more likely, at least a few people using the text messaging feature on their phone.

Cell phone usage has exploded over the past decade and continues to rise. Nearly two hundred million people in the United States have cell phones and there are well over one billion users worldwide. That means there are a lot of phones sending their frequencies over the airwaves at any given time.

Concern has arisen over whether or not cell phone usage can harm a person’s health. Brain cancer rates in the United States have risen since cell phones were introduced, leading some people to wonder if cell phone usage is the reason for the increase.

There have been reports of people developing brain tumors in the exact same spot where they held their cell phone. Some studies have expressed concern over long-term cell phone use, believing it can lead to a person to develop cancer. That is not to say a person who uses a cell phone is going to get cancer, but some studies suggest long-term use increases a person’s risk.

Things may not be all gloom and doom however. A large study done in Denmark with almost a half million cell phone users showed no increase in cancer for cell phone users.

Yet, other studies have concluded there is a greater risk of cancer but only with analog phone users. Some other studies conclude that any type of cell phone usage can raise a person’s risk for developing cancer. There are a lot of varying opinions on the subject. According to the FDA, available data does not show there are definitely health problems associated with using wireless phones, but the information goes on to say that there is also no proof that wireless phones are completely safe either.

What about cell phone usage is causing the concerns and the numerous studies to be done? Cell phones emit radiation when they are used. The levels are low and are the same type of radiation as a microwave oven emits but in much smaller amounts.

It has been suggested that using hands free sets can alleviate the problem of the head being exposed to the radiation. Again opinions vary. Some studies say it does not decrease the amount of radiation exposure at all. Other studies say it significantly decreases the amount of radiation exposure.

Some people say the biggest danger with cell phones isn’t from the either real or perceived potential to develop cancer, but from inattentiveness while using the cell phone. How many of us have seen vehicles driving somewhat erratically down the road and then see when we get near the vehicle that the driver is talking on a cell phone. It is a proven fact that a driver on a cell phone is less attentive and more likely to get in an accident. And, hands free sets aren’t the answer that some people may believe. Yes, they free up both hands for driving and prevent a person from getting a sore arm, but the driver’s mind is still occupied with the conversation and therefore less attentive to what is going on around him or her on the road.

Even people who are walking and talking on a cell phone at the same time can put themselves in more danger because they are not as aware of what is going on around them.

All the conflicting reports make a person wonder what they should do. The good news is that more comprehensive studies are being done to see if cell phone usage does or does not cause cancer. At the same time, manufacturers are working on new processes that will decrease or even possibly eliminate a person’s radiation exposure. Until more definitive answers are given, a person may want to avoid talking on a cell phone for several hours every single day, but a person probably does not need to feel like they should have to give their cell phone up. It is still a great tool.

The advice about driving and talking on a cell phone is the same as it has been though. A person should pull over in a safe area out of traffic before engaging in a cell phone conversation.