Cellular Accessories can make any phone a lot more fun. The Plantronics Bluetooth Headset is no exception. The Plantronics Voyager Pro Bluetooth Headset is a bulky, solid, old-school Bluetooth headset which has a large rotating boom mic of the kind that used to be associated with customer service reps from about ten years ago. The successor to the Voyager 510, one of the most popular premium headsets ever sold, the Voyager Prof measures 1.8 inches wide, or 4 whole inches with the boom mic extended, and it is 2.3 inches long by 0.4 of an inch thick. The weight of the device is distributed towards the back of the ear, making for balance and comfort. A large battery wraps around the back of the ear, which is also where the power button happens to be located. The volume rocker sits atop the headset, over the ear, and the call button is situated behind the earpiece, which can be fitted in either ear. Rubbery gel covers for the earpiece are provided in two sizes, and do not intrude too deeply into the ear canal. Foam bud covers, however, are provided in only one size. The rotating boom mic extends from the earpiece and can be flipped around for use on either side of the head. The boom can also be set closer to the mouth or more compactly against the face. At the tip of the boom mic are two screens that act as a barrier against wind-noise. In addition, the Voyager Pro offers a built-in electronic filter in its circuitry, along with Plantronics’ Audio IQ2 noise cancellation software, which all works to reduce static and other noise without a noticeable loss in sound clarity. The headset doesn’t currently support single-ear stereo, however, though such a feature could be possible with nothing more than a firmware update in the future.

The Plantronics Voyager Pro is able to answer, reject, or end calls, and features call waiting, call mute, last number redial, and the ability to connect with another headset. Official talk time is 6 hours, and standby can be up to five whole days. A full charge typically takes ninety minutes. Verizon Wireless subscribers should note that a normal Voyager Pro headset will play a special musical tone upon connection to a Verizon phone. Because many Verizon phones save power by timing out their active connections and switching into passive mode, this tone will be played quite often when waking up the phone and switching it back to active mode when in use again, so be sure to get the special Verizon version of the Plantronics Voyager Pro, available only at Verizon Wireless stores.

By purchasing used cell phones from a third party, you avoid the need to sign up for a new contract with a cellular provider (typically 1 or 2 years). Instead, you can approach the provider with a phone that you buy on your own and have them activate it and completely bypass any conversations about a contract – allowing you to move to a different provider at a later date if you choose to without paying steep cancellation fees.

If this sounds enticing, you need to understand the different types of technology that are used in cell phones before you buy a refurbished or used cell phone. More importantly, you need to know what technology your preferred provider operates on.

Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology has been the most popular technology for mobile networks in North America and Asia. However, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) technology us currently used in both North America, Asia, and the majority of other continents. It is estimated that 85% of the global market uses phones on a GSM platform, meaning that there are many more phones made for that technology.

It is not too hard to tell one type of phone from another. GSM phones use a SIM card and CDMA phones do not. If you buy a refurbished blackberry made for GSM networks, activating it is as simple as putting your SIM card (which you get from your provider) into the new (used) phone. The phone will then be able to connect to the network that the SIM card is associated with. This is particularly advantageous for people that do a lot of international travel as you can avoid expensive roaming fees by getting a prepaid SIM card for the international network you plan to operate on.

CDMA phones require a bit more effort to activate, but the process is still relatively simple. The process is simple enough to explain, but the reality is that you will either need to visit a local store for your provider or call their customer support, who will tell you what you need to do.

Wondering if you should buy a GSM or a CDMA phone? Well, that choice will ultimately come down to your own personal preference or may be impacted by the fact that you already have an existing line with a certain provider that you want to keep. Alternatively, you can compare the carriers based on your criteria of needs and select the one that best suits you, then search for a phone that is compatible with the technology that they use.

When it comes to getting the best service, both technologies offer similar levels of coverage area, call quality, and data transfer speeds. Of course, the amount of coverage you get will be dependent on your provider, not necessarily the phone that you choose. If you do a lot of traveling, make sure that you ask your provider about roaming fees, as the additional charges vary based on provider and plan.

Last but not least, you need to keep in mind the features and applications that you plan to use on the phone. Certain features or phones are only able to work fully on one network (like the iPhone) and some providers charge extra to use certain features, so make sure you know what you’re getting yourself in to up front to avoid surprises on the bill down the road. And, remember to only buy used AT&T cell phones from reputable dealers (like those that offer a warranty) and/or trusted sources.

The worlds No1 bluetooth marketing website Ad-pods has just had a major upgrade in July 2009.

The Bluetooth Marketing industry is set to explode in the next few years because it offers Unlimited Free advertising to any business using a product called an Ad-pod. With An Ad-Pod you can send an Unlimited number of adverts forever for FREE. Once you have bought an Ad-Pod there are no hidden fees or recurring charges.

You can send the rich media adverts to mobile phones for FREE. You can send Animated flyers Videos Text messages Audio Files Java Games Java Applications Html Web Pages Calendar Reminders Business Cards

You have complete control of your marketing and can change your adverts whenever you want.

An Ad-Pod is like having a promotions team handing out flyers accept it works 24 hours a day, never needs a lunch break and it never asks to be paid.

Bluetooth Marketing is environmentally friendly because there is no paper waste, you are simply transferring rich multimedia digital flyers direct to peoples phones. Many councils are now banning the use of paper flyers for environmental reasons.

Ad-pods allow you to send your advert to any phone within a 50-100m range, currently there are over 40 million bluetooth enabled phones in the UK alone. These days virtually everyone has a phone and most of these (80-90%) have bluetooth. So you now have a platform using an Ad-Pod to send unlimited adverts to 80% of the population for free.

We never say an Ad-Pod is the magic bullet for advertising however as part of your marketing mix an Ad-Pod is a very economical powerful tool and it offers scalable results. If you need more business simply use more than one Ad-Pod and hit more peoples phones. Your exposure can be scaled to accommodate your marketing needs for a fixed cost.

So an Ad-Pod is :

Incredibly easy to use Sends an unlimited number of adverts for Free Can target over 80% of the public via their mobile phone Far more cost effective than Newspaper, Radio and Directory Advertising Offers a scalable marketing solution for a fixed cost Has no hidden or ongoing costs 100% Environmentally Friendly Can send engaging rich media adverts like video, animated giffs, mp3, games, java applications,ringtones,business cards, calendar reminders.

What else can an Ad-Pod offer :

An Ad-pod can be used on a battery pack or mains power. So if you use it on a battery pack it becomes a mobile marketing solution. You can use it in a car or on your person with either a battery pack or car charger.

“Imagine being going to an exhibition and hitting everyones phone in the arena. In our experience we have hit over 4000 phones in only a few hours using an Ad-Pod at a busy exhibition.”

“Imagine putting Ad-Pod in all your company vehicles and sending your advert to people in other cars or in the street. We have found that we can hit between 200 and 500 people a day from a vehicle.”

An Ad-Pod is a simple push button advertising system that works. An Ad-Pod promotes your business 24-7 for FREE from ANYWHERE.

For more information visit the Ad-pods website go to bluetooth marketing

Bluetooth was designed to allow low bandwidth wireless
connections to become easy to use so even those who
are new to wireless can use them. Version 1.1 of
Bluetooth describes a low power, short range wireless
networking technology that uses radio waves to send
data at rates up to 720 kilobits a second.

The specification for Bluetooth provides for different
classes of radio that allow transmission ranges of
up to 100 meters by boosting the radio power. The
technology of Bluetooth isn’t limited to line of
sight transmission since it uses directional waves
that are capable of transmitting through many
obstructions.

Bluetooth is an industry standard communication of
wireless, meaning that it enables the connection
of other devices as well, such as cell phones,
computers, digital cameras, and other types of
electronic devices. The specification of Bluetooth
defines a radio system and a “stack” of protocol
layers and profiles. The highest layer is the
application layer, while the lowest layer is the
radio.

The wireless technology of Bluetooth is positioned
to revolutionize the personal connectivity market
by providing freedom from inconvenient fixed type
lines.

The specification for Bluetooth eliminates the need
for cables by providing a small form factor, low
cost wireless solution that will link computers,
cell phones, and other electronics. Bluetooth
also allows users to connect many ranges of devices
quickly and easily and expands communications
capabilities as well.

The size of the Bluetooth radio is amazing, as a
Bluetooth radio can be built into one or two very
small microchips then integrated into any electronic
device where wireless operations would be an
advantage.

Bluetooth also offers a robust link, which ensures
that normal operating circumstances are not
interrupted by interference from other signals
that are operating in the same frequency band.

Also known for its worldwide operation, Bluetooth
radio operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, which
is license free and available to any type of
radio system in the world. No matter where you
are in the world, you count on Bluetooth to work.

Security is also important. Offering advanced
security mechanisms, Bluetooth ensures a high level
of security. Therefore, authentification will
prevent unauthorized acess to important data and
make it very difficult to listen in.

Bluetooth also boasts power optimization. The radio
is power friendly and the software for Bluetooth
is very configurable, limiting the power consumption
of equipment. The radio itself only consumes a
small amount of power from a cellular phone.
You can also get info about a electric wheelchairs at our electric wheelchair blog.

In the past few years, many states have passed laws that make it illegal for drivers to talk on their cellphones while driving if they do not use a hands-free device. People caught without a hands-free device are issued a ticket and are forced to pay a fine for their first offense. Penalties increase for repeat offenders. The theory behind these new laws is that they allow drivers to keep both hands free to steer, shift, etc. and allow the driver to focus more on driving instead of holding a phone against their ear.

The most common hands free device is a Bluetooth earpiece. This wireless solution simply clips over the ear, allowing you to speak without holding the phone. To use a Bluetooth device, just associate it with any Bluetooth capable cell phone. Today, most new cell phones, as well as many used cell phones, are Bluetooth capable.

If you own an older used cell phone, it may lack Bluetooth technology. Do not worry, however, as there are still hands-free solutions that will work with any kind of phone. The most common is a wired headset that resembles ear buds and connects to your phone with via a headphone-like jack. These devices perform the same function as a Bluetooth headset except they use a wire to transfer data to and from your phone and are also generally cheaper. They are available for nearly any model of phone made in the past 10 years, so even if you’re still using an older used Sprint Blackberry, you will be able to find a hands-free solution.

A hands free accessory is not just beneficial for driving. Even if you live in a state that does not require hands-free devices for driving, chances are you will find some benefit from being able to talk on your phone without using your hands, such as being able to type while on the phone (not while you’re driving!).

Another choice if you are looking for a way to make your used Blackberry hands free is to use a plug and play kit for your car, which usually draws power from your cigarette lighter. This tiny attachment contains a microphone and speaker, and can be attached to your dashboard, air conditioning vent, or another area in your car. Some people prefer these units because they do not involve sticking something in your ear. While some of these are wireless and rely on Bluetooth technology, others can be attached with a wire to your cell phone.

If you are on the fence about purchasing a used cell phone because you question the hands-free options that it will give you, hopefully this article has helped to ease some concern. Hands-free devices can be found for nearly any phone with a headphone jack and/or Bluetooth. Even if you live in a state that does not currently have a hands-free law, they probably will eventually, and the other benefits are often worth it.