Mobile Phones Buying Guide
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What you need to know, from the kind of user you are to current technologies:
DO YOU NEED 3G?
3G is a common term that you'll often see thrown around mobile phone shops and spec sheets, however it's not always clear what it's for and whether you need it.
The easiest way to think about 3G is to consider it the equivalent of a broadband Internet connection in your home. Although you can access the Web with most mobile phones, if you want to enjoy the experience you need to sign up for a 3G connection, which will transfer data at near-broadband speeds. 3G also enables you to make video calls and download games or music more quickly.
If you want to connect your laptop to the Internet when you're out and about, some networks provide 3G data cards that plug into the side and give you a wireless connection over the mobile phone network. 3G handsets are still rather expensive and so are the services, but there are a few good deals available if you're on a budget.
A quick history
3G stands for third generation and is a network communication standard.
The first generation (1G) standard, also known as AMPS, was voice only and worked over an analogue connection. Unfortunately, it could be hacked easily because it wasn't encrypted. Second generation (2G) networks, also known as CDMA and GSM networks, are digital. They are more secure and allow you to send some data, for example text messages. 2.5G is an enhanced version of 2G that provides faster data transfer rates, via services called GPRS and EDGE. These let you browse the Web on your mobile, download ringtones and send MMS messages, among other things.
When networks upgrade to 3G, data transfer gets faster again, making it feasible send video over the air. Advancements in communication technology haven't stopped though, and some networks are already implementing 3.5G, also known as HSDPA, for even faster data transfers. It's currently hindered by a lack of handsets and a slow roll out, but HSDPA should hopefully be available in the UK by the end of 2006.
A quick history
1980s
1G Analogue voice only (AMPS)
1990 - 1995
2G Digital: voice and limited data -- less than 20Kbps (CDMA, GSM)
1995 - 2000
2.5G Data at dial-up speeds -- 30Kbps to 90Kbps (GPRS, 1xRTT, EDGE)
2000 - 2005
3G DSL speeds 144Kbps to 2Mbps (UMTS, 1xEV-DO)
G glossary
GSM
GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) is the most common communication standard for mobile telephony and operates on the 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz frequencies. The 850MHz frequency is not used in Europe.
GPRS
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) is a 2.5G service that lets you transfer data and access the Internet via GSM networks.
EDGE
EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Evolution) is similar to GPRS, but offers faster data transfers.
HSDPA
HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access), also known as 3.5G or Super 3G, is the next generation of mobile communication standard after 3G.
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