computer skills

Mobile phones

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Mobile phones

Using a mobile phone

Mobile phones are a great way to keep in touch with your friends and family on the move, whether you out shopping for the day or away on holiday.

There are many types of mobile phones on the market to suit different needs and many options to consider when buying one, they include:

  • which phone will suit your needs
  • which features you want
  • what network you wish to use
  • the price plans and optional extras for the different networks
  • whether you want to pay as you go or pay on a contract.

It's a good idea to chat with friends and family to see what they recommend, especially when choosing a network.  When you use your mobile phone to make calls and send text messages you need a signal - different networks have stronger signals depending on where you live. Alternatively you could pop into your local mobile phone shop and they will help pick the perfect phone for you.

 

Features

A mobile phone

The majority of mobile phones will have the same features as standard, these include:

  • storing contact details for friends and family
  • the ability to make calls at home and abroad
  • text messaging
  • a camera.

Advanced features can include:

  • playing using (mp3 player)
  • radio
  • games
  • GPS
  • bluetooth
  • Internet connection.
 

Text messaging

Text messages are normally a lot cheaper to send than making a telephone call, so are a cheap way of keeping in touch with friends and family.

Using the number pad on your telephone, you type in a short message and can then send it to one or a number of people.

Text messages that you receive can be saved, deleted or forwarded on to others.

Most mobiles offer predictive text which is a facility you can switch which will guess the words you are typing in your message.

Text language

"See you later"

Text messages should be kept as brief as possible which has led to a number of acronyms and abbreviations.

Some of the more common ones are listed below:

  • u - you
  • c - see
  • r - are
  • 4 - for
  • b4 - before
  • y - why
  • thx - thanks
  • m8 - mate
  • gr8 - great
  • def - definitely
  • 2moz - tomorrow
  • lol - laugh out loud
  • l8r - later
  • omg - oh my gosh
  • brb - be right back
  • btw - by the way.
 

TipsTips

  • Use your mobile phone alarm instead of packing your travel alarm clock when going away.

  • Assign speed dials to the most frequent people you call.

  • Set reminders, whether its for a birthday or to pick up something for dinner.

  • Use the camera to take pictures when you're out and about.

  • If you have an Internet enabled mobile phone then why not check your emails.

  • Store all your numbers in one place.