Cell Phones - Pros and Cons

It all started in 1994 - it was called the "Northridge Earthquake," and it hit at 3:30 am. The windows cracked, the house shook, and it sounded like a train was coming through the house. When things finally settled down it become evident that there was no power, and worse yet the phones were dead too.

It's a very helpless feeling not being able to communicate with the outside world (especially in a situation like that). It was shorty after that, that we decided to buy a cell phone.

Cell phones have evolved since then and they are used for much more than just talking. You can text, take pictures, make short movies, check your email, surf the internet - they've become a part of everyday life.

As cell phones advanced, so have the circuits inside of them. The switch from analog to digital reduced the cell phones wattage output from 1.2 to .6 reducing the alleged threat of brain tumors.

Cell phones give us instant access to people no matter where we are. In addition to the earthquake situation, emergencies such as: accidents, auto breakdowns, drunk drivers, almost any emergency situation you can think of; we now can contact emergency services within seconds - these are some of the benefits of owning a cell phone.

Is the cell phone a necessity?

As more and more features are added to the cell phone, we can see that people feel naked without their phones. There was a big leap in popularity when cell phones connected to the Internet. This has made them a necessity in the eyes of most users, you see people of all ages using cell phones these days.

Replacing You Land Line

Another benefit of cell phones is flexibility. Many people have dumped their land line in favor of using their cell phone exclusively. With unlimited minutes and free long distance calling, cell phones are as good as the traditional land line systems.

Is there a downside to cell phones? Lets find out.

Distractions: many states now have laws prohibiting drivers from talking on their cell phones without a headset, while driving. Headsets are cheap and readily available but habits are hard to break, and you still see people getting into accidents because of their phones.

Health Threats: do cell phones really pose a health threat? It's to soon to tell. There are studies on both sides of the issue and frankly...they just don't know. As we see in the drug business it takes about 20 years for the FDA to fess up to the harm that is done by some drugs. Do you suppose the SEC will follow that pattern with the cell phone radiation issue?

Do Cell Phones Cause Depression?

Studies have shown that radiation emitted by cell phones cause headaches, confusion, and sleep deprivation. The combination of these problems in kids create mood swings and broken concentration, this leads to depression.

Information Overload: the other question we contemplate is - with so much information transmitted over our cell phones, is it possible that information overload is a catalyst for depression? Can this cause sleep deprivation leading to depression?

The hub on cell phones and depression expounds on this subject a little further. Don't underestimate the addictiveness and indirect health risks cell phones possess.

Costs

Another downside to cell phones are monthly fees. As cell phones become the hub for more applications and media storage, so goes the cost of service. it's not uncommon to see cell phone bills hovering in the $150.00 to $200.00 range per month.

The next clip shows you how you can use your cell phone to pop popcorn...or maybe not.

There are quite a few interesting studies done when it comes to high blood pressure and cell phone usage. If we take these studies at face value, then the cell phone is not the culprit, it's the electromagnetic waves it produces.

If you already have high blood pressure, then it doesn't take much to raise it a few more points. The possibility that magnetic fields can affect your blood pressure is not that far fetched.

I can tell you when you get your monthly bill and you went over your minutes, or they added new taxes to the bill - this can definitely make your blood pressure go up..so what's new.

Is There Really a Connection Between High Blood Pressure and Cell Phones?

The answer is - not really.

If anything it has to do with content. Now that we have instant access to information, e.g., news, email, texting, facebook, the real question is - how do we react to all this information.

The cell phone is just the messenger, so should we shoot the messenger or shoot the message sender?

Even though several states have passed laws that make it illegal to talk on a cell phone when driving, this has not stopped the habitual cell user from doing it.

The statistics keep piling up, car accidents related to cell phone usage still exists.

This problem is even worse among younger drivers, lets look at a few facts:

• Talking on a cell phone while driving can make a young driver's reaction time as slow as that of a 70-year-old.
• 66% of teenagers admit to talking on their cell phones behind the wheel, while 18% admit to texting while driving.
• 48% of young Americans from 12-17 say they've been in a car while the driver was texting.
• 52% of 16- and 17-year-old teen drivers confess to making and answering cell phone calls on the road. 34% admit to text messaging while driving.

One of the more startling facts is how our reaction time is affected. Can you imagine how a 40 or 50 year old person's reaction time would be?

Is it really that important to talk on your cell phone while driving? How did we ever survive before the cell phone days?

There is no shortage of cell phone gadgets, and everyday there is something new in the marketplace.

The cell phone is part of us, like a third limb. We talk, text, take pictures, make videos, and we can only guess what's next.

Cell Phone Gadget Ideas

There's no lack of cell phone gadgets, and one of the new gadgets topping the list is the Retro Phone Handset.

Going back to 1972 (see pic), with a good old fashion feel, this western electric replica of the 500 series hand device can be used with a cord adapter or a bluetooth wireless adapter.You'll have to check with the manufacture to see which cell phones it's compatible with, but as a throwback to the 70's it can't be beat.

The next cell phone gadget we found was the throat mic. (no pic). It goes around your neck and picks up your voice directly from your vocal cords. Your voice is the only things someone else hears no matter what other noises are around you. The in-ear headset let you hear the other person discretely as well. Perfect for windy or loud situations (or both like riding a motorcycle). Includes an iPhone answer button on the cord. Costs $119.99.

For the person who has everything, get them this pink colored python skin (see pic) for their cell phone. It's a mere $3900 and it's adorned with 124 Swarovski crystals. If you like the looks or not, you still have to admit it's a unique gadget at a hefty price for that special someone.

This is a cell phone designed for people with sight problems or people that just like big numbers (no pic). With large buttons for numbers one should have no trouble dialing, having the appearance of a large button calculator, this cell phone is a gadget that has practical uses. Large fingered people will find this much easier to use.

Another handy device is this Case Mate (see pic). Attached to the back of your iPhone you can bring an ID, credit card or some cash and not have to haul your wallet or purse with you. Handy if your going places where you just need a few items for that occasion.Responsibly priced at $29.00, comes in an assortment of colors.

Some interesting and unique gadgets to say the least, but how about more conventional gadgets?

Even though we weren't able to prove that cell phones were popping your brain cells like kernels ( the myth is busted), it still doesn't hurt to take precautions.

A company called "Aulterra" makes a product you attach to the back of your phone reducing EMF signals. To find out more, go to Reducing EMF Signals - Aulterra.

Pre-Paid Options

If you are looking for an alternative to those one or two year contract plans offered, you can look at pre-paid plans.

This is a good option for people who don't need unlimited minutes and all the fancy features. You can save a lot of money and dispose of the monthly fees and contracts. Another name for you might be familiar with is Pay as You Go plans.

You basically pay for the time you need, it's that simple. Check out some of the phones and plans that Amazon offers, it could fit your needs perfectly.

No Contracts Needed

New to the scene are monthly service plans that require no contracts.

There are still contract plans available, but they mostly affect discount the price of the phone itself, and not the monthly price.

What Does The Future Hold?

Is there a hybrid device between the cell phone and tablet?

Is there a device being prototyped that will be implanted in your head or hand; talking the place of cell phones?

I guess we'll have to wait and see, but it's almost certain that we're not at the end of the development cycle - I'd have to guess that we may be just at the beginning...chapter two should be very interesting.