Recent Articles



Cell Phone Basics

09 Jul 2007
Intro to Text Messaging / SMS

Text Messaging or SMS (short messaging service) is a way to send short messages of up to 160 characters using your cell phone. Most cell phones have this feature. Usually you'll see a "messaging" option on your menu or "send...

30 Aug 2005
Free Phones with New Service - What It Means

Point.com features a lot of cell phone deals from carrier-authorized retailers for heavily discounted cell phones with new service plans. This article answers frequently asked questions about what is meant by "new service" and whether you qualify for free and discounted cell phone offers.

13 Jun 2005
Buying Your First Cell Phone

Cell phone users in this country number 180 million and counting. If you're planning to join the 60% of the U.S. population with a cell phone but don't know what to look for, read our strategy for finding a cellular plan and phone package that makes sense for you.

12 Jun 2005
Choosing a Cell Phone Plan

Once you've chosen the company that will provide your cell phone service, you need to decide what cellular plan is most cost-effective. What to look when comparing cellular plan options depends on how and when you anticipate using your cell phone.

11 Apr 2005
Are Free Cell Phones Really Free?

If you shop around, you'll find that many free cell phones being offered online are the newest and most popular models available. While not all of them are free up front, you can usually find great deals (and even make cash back) on brand new phones with rebates.

Cell Phones for Families

08 Aug 2007
Top 5 Back to School Cell Phone Accessories

It's already time to be thinking about back to school, and here are our top 5 picks of cell phone accessories you'll want to consider as you get ready to head back to school. Be sure to check the specifics...

13 Apr 2006
Cell Phones for Kids Under 15: a Responsible Question

Rest assured: if your child under 15 has asked you to get him or her a cell phone, you are in good company. The number of parents weighing the pros and cons of buying a cell phone for their kids...

20 Nov 2004
Cell Phone Family Plans

In addition to being good for families, family plans may be ideal for friends, roommates, and even work groups. Also known as "shared plans," family plans allow you to share one group of cellular plan minutes between two cell phones. This can mean huge savings compared to paying individual monthly fees, particularly if one of the cell phones is used less frequently.

Cell Phones: Special Features

01 Aug 2006
Music Phones For Every Type of Music Need

If you've spent time downloading the perfect music collection to your portable MP3 player, chances are you've considered upgrading your mobile to a music cell phone. By music phone we mean one of those cool handsets that let you play...

10 Jun 2005
Do's and Don'ts of Using Your Camera Phone

Camera phones are everywhere. Pretty much everywhere you'd find a cell phone. And just like ordinary cell phones, use of camera phones is not always welcome. Learn how to have fun with yours without breaking any unspoken camera phone rules.

15 Mar 2005
What Are Smartphones?

The line between cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) has blurred so much that you no longer need to sacrifice performance when you opt for an all-in-one device. A combined PDA and cell phone -- or "smartphone" -- is...

01 Jan 2005
Intro to Camera Phones

Camera phones, as their name implies, are cell phones with built-in cameras. These devices -- easy to use, incorporated non-obtrusively right into the cell phone design, and usually no bigger than normal cell phones -- are hugely popular. Sales are...

Bluetooth Guide

21 Aug 2007
A Bluetooth Tutorial

Much like Google has come to define Internet search, and Xerox was once synonymous with making copies, the Bluetooth standard is now the dominant force in data transfer and wireless connections - so much so that the name itself almost...

20 Aug 2007
History of Bluetooth

Why is it called Bluetooth? The name Bluetooth draws its inspiration from the 10th century king of Denmark, Harald Bluetooth. History suggests that Harald's aggressive diplomatic policies led to the unification of previously warring tribes of Denmark, Norway and Sweden....

20 Aug 2007
Bluetooth Features and Uses

Bluetooth: Voice Communication Bluetooth exists in many niches, but none more well-known or important as the cell phone (and cell phone accessories) industry - in particular, in linking wireless headsets and headphones. However, the impact of Bluetooth extends from hands-free...

20 Aug 2007
Technology Behind Bluetooth

Bluetooth Connections Bluetooth is essentially a networking standard that requires two levels of connections to work. The physical level connection is created through a radio frequency standardized at about 2.4 GHz. A second connection is established at the protocol level....

20 Aug 2007
Bluetooth Networks

Bluetooth Networks Once two or more Bluetooth devices start communication, they form a network which makes up the personal area network (PAN) or pico-net which varies in size depending on the type of connection. A maximum of eight devices can...

20 Aug 2007
Bluetooth Security

Bluetooth Security The structure of a Bluetooth network provides plenty of common sense security measures. Authorization has to be approved by all parties before any connection can be made between Bluetooth devices. When not in use, Bluetooth feature on cell...

Cell Phones and Travel

18 Aug 2007
Hands-Free Cell Phones and the Law

The selection of hands-free cell phones and accessories are being given a tremendous boost by the trend to legislate the use of phones while driving, as well as the technological advances that make hands-free cell phone use more convenient.

08 Sep 2005
Going Overseas With Your Cell Phone

Need cell phone service while traveling internationally? Even for the infrequent traveler, getting international wireless service is easier and cheaper than ever before. To avoid overpaying for international cell phone service, find out how different global roaming services work.

02 Aug 2005
Global Roaming & World Phones - A Primer

Why don't all U.S. cell phones work worldwide? This article is an introduction to concepts such as network compatibility, global roaming, multi-band or "world phones," and GSM vs. CDMA networks.

Troubleshooting

10 Aug 2007
If Your New Cell Phone Number Used to Belong to Someone Else ...

Imagine getting Paris Hilton's old cell phone number and fielding her birthday phone calls...or comedian Chris Rock's. It happened recently to two people because cell phone numbers in Los Angeles and New York are in such high demand that cell...

07 Aug 2007
Recycling Your Old Cell Phone

Congratulations, you've bought a new cell phone. If you're wondering what to do with your old cell phone, don't throw it out. Not only do cell phones contain toxic parts that can leak into landfills, but you can actually get...

27 Jul 2007
Getting Rid of Your Landline Phone

Approximately 6% of U.S. households are relying exclusively on wireless for their telephone service, according to the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) in 2005. And that number is growing. Should you be part of this cell phones-only trend? It depends.

02 Jan 2007
What To Do When You've Lost Your Cell Phone

Disturbing, but true. Asurion Insurance Service Inc., a popular cell phone insurance provider, estimates that approximately 25% of wireless phones are reported lost, stolen or damaged in any given year. Wondering what to do if you cell phone is lost or stolen? Read ahead for your blueprint.

12 Jul 2005
Is Your Cell Phone Plan Meeting Your Needs?

Can't make heads or tails of your monthly cell phone bill? Chances are you haven't thought about the details of your cell phone plan since you first signed up. If your cellular calling needs have changed since then, and even if they haven't, consider looking into new cell phone plan options that could reduce your overall costs.

Mobile Content

10 Aug 2007
I Want My M-M-Mobile TV...

You've probably seen the commercials. Verizon's VCAST, Sprint's Power Vision, YouTube on your AT&T iPhone... it all sounds very exciting. But what is it, exactly? What does "mobile TV" mean? Can you actually watch live television on your phone? What's...


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Why Order Cellular Plans Online

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You don't have to be family to share your minutes. The best deals today are with Cell Phone Family Plans.


Cell Phone Basics

Cell Phone Basics

Not sure where to start? Read through articles written by the Point.com staff in our Cell Phone Articles Archives.


Recycling Your Old Cell Phone

Recycling Your Old Cell Phone

Don't throw out your old cell phone! Recycle or donate used cellular equipment to help the environment and fundraise. Learn how.


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