Cell Phones - Pros and Cons

In 1994 we had an earthquake in So. California called the Northridge Quake. The first purchase I made when things came back to normal was a cell phone.

Being without power or communication (especially in the wee hours of the morning) makes you feel extremely vulnerable. The security of a Mobile phone would have been nice to have at that time.

These days cell phones are used for much more than communication, it's used for playing games, searching the web, texting, photos, messaging, and much more. As Wireless Phones have 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 threat of Brain Cancer.

For most people the cell phone has become a necessity. On the road you can get help much faster when your car has a breakdown or when accidents occur. And I'm sure your cell phone comes in handy when you need to report some of the CRAZY drivers we all face when driving.

And don't forget - these phones now have cameras so you can takes pictures plus call in any problems you have on the roads. capturing events at a moments notice is a flip phone away.

There are a lot of pros when it comes to a cell phones usefulness. We are now at the point where our mobile phones rank right rank right behind air and food in the priority chain. We feel naked without it, so the question becomes - are cell phones harmful?

With all the radio waves, microwaves, short waves, long waves, why pick on the cell phone? Does the supposed radiation it emits harm us?

Now for the dark-side of cell phones and the wireless world.

Even though headsets are cheap (and there is one for every phone made these days) you still see people holding the phone up to their heads. Besides the obvious distractions that talking on a cell phone creates like driving and rude usage (theaters etc), do cell phones pose a health threat?

Well, 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?

Cell Phones Linked To Depression

Cell phones allow us to connect, stay in touch with the outside world. If they break, if you lose it, if your parents ban you from using your cell phone, this would of course cause depression because we have become dependent on cell phones.

On a more scientific level recent studies show 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.

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

The next clip will give you an idea how cell phones are good for popping popcorn, or are they....

Another area in your life that cell phones affect is your blood pressure.

You will find some interesting studies done when it comes to high blood pressure and mobile 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, it doesn't take much to raise it a few more points. The possibility that magnetic fields have an affect on your blood pressure is not to far fetched.

If you want to take it a step further you can also attribute high blood pressure to phone calls where you are arguing with a spouse or friend. You see, the cell phone does have it's pros and cons.

The question is, do the electromagnetic signals really have an affect on a persons mood?

High Blood Pressure Precautions

The answer to mood changes is still unclear.

What is clear is high blood pressure is nothing to fool with. If there's any chance extended usage of cell phones aggravates your condition, take a closer look at the facts. Stop using your cell phone for a while and see what changes.

Having said that, if there's any chance of a connection between high blood pressure and cell phones than you owe it to yourself to look into it. There are new headsets, shields an other accessories that can help. In today's world anything is possible.

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 coming in on car accidents related to cell phone usage.

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 I'm sure there is much more to come in the future.

Cell Phone Gadget Ideas

It's funny how cycles turn, one of the new gadgets that has found it's way to the top is the Retro Phone Handset.

(see pic) Going back to 1972, 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.

(no pic) The next cell phone gadget we found was the throat mic. 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.

(see pic) For the person who has everything, get them this pink colored python skin 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.

(no picture) This is a cell phone designed for people with sight problems or people that just like big numbers. 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.

(see pic) Another handy device is this Case Mate. Attached to the back of your iPhone you can bring a 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.

There you have it, a few gadgets for your cell phone, some practical some not. The cell phone will go through changes and the gadgets will follow, lets see what's next.

it seems we're right back where we started.

When you just thought there was evidence that cell phones were popping your brain cells like kernels, the myth is busted. It's still better to be safe than sorry, use a headset.

There also is a product called Aulterra. This is a small natural substance, when attached to the back of your phone it reduces the EMF signals. To read more about this device, 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.

Technology and advancements change all the time, look around from time to time and compare prices.