Cell phone polls favor Obama? McCain in more trouble?

http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/2008/09/estimating-cellphone-effect-22-points.html

Six of the seven cellphone-friendly pollsters have had a Democratic (Obama) lean, and in several cases it has been substantial. On average, they had a house effect of Obama +2.8. By comparison, the control group had essentially zero house effect a house effect of Obama +0.1, so this would imply that including a cellphone sample improves Obama’s numbers by 2.8 points. (Or, framed more properly, failing to include cellphones hurts Obama’s numbers by approximately 2-3 points).

Ouch?

Obviously you are correct Tok. All of the comments about young, not registered etc. Those are all taken into account by pollsters. Not to mention that I am 50 voting for Obama, and own a land line. I seldom answer the land line. My friends and family call me on my cell. The land line is always somebody that I usually do not want to talk to, so I do not answer it.

The point of having a cell phone friendly poll is that it includes people that do not have land lines. I will not be included in either poll because if you have a land line they use it. I will not answer it unless I am expecting a business call on it. I saw a poll on the CID today from a pollster.

What phone/internet service should I choose? I am starting a small business…..HELP!!!?

I have researched every service that I can think of including:

Qwest
Cox
Verizon
Cingular
AT&T

I only need a cell phone, a business phone, or a VoIP phone. I also need at least 512 Kbps bandwidth on the internet. I need to know if the software works on Mac and Windows. I also want to know if the service is good. If you have experience please let me know. I would like to know if they treat you nicely when you have questions, and whether their tech support knows what they are talking about.

I also need to know if the company has good rates, and why you think so, (please give me a comparison)…….

Your options depends upon the cheapest connection to your place of business. I currently have:

Charter Cable TV with Internet service that cost me $120 a month.
Vonage phone service – $24 month unlimited and no long distance charges
Verizon Cell Phone – $65 with 1,500 minutes and free text

So for my three the total cost is about $210 a month.

I’ve always had good service and good response for all.

Good luck and I hope this helps.

OK…. just because a sales person tells you that an ‘All In One’ plan is better… doesn’t mean it’s true!

Exciting Cell Phone Plans That Cater To Your Needs

Cell phone wireless consumers are becoming increasingly demanding. Long gone are the days when consumers blindly accepted the inflexible service plans dished out to them by the various carriers.

When purchasing a cell phone it is vital to first select a cell phone plan. It should be one that best suits your needs. Begin the process by examining your old cell phone bills. That will help you to assess how you have been using your mobile phone.

In addition, how and where you use your cell will have a heavy influence on which plan you eventually choose. You will then be in a position to select the plan that better serves your financial and mobile needs.

When are most of your calls made? Is it first thing in the morning, in the evening or on the weekends? Can you benefit from a plan that focuses on free nights and weekends?

In any case you should be able to come out on top with a plan that includes increased daytime minutes. Most of your calls may be made in the evening, indicating that you do not need daytime minutes.

Have you considered a prepaid plan? You do not need to be approved with a prepaid plan. Under this type of plan a credit check is not necessary. When you choose your phone and your plan, nothing else needs to be done.

Monthly bills are a thing of the past with this type of plan. This is simply because minutes are purchased in advance of you using them. If they run out you can then purchase the minutes that you can afford. A prepaid plan may wind up being the best plan for you.

Beware though; prepaid cell phone rates are typically more costly than standard cell phone plan prices. Discuss with your carrier a plan in which you can prepay for a month. Adopting a plan like this will keep you within your budget. It allows you better control over your budget?

This is a pay as you go service. For those struggling from month to month, these services are a lifesaver. Keeping tight control of your cell phone bill is imperative. Remember, the more fancy features you have, the deeper you have to dig into your pocket.

This next byte will be hard to digest, but many cell phone providers will allow you to switch your plan. All you have to do is make a simple call. You would never know if they will allow you to break your contract. You definitely will not know if you do not ask.

If you do eventually decide to call, be polite. Being sassy will surely get you a hasty reminder that they have your signature on a contract.

Wycliffe Williams
http://www.articlesbase.com/cell-phones-articles/exciting-cell-phone-plans-that-cater-to-your-needs-92556.html

My Prepaid Cell Phone Story

Just as you might have thought, using a prepaid cell phone has two sides too. I started on the field of mobile technology with a prepaid cell phone first. Find out below, how I started and what I liked and disliked about prepaid cell phones below.

I was a big holdout before I finally broke down and got myself a cellular phone. I didn’t honestly think it was that more convenient than using a land line and I certainly didn’t want people to get a hold of me whenever they wanted to. I liked the little bit of anonymity I had and usually despised it when friends would get up from a nice dinner to answer their cell phones. It didn’t benefit the matter that most of my friends were spending between twenty and forty dollars every month to cover their cell phone bills; the only way I could afford to pay that much for a phone was if I decided to stop eating for a month or two.

You’ll note that the entire last paragraph was in past-tense since I did, in fact, buying a cell phone. It wasn’t the standard pay-through-the-nose plan though; I got a prepaid cellular phone and managed to get practically all of the perks of cell phone usage without the gigantic fees or multi-year commitments. I picked up a Virgin prepaid cellular phone from Target and, with a special sale, got the phone for free.

Unlike most cellular phone plans which require multi-year commitments and tremendous fees for using too many minutes, prepaid cellular phones allow you to top up time in the same way that you add time to a phone card. Though the individual minutes are more expensive ($.25 for the first 10 minutes of every day and $.10 for every minute thereafter, no roaming and no time restrictions, text messages for $.10 apiece) if you’re not using your cell phone very often you can end up saving a lot of money. I generally end up spending only $10 or so every month for my service, which is a lot better than what most of my pals are paying.

Regardless of the service provider, prepaid cellular phones do have their drawbacks. One of the best perks my friends with standard cellular plans have is that they typically get free nights and weekends, which I don’t get with my prepaid phone. The phone isn’t quite as good as the phones which normally come either for free or at steep discounts with the basic plans, though my phone was free, has a full color screen, and has full internet access, so I can’t complain too much. Overall, I’m extremely pleased with my prepaid cellular phone, though I wouldn’t suggest it to anyone who plans on spending a lot of time talking on his or her cell phone.

Before getting a prepaid cell phone or signing up for a plan with a service provider, spend some time figuring out what your needs and demands are, what you expect from your cell phone and the mobile service, and then, only then buy into the right solution. You will save yourself not only money but future headaches too.

Brad M Daniels
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/my-prepaid-cell-phone-story-107515.html

PLEASE I NEED HELP PICKING A CELL PHONE?

right now i am with bell canada witch is like sprint in the USA and im due for an upgrade im looking to get the samsung instinct is it any good i herd its a comparison to the iphone witch i would get but its with rogers(AT&T) and im on a contract with bell for another year how is the samsung instinct does any1 have it

You should get the Instinct. The reviews are mostly positive so you can gather that it is a good phone. If I were upgrading with Sprint,I would probably get the Instinct. It is better then the iPhone.

Bluetooth Wireless Networking

Bluetooth technology offers three different types of defined ranges, based on output ranges. Class1 devices are the most powerful, as they can have up to 100 mW of power, with a regular antenna giving them a range of around 130 – 330 feet.

The class 2 devices are lower power, offering up to 2.5 mW of power. A regular antenna will give them a range of around 50 – 100 feet. Class 3 devices use even less power, up to 1 mW of power to be exact. With a regular antenna, they will have a range of around 16 – 33 feet.

Even though you may not realize it, Bluetooth wireless technology has never been intended for anything other than short distance types of communication. With Bluetooth wireless, the short range is actually a benefit.

Go here and see the newest Bluetooth Headsets:

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/socaltel/Items/BLUEV510?

For one, the short range will reduce the change of interference between your devices and those that belong to others who are nearby. Overall, this is a basic type of security, designed to protect you and your devices.

Secondly, the lower power used for short range means a longer battery life. Most Bluetooth devices will get their power from a battery, meaning that anything you can do to lengthen the battery life is very important.

The wireless networking offered by Bluetooth is actually among the best, even though it uses short range communication. Bluetooth is used with wireless controllers, the internet, and even wireless headsets.

For the best in short range technology, Bluetooth is extremely hard to beat. If you’ve never tried Bluetooth before, now is the time. It’s the best with wireless networking, especially for those who enjoy hands free talking on their cell phone.

Go here and see the newest Bluetooth Headsets:

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/socaltel/Items/BLUEV510?

Mark Allen
http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/bluetooth-wireless-networking-95149.html

Sd Smart Memory Card

Secure digital binding was developed so that the requests and needs of providers of content for copyright protection and carriers of cellular phones could be fulfilled. The strength of the SD secure digital is that it has the ability and the latest technologies to fulfill all the needs of the wireless applications. Built in Content Protection for Recordable Media (CPRM) enables the secure storage of digital content on the SD (secure digital) cards associated to the authorized devices. SD cards are best and idyllic for the business models related to broadcasting and distribution services of digital content like cell phone internet distribution, media FLO and DVDB-H. Music content that has been downloaded from ripped CD content or site of music distribution can be securely played back by the SD (secure digital) audio enabled cellular phones.

SD audio is not only available in the cellular phones but it is also included in the mini component systems, car navigation systems, AV products (SD audio enabled) and SD-audio players. At present, the cellular phones are equipped with the secure digital cards that include micro-SD, miniSD and the regular size SD cards. The mobile phones can accommodate the SD cards, so there is no need for the manufacturers of mobile phones to enhance the built in memory of the cell phones. This also reduces the production cost of the mobile phones. SDHC 4 GB card has the capacity to record digital content like music, pictures, video and similar other content of up to 20 hours. CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media) protection mechanism is used by most of the SD cards. The international leading content providers accept and support the CPRM technology.

IBM, Toshiba, Intel and Panasonic also known as the 4-C group developed the CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media). The mobile phone manufacturers are rapidly adopting the SD memory card technology. SD card since its introduction in 2000 has quickly gained the top position in market of semi-conductor memory cards. Global leaders including Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Sharp, NEC, Fujitsu, Kyocera, Toshiba, Motorola, Panasonic and Samsung are using the secure digital to provide highly advanced and high-tech applications that help to generate new opportunities for network operators and manufacturers to increase their revenue. SD association has added all their expertise of flash memory card in camcorder, digital still camera, and television and PC categories in order to provide ideal solution to address the unique requirements of wireless industry.

The real strength of the SD secure digital is that it has the ability and the latest technologies to fulfill all the needs of the wireless applications including the data security and high performance. SD card no doubt is the dominant global leader. Smart SD card combines the SD memory card with the smart-card module. In this way the carriers and the consumers can take the secure application’s advantage via wireless devices. The consumers can do their financial transactions like the micro payments, stock trades and bill paying securely through the miniSD and SD enabled cellular phones. With the help of this powerful and useful feature, the professionals related to medical are able to download remotely and use the wireless applications containing the critical data like the records of patients. Therefore the SD memory cards are used in many digital types of equipment for the purpose of safe storage and movement of personal and sensitive data.

For more details and online order, please visit ‘tape4backup.com’

Tape4backup
http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/sd-smart-memory-card-752276.html

What cell phone decision should I make?

This is my current situation:
My phone with At&t is now effed up, having taken out the battery and putting it back in just for it to be frozen. I think my one-year warranty with my phone is already up, I just have to wait [i think] until October for my two-year contract to be up and to upgrade my phone.

Today I went to my local At&t store and they said to call a warranty number in order to get a refurbished phone. My questions are, what do I do if I do have the warranty or if I don’t have the warranty? And if I do, and if I get the refurbished phone, do I just have to wait until October, or is it another two years?

To add on to my situation, I have a MetroPCS phone. It was found while I was walking to my friend’s house, dead. I don’t have the charger for it or anything, and i’m pretty sure the person has already closed their number/account on that phone.

My final question is, should I get a newly refurbished phone, or take a chance with Metro? And i’d also like a comparison between Metro and At&t, like phone plans and general service between the two.
[Btw, i'm a crazy fan of texting... haha.]
Should I go Metro or stay At&t? Thank you (=

if you go with metro chances are ur plan will be cheap BUT the price of your phone will be crazy high and u may not get that good of coverage area.

Refurbished phones go through extensive test to be sold again. They look brand new, honestly you won’t be able to tell the difference. They are cheaper than "brand new" phones, you get better coverage BUT your bill will be higher (since it’s a mainstream carrier and plus I’m guessing you want unlimited texting).

So it depends: Better coverage, cheaper phone, higher bill with qaulity support (ATT refurbished)

OR

bad coverage, expensive phone, low bill? (metro pcs)

I’d go with AT&T if I were you :) .

Should I have a cell phone?

First off, I’m gonna be honest here (unlike a lot of other kids who want a cell phone), this isn’t for like, a necessity or anything, it’s for texting and talking to my friends and stuff, and this isn’t me "OH MY GOD I WANT A CELL PHONE ALL MY FRIENDS HAVE ONE AND I DONT OMGOMGOM", it’s one of those "should I ask my parents for one or not"s.

Okay, I’m in 10th grade, My GPA is 3.5+, I’m in PreCalc (when most people are in either ALG2 or Geometry) and I’ve never done drugs or got in trouble with the cops.

We’re pretty well off too, it’s not like we’re poor or anything, we just sold this 1.5 million dollar house (fully paid off and everything) and we’re gonna move into a smaller house.

The reason why I made this is because a lot of my friends tell me how it’s a lot easier to collaborate with your friends on it, hook up with girls, etc. in comparison to people who don’t have a cell phone.

The only way I can really talk to my friends as of right now is through the computer via Facebook or AIM, because we don’t have a house phone, we just have cell phones for my parents.

Anyways, that’s my question, please, don’t pull this "It’s your parents decision" BS on me, because I know that already. All I’m asking is if it is REALLY (socially) that beneficial to have a cell phone as I hear it is to be. I don’t want to waste $70 or whatever much it costs a month for nothing. Thanks

I’m not on board with kids and cell phones. However, if your parents have chosen to eliminate the landline, I think a cell phone becomes a necessity. Please note, I said cell phone. I did not say texting or data.

Prepaid Cell Phones: Dump Your Wireless Contract Now

The main reason people choose prepaid cell phones is not to save money, but to avoid or get rid of an offensive contract agreement. Wireless contracts seem to have been written in the dark ages, and here are some things you need to know about them.

Your wireless contract is about way more than just agreeing to keep the service for a specific amount of time. If you read the fine print you’ll be appalled at some of the terms you are asked to agree to.

No Service? Too Bad.

First of all, there’s the obvious issue of not being able to try the service on before you commit. If your vendor doesn’t work in your neighborhood, too bad; you’ve singed the contract and there’s no backing out for lack of service.

Understand this is NOT uncommon with contract wireless services who rely only on specific tower networks. Prepaid cell phones, on the other hand, will normally work through any tower network that is nearby.

Of course this benefit doesn’t stand when you buy a prepaid plan from a contract vendor. True prepaid cell phone services operate as stand-alone entities, apart from their contract-based competitors.

Instant Contract Renewal Without Your Consent

Once you’re plugged into a contract with a wireless company, don’t plan on simply getting out of it when the time is up. Often, your contract will auto renew unless you specifically cancel it, and many companies will only allow you to cancel on the very last day of the contract term!

You should also know that any time you buy a car charger, extra handset, or calling plan upgrade the sales rep can (and usually does) extend your contract without even telling you about it. This is all fair play according to the contract you signed but probably didn’t read in the beginning.

Contracts You Signed Can Be Changed At Any Time

Perhaps the most outrageous part of wireless contract plans is the fact that the company without your knowledge or consent can change them at any time. Your signature binds you to any changes the company wants to make in the future, including clauses to make it harder for you to get out from under your agreement!

It’s actually shocking that such blatant manipulation and bullying of the consumer is even legal. And frankly it’s little wonder that over 60% of all global wireless users opt for prepaid cell phone service.

Putting Your Foot Down And Ending The Contract Nightmare

Of course the best way to avoid these insane contracts is not to sign them. You should choose a prepaid cell phone plan instead of using a major contract provider.

But if you’ve already been sucked into an unfair contract, what can you do to get out?

You’ll be forced to pay a fee that ranges from $150 to $1,500 if you choose to breech your contract. You could of course hire a lawyer to find a loophole, but you won’t save any money going that route.

Honestly, paying the breech fee is nothing compared to the money you could lose if you stay with your contract provider. So just sucking it up and shelling out is one way to get clear.

Also, be aware that you can’t be forced to pay this fee. So you could simply terminate your account and refuse to pay the breech fee.

Your contract provider will of course report this to credit companies. But no collection team will come to your home demanding the money.

And it’s easy to get a credit counselor to help you dispute an item on your credit report. You’d be surprised what you can get removed with a little persistence.

This advice may not be “white hat” to a lot of people, but how forthright and righteous are these ludicrous contract arrangements we’ve been talking about? The bottom line is: you need to do what’s necessary to stand up for yourself and refuse to be pushed around by these insensitive, money-hungry contract wireless providers.

Tim Whiston
http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/prepaid-cell-phones-dump-your-wireless-contract-now-708278.html