With so many new models and ever-evolving features, choosing the right mobile phone for you can be a tricky task. After all, a new mobile phone represents a considerable investment and it will be a purchase that should stand you in good stead for years to come.
Fortunately, the internet is full of useful advice about mobile phones and their features, helping you make an informed decision when it’s time to buy a new one. There aren’t, however, that many definitive guides when it comes to mobile phone accessories, so we’ve taken it upon ourselves to give you the lowdown on the various technologies available.
Protective cases
Okay, so you’ve just bought a new phone and it’s all shiny and in mint condition – you want it to stay that way right? Of course you do! And that’s why there are literally thousands of different protective cases available for every make/model of phone.
It’s important though that you choose a protective case that is designed for your specific phone otherwise it simply won’t fit. The particular style you choose should be based on personal preference and here is a quick overview of what’s available to help you a little:
Soft pouches – a bit like socks, these cases are soft in nature and fit snugly over your phone. They protect it from getting scratched while in your pocket or bag.
Jelly cases – rubbery to the touch, jelly cases are a great way to keep your phone protected. They encase the whole phone leaving just the screen exposed.
Hard shells – fitted in a similar way to a jelly case, hard shells also encase your entire phone leaving the screen exposed but they are made from much harder plastic.
Leather flip cases – perfect for the latest smartphones, these cases offer style and protection. They also feature a handy flip front that can be easily opened to reveal your phone’s screen.
Protective cases are as much a fashion statement nowadays as anything else and so you’ll want to find one that appeals to your taste. There are many places you can buy mobile phone accessories with leading retailers such as Asda, Amazon and Sainsbury’s offering some of the best deals.
Screen protectors
With your phone now suitably protected by a case, you’ll want to ensure that its screen stays scratch-free going forward. This can be achieved but treating it with absolute kid gloves or with a screen protector – the former is very unlikely to work for a prolonged period of time.
Like cases, screen protectors are usually made bespoke for individual models of phone. There are, however, generic ones also that need to be trimmed to the size of your screen. It’s best to get yours fitted in a reputable mobile phone shop if you’re not sure how to do it yourself.
The screen protector itself is merely a piece of plastic that sticks to your phones screen. Don’t worry, they can be easily removed again and don’t impair the screen in any way. In fact, some screen protectors have a matte finish which blocks out a lot of the glare from the sun, making your phone screen even easier to see.
Emergency chargers
Even though your phone will undoubtedly come with its own charger, there are actually a range of emergency chargers, or power banks, available. These ingenious devices are perfect for anyone who fears running out of battery before they are home or in a place where they can charge.
A power bank is effectively a battery that holds a large back-up of electricity. You need to charge it fully before you leave the house but can use it pretty much anywhere, anytime. Power banks work by discharging themselves into your phone and can usually fully charge your phone with one use.
Power banks hold their charges remarkably well and come with a host of different adaptors, so you can be sure that they will work with your particular model/make. They’re also compact and can be easily carried in a small bag with your other personal effects.
Car kits
Using your mobile phone while driving, without a headset or hands-free, is illegal in the UK, even if you’re just sending a text message. It’s dangerous and could see you smacked with a fine or worse if you’re caught. Therefore, in-car kits are worth their weight in gold if you want to have a conversation while driving.
The main component of a car kit is the mount, which holds your phone. Usually affixed to the window or dashboard, these mounts securely grip your phone to prevent it from falling. A charger that plugs into your car’s cigarette lighter socket will keep your phone’s battery topped up while you drive.
The last part of a car kit is either a Bluetooth headset (see next section) or a wired headset, which allows you to speak and hear the person at the other end of the phone. Some modern cars even feature built-in car kits that are directly connected to the car radio. Your music automatically fades when a call comes in and you can literally talk out loud to have a conversation in your car.
Bluetooth headsets
You’ll have seen people walking along the street or driving cars wearing a small earpiece and seemingly talking to themselves. They’re actually using a Bluetooth headset which is wirelessly connected to their phone.
These small devices subtly hook behind your ear and allow you to make and answer calls right from the headset itself. This makes them the perfect solution for when you are driving or need to make/take important calls when you’re walking.
Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that is used by computers, mobile phones, cameras and other electronic devices for connectivity purposes. Be aware that Bluetooth headsets do need charging, so don’t leave the house without giving yours some juice first.
Memory cards
To get the very most out of your mobile phone, particularly if it’s a smartphone, you’ll be needing a memory card. These small additions to your phone can make a big difference and really help you realise your phone’s full potential.
If your phone features a camera, then a memory card is the ideal place to save all of your photos and short movie clips. Your phone’s internal memory won’t be consumed and your phone will function better as a result.
Also, memory cards are a great place to store all of your favourite music and videos for you to enjoy while you’re travelling. Just remember to keep an eye on the memory status and delete any files that are obsolete to prevent you running out of space.
Images:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/freecuteknit/8233903870
https://www.flickr.com/photos/fishywang/69629360
https://www.flickr.com/photos/lvsun/7926951690