What Makes a Cell Phone "Next Generation"?

Gone are the days when cell phones were primarily used just to send phone messages and call other phones. These days, cell phones must have "next generation" features to be considered a worthwhile investment. But how do you know if the phone that you're thinking of buying is a next generation phone? Here are some clues:

* Email. Cell phones with "push" email capabilities first became popular among mobile executives and traveling businessmen. These days, however, this has become a more or less standard feature among high-end cell phones.

* Instant Messaging. Some examples of Instant Messaging services include Yahoo Messenger. You will know if your friend's phone is next generation if, after saying goodbye, his status message suddenly changes to "I'm Mobile".

* 3G. In case you didn't know it yet, a phone with 3G capability allows you to make video calls, so you can actually see the person on the other line while talking to him or her.

* Map service. Do you think you're about to get lost? The next generation of mobile phones pulls up a map for you so you can check where you are in the bigger picture.

* Wi-Fi. With Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), you can access the Internet in Wi-Fi hot zones.

* Blue-Tooth. Once touted as the solution to a problem that is not there yet, cell phones are now making use of Blue Tooth technology for file transfers - from cell phone to computers and for operating wireless headsets. Talk over the phone without holding your cell phone in the palm of your hand.

* Style. What's the use of all those cool features if you can't carry your phone in style? Next generation cell phones definitely have that look.

* Camera. Next generation cell phones have built-in cameras that rival the mega pixel features of digital cameras. Forget the blurry VGA cameras, next generation phones have built-in cameras that take pictures at 5 mega pixels. That's crisp pictures for you when you're not on your phone texting or calling.

* Radio, MP3 and MP4 player. Next generation phones allow you to see video clips and listen to music when you're bored.

* Large storage space. Having a large storage space comes with the territory of being able to take pictures, and record video or audio.

* MS Office Applications. Cell phones with QWERTY keyboards typically allow you to type in MS word or do some data processing with Excel.

In summary, to be considered "next generation", a cell phone must be able to connect you to people through calls, phone messages, emails, and instant messages. A phone must also be able to take pictures, record your voice and video (albeit for a limited time) and basically entertain you when you are bored. More than a phone, a next generation phone is a combination of a camera, an MP3 player, and an Internet browser that allows you to do some work on the side.

If you want to buy a next generation cell phone, prepare to shell out decent money. It can cost you.