How to Transfer Pictures

How to Transfer Pictures from a Camera Phone

It seems harder these days to find a cellular phone that doesn't have a built-in camera than one that does. That's not a bad thing! It's great that everyone has the ability to take spur of the moment snapshots and capture life as it happens, without having to lug around a separate camera. But what do you do after you've exhausted your phone's internal memory? And isn't half the point of taking pictures being able to share them with your family and friends anyways?

There are several ways to transfer those treasured photographs from your cell phone onto your computer, or to send them to your friends' cell phones so that they can use them as their wallpapers as well. Some may cost you some money, while others are completely free, given that you have the proper set up. Want to learn how to transfer photos? Then this guide is for you.

Free Ways to Transfer Photos

There are two main ways to transfer photographs from your cameraphone to your computer, given that you are making use of your mobile handset's internal memory and not a media card found in the expansion slots of some cell phones.

• USB Cable: This is probably the most common method for retrieving your treasured snapshots. Most cell phones on the market do not come bundled with a USB cable to connect / synchronize with a computer, and as such, oftentimes you have to look to stores that sell Cell Phone Accessories. Be wary about your purchase, because while the USB end of the cable is fairly universal, the part that connects to your cellular phone is quite specialized. Each brand of mobile phone maker usually has their own propriety interface, and even within a brand, there can be several connectors. What may work with a Motorola V600 may not work with a RAZR. The second consideration is the software. Some cables come with a CD or information about a website that contains the necessary software for your handset to connect to your computer. For example, Motorola uses something called Mobile Phone Tools. Check with sites like Forums] for manufacturer specific discussions.

• Bluetooth: Why mess with cables and cords, when you can go wireless with Bluetooth Technology. Provided that your cell phone has this feature and has the OBEX (object exchange) profile, you can wirelessly transfer your photos to your computer using Bluetooth. Of course, you will also need to invest in something for your computer so that it becomes Bluetooth capable as well (there are several "dongles" available, some priced at under $20), unless it already sports this ability (some new laptops come with built-in Bluetooth). Again, there is likely some software involved, but typically, it need not be manufacturer specific.

Cellular-Based Methods to Send Pictures

If you're away from your computer, you can still send your pictures to your loved ones. However, the majority of these transfers will cost you money, with the exception of Bluetooth.

• MMS: Standing for Multimedia Messaging Service, MMS is essentially a more advanced version of SMS (short messaging service) or what is more commonly known as "sending text messages". Using MMS, you can send pictures, sounds, and videos to other cellular phones much in the same way that you send text messages. Bear in mind that while some service plans will include a certain number of MMS messages free of charge, it can be quite expensive if you have to pay for them on top. Check with your service provider.

• Mobile E-mail: Many phones are not only capable of sending text messages, but also have the ability to send e-mails, just as you would from your personal computer. In this way, any number of different files can be attached to an email message, and the picture files on cellular phones are no different. Like MMS, this can be a costly endeavor if overused, because mobile providers like Cingular and Bell Mobility can charge hefty rates for wireless data.

• Bluetooth: While you cannot use Bluetooth to send your pictures to a friend half way across the country (or across town, for that matter), you can make use of the wireless technology for short range transfers (i.e., with someone in the same room). First, both of your phones must be Bluetooth capable and have OBEX activated (Verizon sometimes "cripples" this ability in their handsets, for whatever reason). Check your user manuals for specific instructions, but typically you go to your phone's photo album, select "copy", select "use Bluetooth", and allow it to search for "partners". The receiving party will have to activate something similar to "Find Me" in their Bluetooth connections menu.

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