Mobile Phone

Mobile phone is one of the most essential tools in any city. You need to confirm airline tickets, reserve seats in theatre or ice hockey game, keep in touch with friends, etc. The mobile phone can be used as a modem, it has a decent phonebook, clock, and usually also a simple calendar.

If you are going to travel in several continents, make sure that the phone is so called ‘world phone’, in other words it supports three frequencies or bands, 900MHz and 1800MHz for Europe and Asia, and 1900MHz for Americas.

There are no big technical differences in phones from different manufacturers, but the design and the usability usually distinguish the phones from each other. If you are accustomed to some manufacturer’s idioms, you probably will stick to those phones. If you have not owned any phone, I would suggest buying Nokia, it is fastest to learn and quite easy to use in the long run, too.

Check that your phone has at least the following features:

  • Alarm clock. This is very handy, as you do not have to call to reception or set the alarm with a hotel TV and never be sure if you have done it correctly.
  • Normal clock. If your watch stops, you still know the time. Or if you prefer not to use watch, you can still check the time (from time to time).
  • Ability to send SMS. They offer a much cheaper way to send greetings and ask questions than calling, especially abroad.
  • Bluetooth. If you want to use the phone as modem, bluetooth is essential as it saves hassles with cables.
  • 3G or EDGE, if you need to use your phone as a modem on regular basis. When using 3G or EDGE, you are billed on data sent, not time spent.
  • WLAN support, for using free WLAN hotspots instead of horribly expensive mobile data.
  • Good browser. You need to have a proper browser to be able to surf the web using the phone.
  • E-mail client, if you are going to read your emails on the fly. These clients are usually available in such phones that have enough bells and whistles to make the e-mail reading a pleasurable pastime.

Other nice features include MMS for sending and receiving picture messages, and a camera for taking snapshots.

Phones are supplied usually with earphones or handsfree, as the cord is used as radio antenna. If the phone supports Bluetooth, consider buying Bluetooth handsfree set, to avoid tangling yourself with wires. The handsfree is handy while on the move, as you can use both hands to survive with the luggage.

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