Cell Phone Accessories
From LoveToKnow Cellphones
As mobile phones become more mainstream, consumers are turning to cell phone accessories as a way to increase their phones' abilities and to stand out from the crowd. Cell phone companies are eager to fill this niche and rush to turn out new products. If you are willing to spend a little money, you can have the cell phone of your dreams that is more individualized, and is on the cutting-edge of new technology.
Available Cell Phone Accessories
With such a wide variety of mobile phones available in the United States, companies that make cell phone accessories are kept busy making sure they can outfit all the different makes and models. Make sure any accessories you purchase are compatible with your cell phone. Many cell phone companies, like Nokia and Audio Vox offer their own accessories specifically designed for their phones.
Among the dozens of available cell phone accessories, the most popular include:
Car Kits
Car kits are perhaps one of the most practical cell phone accessories available. These systems allow cell phones to be used in a car, but give the driver the ability to keep both hands on the wheel. There are two different types of hand-free options: an earphone or a speaker. In both cases, the cell phone uses a small microphone, either attached to the earpiece or the speaker, to pick up the driver’s side of the conversation. Not only does this help the driver focus on the road, it’s also the only way you can use a cell phone while driving in states like Connecticut and Washington, D.C., where legislation has been passed prohibiting drivers from using cell phones.
The car kit also comes with an adaptor that will charge your cell phone battery through the car’s cigarette plug. In many cases, there is also a base for the cell phone to sit in so the driver won’t have to fumble for the phone if it rings.
Cell Phone Charms
A relatively new way to customize your cell phone is by using unique charms. For about $10, these trinkets can be attached to your phone through the loop of the wrist strap or the antenna ring. They are easy to change and you can even add more charms to the same holder. Best of all, they usually come on a thin strap that is a few inches long, making it easy to find at the bottom of a purse or diaper bag.
Cell phone charms are available in almost any imaginable motif, including Disney characters, gemstones, awareness ribbons, animals, and initials.
Cell Phone Cases
Functional and attractive, cell phone cases can give your phone a little character while protecting it from a fall. Cases are usually made of rubber, neoprene, or leather and are designed to help the cell phone withstand an impact, protecting it from potential disasters like spilled liquids. Cases also help identify the phone and can often be personalized with your name or company logo.
Most cases include a clip that can be used to attach the phone to your belt or purse strap, making the phone easier to access.
Faceplates
Unlike other cell phone accessories that may work with different models, a faceplate is specifically designed for each type of phone. Faceplates add individuality to an otherwise standard surface and typically snap on your phone with no tools. Ranging in price from $5 to $30 (or more), faceplates come in wide variety of options from sports teams and colleges to cartoon characters and prints.
Hands-free Headsets
The days of putting on a headset that covered both ears are long over. Headsets are becoming one of the most popular accessories for cell phones and technology has made them smaller and more comfortable to use. By adding a few buttons to the headset, consumers can take calls without interrupting their other activities. Most headsets today wrap around your head and have a small ear bud that fits directly inside your ear, making them discreet and secure. Some headsets are designed specifically for outdoor use and can block out background noise.
Headsets with Bluetooth capabilities are one of the newest and most popular sellers. These high-tech but small devices can operate on voice commands and work wirelessly with a compatible cell phone. Wired headsets are also still popular.
Summary
With the vast amount of opportunities and low cost of customizing your cell phone with accessories, there’s no need for anyone to walk around with a plain, black phone. Finding your own style just depends on what your needs are and how fashionable you want to be.
This page has been accessed 4,584 times. This page was last modified 19:23, 19 June 2006.
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