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CELLULAR PHONES Last year we hypothesized about the "Dick Tracy wrist radio", and why with today's technology we haven't seen it yet. Well, here in 1994 we still don't have one for sale, but the good news is that at least there are prototype wrist cell phones materializing from one or two manufacturers. Don't hold your breath though -- they're still prototypes. More good news, shirt-pocket sized phones are everywhere, and their larger, vehicle-bound cousins contain more features than ever before. A cellular phone works via an FM transmitter/receiver in the telephone itself, and a network of closely spaced cells (or individual transmitters) in a pre-set geographical area. The phone talks to its local cell transmitter, which is in turn connected to the nearest standard telephone system. As you move away from the cell that is currently handling your call, the cell "hands off" the call to the next nearest cell to you, so there is no interruption in service. Your local coverage area can cover as much as a 70 to 250 mile radius, however, a technology called roaming can extend your cellular service well beyond your local area. Roaming enables you to make and receive calls from your cellular phone in another city, or anywhere in the U.S., Canada and the Bahamas. All you have to do is transmit a roaming activation code when you get to your new destination, and callers can reach you easily. In some cases roaming is automatically switched for you, depending on your local cellular provider. Prices for cellular service vary from place to place, and you can expect to pay anywhere between $15 and $60 per month for basic service. Each local call will cost you an additional 20-80 cents per minute, and if you make a long distance call you will be charged extra for that as well. You are also charged when someone calls you, so, unless you watch your talk time, cellular phone service can get pretty expensive. Fortunately, you are not charged if you reach a busy number (as long as you hang up within 60 seconds), or for callers trying to reach you if you don't pick up your phone. The digital cellular revolution has recently emerged in some areas. This new service can handle many more calls per cell, affords a higher quality transmission, and features complete privacy. Current cellular phone calls can be eavesdropped by persons with multi-band scanners. However, you will need to buy a digital cellular phone to realize all the digital benefits. These new phones are completely compatible with all current analog cellular systems, but there are only a few models currently available. MOBILE PHONES The mobile phone ($99-$1200) consists of three parts: the electronics, a box usually mounted in the truck or under the dash; the antenna, which can be glass-mounted to the back window, or roof-mounted for the best performance; and the handset itself, which is often located between the front driver and front passenger. There are a few basic features found in almost all mobile phones. An LCD or LED display indicates the number you're dialing, the transmission signal strength, the elapsed time of the call in progress, and other pertinent information. Like the backlit dialing keypad, the display is also illuminated for night operation. A volume control is provided for the earpiece volume, so you can hear clearly in varying sound environments. Mute, multiple call timers, redial and a scratch-pad memory (for quickly storing information, such as a telephone number) are cellular staples, as is an electronic lock with password protection, so that parking attendants can't make calls to Japan using your phone. In addition, don't forget about hands-free conversation -- an essential for all mobile phones these days. Using a tiny microphone placed near your visor, coupled with a speaker built into the phone cradle, you can converse without taking your hand off the wheel. These systems are smart enough to know when you want private conversation, and will cut off whenever the handset is picked up. Convenience features as listed below are found on mid to high-priced cellular fare. In some cases these features are available as options that you can add later on. Call restriction takes the concept of electronic lock a step further. Although passengers may use the phone for local calls, more expensive long distance calls can be prohibited. Memory dialing works very much the same as in a conventional phone. You press a two-digit code, and the phone will dial the appropriate phone number. Depending upon the model you can store anywhere from 20-150 phones numbers in memory. Some phones include one-touch speed dialing of 1-9 numbers, and many offer Alphanumeric memory, which makes it much easier to recall stored numbers. Instead of having to memorize a two- digit code for each person, with alphanumeric memory, you can key in the person's name by using the alpha-coded keys on the dial pad. With Voice Activated Dialing, you only have to hit a single key, and then speak out loud to tell the phone who to dial. This feature can be found on the more expensive phones, or as an option on mid-priced phones. Radio mute is extremely convenient. Whenever you receive or make a call, your car stereo or radio volume will automatically be turned down. In addition, some models have Auto-Answer capability, whereby the phone will automatically pick up on the second ring. A call-in absence indicator will tell you that a call came in while you were away from the phone, a few models will tell you how many calls were received, and still others will allow the caller to leave his or her phone number. Some newer models even operate like answering machines whereby a personalized outgoing message greets callers and the system allows them to leave voice messages. A number of manufacturers provide a horn alert feature that beeps your horn when an incoming call is detected. An auxiliary telephone port comes in very handy for those times you wish to quickly connect a notebook computer, or portable FAX machine to your cellular phone. Some phones have this RJ-11 jack built in, and for others it's available as an option. Multiple-NAM allows you to have numerous telephone numbers assigned to one phone. This feature is convenient if you frequently travel between two or more cities for business, and you don't want to pay long distance roaming charges. So Multiple-NAM allows you to have a cellular telephone number assigned to each city. Some phones have dual NAMs, others come with four or six. Transportable Conversion is a unique feature that enables the car phone to be transformed into a transportable phone via the addition of an optional kit. Transportable phones have many of the features found in mobile phones, the only difference is that this type of cellular phone can be moved from place to place because the 3-watt transceiver, rechargeable batteries, and antenna are contained in a single hardcover book-sized package. PORTABLE PHONES Just like the miniaturization of a notebook computer results in a costlier package, the portable cellular phone is more expensive than mobile fare. This year's crop of portables range in weight from 11 ounces to a mere 3.8 ounces of electronic circuits and plastic. Speaking of plastic, expect to pay anywhere from $99 to $1500 for a portable phone. Because you can only cram so much transceiving power into such a small size there is one drawback to portable use. The transceiver power is cut from 3 watts down to only .6 watts or 1.2 watts in one or two models. What this means in real life is that you won't have the range or performance of a full 3 watt mobile phone -- this translates into dropped calls or static from time to time. It all depends on the area in which you live. Flat surroundings, and markets with closely-spaced cells will offer the best performance for portable use. Interestingly, due to its low wattage, a portable's battery power often lasts longer than the older transportable type. Portable standby time will range from about six hours to as much as 30 hours depending upon the model and battery used. Similarly, continuous talk time can range from 30 minutes to three hours. Many of the same features found in mobile cellular phones are available in the portable, albeit some mobile features such as radio mute, and horn alert are not likely to be found. Memory dialing will range from 30-100 stored numbers, and conveniences such as electronic lock, call restriction, signal strength metering, call timers, automatic answer, one-touch dialing, alphanumeric memory, lighted display, and dial-pad, Multiple NAMs and a scratchpad memory are all available on the portable. There is a unique new feature on some models that consists of a vibrating system that signals you when a call is received. This is an ideal way to be alerted to a call so that you don't disturb others or when a noisy environment prevents you from hearing the phone ring. Although portables are convenient, a more permanent approach is often needed. Fortunately many manufacturers offer the convenience of portability with the flexibility and range of permanent-mount installations. All you have to do is pop your portable into a car-mounted cradle, and it's quickly transformed into a cellular car phone. Optional car-mount kits contain a special cradle-mount that can accept the portable phone via the use of handset cord, or alternatively, an extra handset is provided along with a cradle in which the portable is plugged into. Either way, the kit includes a cable for connection to a permanent cellular antenna, and direct connection to the car's battery power. Most manufacturers have hands-free speakerphone options, and many offer booster kits to upgrade the portable from .6 to a full 3 watts of transmitting and receiving power. Amenities such as voice activated dialing and RJ-11 data jacks are also available in kit form on some models. When buying a portable make sure it's well-balanced in features, and comfortable to hold. The lightest and smallest models cost the most money, and you can pay as much as a $500 premium to save a few ounces and inches in size. SHOPPING AROUND Unlike, other types of electronics, you may notice that the suggested list prices of cellular phones are much, much higher than the actual street prices. This is because in return for signing up business, many cellular franchises will offer retailers a rebate from $200-$400 for each customer sold a phone. However, in most cases you will have to sign a service contract with the cellular phone service providing the rebate, and that will lock you into a 60 day to three year term. While it's true that there are only two cellular service franchises assigned to a single cellular market, each provider may offer different services, or cover a different number of cities or towns, so you may not wish to be locked into any one particular company. Generally, though prices are fairly competitive between the two providers. Cellular phones may also be purchased directly from the franchise itself. This is sometimes a good deal as a free antenna and installation are sometimes included -- a nice buy when you consider that retailers can charge anywhere from $50 to over $150 to install a car system. It can't hurt to shop around. All types of discount stores, car audio shops, telephone stores and mail order companies sell cellular phones these days. Make sure that whoever you buy from has a good return policy, and is an authorized sales and service center for the products they sell. If you aren't sure whether the retailer is authorized just call the manufacturer of the brand you're interested in, the folks in customer support will be happy to guide you in the right direction. BEST BUYS MOBILE PHONES [P] Nokia 6000 (Price: $700.00 - $1199.00) The Nokia 6000 is a digital cellular phone. Like all digital phones it can also operate on a standard analog cellular system. This phone features privacy (in digital mode), 100 number memory, scratchpad memory, any key answer, auto answer, theft alarm, radio mute, horn alert, 4 NAMs. Notable options include a voice recognition unit, and a data/FAX adapter. [M] AT&T 3050 (Price: $250-$550) The AT&T 3050 is a feature packed analog phone featuring voice recognition and voice activated dialing. The phone also includes a built-in answering machine, voice memo pad, 60 number alphanumeric memory, escalating ring and dual NAM. Options include: an auxiliary speaker, a limo kit, a transportable conversion kit and a data interface jack. Two year warranty. [E] Motorola TX-300 (Price: 0-$250) Sturdy and well-made phone with 30 number memory, single one-touch dialing button, auto-answer, call in absence indicator. Three year warranty. PORTABLE PHONES [P] Nokia 2120 (Price: $499 - $899) In years past we gave the high-end Motorola Micro T.A.C. models a Best Buy in this price category, but Motorola continues to stick with an inferior LED display, and Nokia really came up with a winner in technology and ergonomics. First off, the 2120 is a digital phone that weighs only 8.3 ounces. Secondly, the phone boasts a gorgeous 5-line, backlit, super-twist, LCD, display with continuous battery, signal strength and digital service indicators. Thirdly, this phone features 99 alphanumeric memory locations, call privacy (in digital mode only), high-speed cellular FAX/data support, any key answer, 6 NAMs, automatic answer, and one-touch dialing. The phone provides 45 minutes of talk time and 8.7 hours of standby time in digital mode with it's slim battery. Options include numerous battery sizes including one with a vibrator option, numerous chargers and car kits, a PCMCIA Data/FAX interface, a belt clip and a headset. One year warranty. [M] Motorola MICRO T.A.C Ultra Lite (Price: $499-$699) At only 5.9 ounces this phone is one of the smallest and lightest available. The Ultra Lite incorporates a "Star Trek" type flip-down mouthpiece, that when closed ends a call automatically. Other features include: 101 memory locations, alphanumeric memory, one-touch dialing, continuous redial, a call-in absence indicator, and a single line LED display that is quite difficult to read in bright sunlight. Other amenities include: a battery strength meter, and auto answer. The standard battery offers 60 minutes of talk time and 8 hours of standby. The Ultra Lite comes in various packages, some of which include different accessories and models, such as VibraCall capability, higher capacity batteries, extra chargers, a data jack, car kits with 3 watt booster capability, hands-free operation and voice recognition. If the phone is purchased directly from Motorola it comes with a special VIP Classic Gold Program that gives the phone a five year warranty (instead of the usual 3 year warranty), a technology upgrade option, immediate exchange/repair and many other courtesies. [E] Pioneer PCC-720 (Price: $200 - $400) Pioneer's new pocket cellular phone is a flip design similar to the one found in Motorola products. This 7.5 ounce model incorporates a very nice 7-character LCD display, automatic answer, dual NAMs, 30 number memory, a battery and signal strength indicator and an electronic scracthpad. Options include numerous battery and car kit configurations.