Monday, October 29, 2007

Choosing The Best Types Of Cell Phone Batteries

Types of Cell Phone Batteries:


Nickel Cadmium (NiCad): The capacity, run time, and life span of all NiCad batteries are reduced by the “memory effect”, also known as voltage depression, in which the battery has to be discharged before recharging it, in order to avoid damage. NiCad batteries also use chemicals that are not environmentally friendly so they have to be disposed off carefully. Almost all cell phone manufacturers have now stopped using NiCad batteries and are replacing them with newer products such as Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries.


Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH): These batteries are of the same size with NiCad batteries but will run for 30%-40% longer, and twice as much energy can be packed into a given unit. They are also less prone to the “memory effect” problem that older generation batteries are, and they are also more environmentally friendly since they do not contain toxic materials like cadmium. NiMH are now one of the most popular battery types for cell phones but after a few hundred charge cycles, the crystals inside become coarser which can result in voltage drops (only) when in use.


Lithium Ion (Li-Ion): The technology used to make Li-Ion batteries is more advanced in comparison to the above two, and gives exceptional capacity for its size and weight. It does not have memory effect, and a Li-Ion battery can deliver up to 40% more battery capacity than NiMH battery of the same size. Li-Ion batteries, however, are quite expensive and will not be compatible with older cell phones.


Lithium Polymer (Li-Poly): Enclosed in plastic pouches instead of a metal can, this battery is the latest, most advanced, safest and lightest cell phone battery ever manufactured. Li-Poly does not suffer from memory effect, and will deliver up to 40% more battery capacity than NiMH battery of the same size.


Performance Advantages of Cell Phone Battery Models:


“Slim” is a thin, light battery that still retains its capacity. “Extended” has increased capacity, longer talk and stand-by time. “Main” allows for simultaneous use of a primary battery and a second, “auxiliary” battery. “Super” can apply to “Super-slim”, “super-performance” etc, and “vibrational” allows for vibration mode in phones that have the feature.


What is Initial Charge Cycle?


A new cell phone battery is never fully charged. The user will have to charge it for a full 14 to 20 hours for the first time before it can be used effectively. This can be necessary for the first 2 – 3 cycles. Cell phone batteries require a "break-in" period, and may not hold a full charge immediately. The battery may not power up right away, may show false full charge (voltage), or "Not charging". This is not unusual. The best thing to do is to charge the battery and leave it undisturbed for a full 24 hours or so.


The Life of the Cell Phone Battery:


Decline in the life of the cell phone battery will be demonstrated by shorter talk and stand-by times. If regularly used, a typical cell phone battery lasts up to 300 and 500 cycles. This also depends on the battery type. For example, a Li-Ion will die quite abruptly while you’ll notice a gradual decline in performance when a NiMH battery nears the end of its lifetime.


About the Author:

Batteries HQ: everything you need to know about batteries.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Motorola P790 Portable Power Charger

A portable charger is not something that most cell phone users might purchase until they actually need it. Of course by then, they may be hard to find, especially when you're in the middle of nowhere without an electrical outlet in sight. It's a good idea then, to purchase a simple portable phone charger and stash it in a safe place for emergency purposes. The Motorola Portable Power P790 is one such device, and its compact and lightweight design makes for easy portability. However, it only works with phones that have a miniUSB port, which includes most Motorola and BlackBerry handhelds. It retails for $49.99 but you can easily get one for less than $40 if you shop around.

The Motorola Portable Power P790 almost looks like a miniature version of the Motorola Pebl U6-- it has a soft-touch rubberized surface in a compact oval design. It measures 3.0 by 2.02 inches by 0.93 inch and weighs around 2.8 ounces, making it really easy to slip in a purse or pocket. On the front of the device is a slider mechanism that slides up to reveal a connector, which you can then plug into your phone. Sliding it up also activates the charge, which is indicated by a green LED light on the charger. On the bottom of the P790 is a charging jack, which you then attach to an AC adapter to juice up the charger. Yes, you have to charge the charger before you begin using it.


Once we charged it up for a few hours, we then tested it with a Motorola Razr V3 that was out of battery power. The charger went to work almost immediately, and we managed to power up the phone and continue making calls. An hour later and the Razr V3 was fully charged again. We were duly impressed with such a speedy recovery, and the Motorola P790 charger certainly delivered on its promise. Since the P790 shares the same style of charger jack as most miniUSB phones, you could also get away with only using one AC adapter for both your phone and the P790. You could also use the P790 on Motorola Bluetooth headsets that have the miniUSB port.


  • The good: The Motorola P790 portable charger is compact and lightweight, dead simple to use, and adds hours to a phone's battery life.
  • The bad: The Motorola P790 only works with phones that have a miniUSB port, and it needs an electrical outlet to charge.
  • The bottom line: As long as you have a compatible phone, the Motorola P790 portable charger is a convenient way to charge up a dying cell phone without the need for an electrical outlet.

Reviewed by: Nicole Lee

Friday, October 26, 2007

Accessories for Cell Phones

There are many types of cell phone accessories. In this articles we will examine which phone accessories and gadgets are the most useful and fun for your cell phone.


The popularity of cell phones accessories has soared and developed a market of their own while at the same time improving cell phones with their functions. There is vast variety of accessories and it would take forever to go thru them all. You can get practical accessories that will make use of your cell phone more easy to manage or get your cell phone customized to your specifications hence making it more like a reflection of your personality.


The most popular of cell phones accessories that you might find useful are the car charger, the headset and the digital camera. In the case of the car charger it is the perfect accessory for when you travel away from home and need a way to re-charge your cell phone. You never want you or your loved ones to be out and about and not have a phone in case of emergencies.


The headset is a very important cell phone accessory because it allows you to use your phone hands free, which is safer when you drive. It is proven to improve your awareness and reaction time compared to holding the phone to your head. A digital camera gives you the opportunity to take photos and send them anywhere you want from your phone. It is a feature that is both useful and fun.


Accessories that make you cell phone more fun include faceplates, tunes (which you can use as your ringer), cases for your phones and games. Faceplates are available in almost any design you can think of. You can download tunes and songs from your phone to double up as your ring tone. Accessories truly allow you to customize your phone to reflect your personality. These days, by just looking at how someone's phone appearance can also really give you an insight on their fashion sense and personality.


James Benjamin is the webmaster of Cellular Phone Review where you can find a information about the latest on cellular phones. Find out more at http://www.cellular-phone-review.info/resource/


Jazz Up Your Cell Phone With A New Faceplate

A new faceplate for Your cell phone can be a cheap alternative to replacing Your existing phone. Faceplates are easy to install (most just snap into place), and come in a variety of styles and colors to suit just about Anyone. Not only will a new faceplate give Your cellular phone a fresh new look, it will also protect it from drops, scratches, dings and dirt.


Faceplates are not just for older phones, You can buy several varying styles and carry a "different" phone with You every day! With the multitude of fashions and colors, You can take accessorising to the max by matching Your phone with Your outfit or handbag. Express Yourself with a patriotic look, or try something wild and crazy. Let YOUR personality come through.


Quality of cell phone faceplates does vary, so make sure You select one that will hold up. You can purchase faceplates at Your local dollar store, but remember, "You get what You pay for". Try purchasing one (or more) from a reputable dealer. Most will have a warranty or refund policy if You are not satisfied. They will also carry models that will be guaranteed to fit Your exact model phone.


Faceplates are available for almost any manufacturer including (but not limited to):

  • Audiovox
  • Kyocera
  • LG
  • Motorola
  • Samsung
  • Sanyo
  • Siemens
  • Sony Ericcson
Don't forget to play it safe by checking with Your cell phone manufacturer before altering Your cell phone. In some (rare) instances it may void Your manufacturer warranty.

Go ahead and get Yourself a new faceplate and jazz up that phone!


We've reviewed hundreds of sites, and have narrowed it down to the top five sites based on (but not limited to) Customer service, price and selection. Whether You're looking for a new case, faceplate, battery, headset, charger or car accessory for Your cellular phone, We're sure You'll find a GREAT deal at http://motorolacellphoneaccessories.com/

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Buy Cheap Phone Accessories

Phones accessories offer you an opportunity to add some extra features to your cell phone. Make a research and you would find the market flooded with a huge variety of cell phone accessories.


Buy phone accessories and you would feel like a proud cell phone owner and in fact, you would be standing out in the crowd with distinct features, in your cell phone.


It is important to buy phone accessories but it is equally important to make the right choice and understand all about cell phone accessories. This way, you can easily make smart purchase.


Most people buy phone accessories just because their favorite brand has endorsed it. However, it is extremely important to understand what a phone accessory would offer and how important and useful it is, when you buy phone accessories.


Here is a list of cell phone accessories available in the market place for consumer use. Study the information carefully and then buy phone accessories.


a) Headphones: This is one of the most important phone accessories. Most people consider this accessory as a significant part of their purchase. This accessory facilitates you to enjoy a better voice quality. You can now hear your cell better when in noisy environment. So, this time when you buy phone accessories consider head phones at the top of your purchase list.


b) AM/FM: AM/FM facilitates you to be in touch with the entertainment world and take some break when you are busy. Consider AM/FM as an important part of your shopping list when you buy phone accessories.


c) USB Cables: These cables facilitate you to transfer data from your PC to cell phone and/or cell phone to PC. If you require downloading files on your cell phone or transfer your data regularly then consider buying USB cables for your cell phone.


d) Battery: You cannot do without a battery for your cell phone. Buy this phone accessory and make sure you purchase the best quality to ensure long lasting service.


e) Bluetooth: Bluetooth technology would offer you the access to other Bluetooth enabled devices nearby. You can send free ringtones, messages and video clips via Bluetooth technology.


Buy phone accessories and you would be enjoying the extensive features offered by these accessories to the consumers.


You can easily personalize your cell phone with the help of above-mentioned accessories.


Accessorize your mobile phone, today by purchasing cell phone accessories.