Hello everyone! It's been quite a while since my last addition. There are so many things to talk about, but not enough time. Recently on Webdell's site, the discussion of cellphones and what is good etc was brought up. Several people I'm sure are waiting to get my take on it since I work for one of the larger cell phone manufacturers. To make myself clear to those who don't know, I don't make cell phones. Even though I don't work for the division that makes them (I'm in semiconductors), I do have some opinions that I think people can benefit from.

In my opinion, customer service and network coverage is a much more important factor than the actual phone. If you've managed to find a provider you're satisfied with, great. I use Nextel service. Nextel was originally conceived to be a service for businesses, providing very reliable service at a slightly higher price along with a slew of nifty features such as 2-two radio that works across the country. They now provide some very reasonably priced phones (as well as some ridiculously priced phones), and their rate plans are considerably cheaper than before since they are catering more to the consumer market now.

Regarding flip-phones, I don't think I'd worry about them breaking, but I am aware of feeling like you can't hold it up to your ear very hard. That usually means the volume is too low. Most of the new flip phones can be used without openning them up. You just get more features and options if you do.

As far as built-in digital cameras, I would seriously question the real need for this. Most of the ones on the market take extremely low quality images. You could buy a comparable digital camera in the impulse buy section of H.E.B. for about $15. If you have alot of situations where you see something that no one will believe, then maybe you've got a use for it. Maybe I'm wrong, but I can't really think of a good use.

If you really want a phone with a cool feature will last a while in the usefulness department, get one with built-in Bluetooth. Both Motorola and Nokia make these. It allows you to connect wirelessly to things like:

• Your PC -- to synchronize calendar, address book, download games, etc.
• A headset -- Jabra makes a really cool one that wraps behind your ear. Freak out everyone in the grocery store by making it look like you're talking to yourself!
• A keyboard -- to type emails, etc.
• A printer -- to print...stuff

Motorola's working with some automotive companies to use Bluetooth to send information about your car to a bluetooth-enabled cell phone. They've specifically been working on an embedded device that monitors tire pressure and send warnings when that is low. Lock/unlock doors, use integrated car-mounted hands-free kits, turn down stereo volume when you get a call. You get the idea.

Integrated GPS is another cool feature I've seen. Well, it's late and I don't think I've resolved anything. Unfortunately, with all the transport techologies (iDen, CDMA, TDMA, GSM) and all the different providers, we've created very restrictive environment for the cell phone market. Many new phones are supporting more technologies, but providers are still the gatekeepers to creating a truly flexible environment. I guess we've got the same problems in most of the markets today. Computer hardware is becoming more cross-functional with standards like USB and Firewire, but the CPU market is still relatively closed. We got OS wars and Cola wars. Car manufacturers are pretty proprietary. It's a wonder that tires can fit multiple vehicles.

I think I've raised more questions that answers. Feel free to comment.