What can you say about ring tones? NOTHING…except that cell phones capable of downloading ringtones are newest “must have” item today! One of fastest growing features today is ringtones, especially downloadable ones! There are other downloadable items available on Internet too like Java Games. Various wallpapers and screen savers are hot too but by far most popular feature requested is downloadable ringtones.

The cell phone and their various ringtones have become status symbols. Ringtones show that you’re up to date and happening. You can even take a test that defines which ringtone best suits your personality. You can truly display your lifestyle and certainly your musical taste on your sleeve.

This article will describe briefly what ring tones are, what’s currently available and what future holds. It will also suggest a caveat to consider prior to downloading multitude of formats of available on market. Prices are low and sky’s limit, so read on.

• Just What Are Downloadable Ringtones?
• A Caveat Before You Buy!
• What’s Available?
• A Brief Glimpse At Ancient History.
• Ringtones – Where Do We Go From Here?
• Other Products Available On Ringtone Websites
• What Can You Say About Ringtones

Ringtones are sound that a regular or cell phone makes when it’s rings. Early ring tones were simple chimes and on later models, a combination of chimes. Limited numbers of ringtones were available and mostly consisted of different patterns of tones or chirps. An example of one of most infamous ringtones was ominous” ring ring…ring ring” that is reminiscent of Todd Beamer’s last telephone call on 9/11. You can hear that ringtone featured as an intro to Neil Young’s famous song “Let’s Roll.”

Ringtone technology developed quickly and has progressed a lot since that song was recorded. Originally, you purchased a cell phone and had a choice of monophonic ring tones that produced a one note song. The number of songs was extremely limited and downloadable ring tones were simply an Engineering student’s good idea.

Because of lightning speed technology and numerous service providers, one of latest and greatest features available today is downloadable ringtones. When you’re surfing ‘Net you’ll find plenty of sites offering tones by today’s hottest musicians; you can pick monophonic, polyphonic or true tone formats. More on that later.

A Caveat Before You Buy!

The first thing you need to know before you select, buy and download a suitable ring tone is if your cell phone is up to date enough to utilize this feature. Like everything else in technology, cell phones have evolved very quickly. As a result cell phone that you purchased just a year ago may not have ability to fully access type of ring tone currently available. So make sure you check. Re-read your manual or call your service provider to find out. It’s possible that you can upgrade your phone for a reasonably low fee.

What’s Available?

Ringtones are divided into three formats.

1. Monophonic
2. Polyphonic
3. True Tone or Real Tone

A) Monophonic Ringtones Some of first cell phones came equipped with capability of having a one tone ringer. “Monophonic” is simplest of ring tone technology that uses a midi format. This “one note wonder” changed ringtones. Gone were chirps and chimes; now you could play a song. A monophonic ringtone is single notes playing a song. You can recognize your favorite song but it sounds a little lame. Most monophonic tones are offered free of charge because of more full bodied tones now available, but if you’re trying to make a statement, however, read on.

Whether you’re buying your first cell phone, upgrading to a newer one or contemplating a new cell phone plan, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research your purchase. There are a multitude of companies, cell phone plans and rates available. You can pick from family plans, prepaid time cards, and plans tailored to your specific needs. The list, like beat, goes on. The purpose of this article is to help guide you through large amount of choices. This article includes some suggestions to help you decide which cell phone and cell phone plan is right for you.

One of things to consider when looking for a new cell phone is what cell phone accessories you need and want. It’s also wise to acquaint yourself with some websites that rate and review cell phones and cell phone accessories. Cell phone companies such as Nokia, Motorola and LG provide easy to use quiz’s to help determine what cell phone is right for your busy lifestyle. Because you are busy, I have done a little homework for you and have come up with some ideas to help you make right choice when buying a new cell phone.

There are a few factors to consider when buying or upgrading your phone. Part of what you want to look for in a cell phone is what rates are available if you are buying more than one phone. Many cell phone companies are currently offering “family plans” which make owning more than one phone very attractive.

The following are some guidelines to consider when researching a cell phone and cell phone plans purchase:

1. Economy

Advances in technology have revolutionized communications industry. This technology has introduced world to digital cameras and has also revolutionized world of cell phones. This technology has enabled a cell phone to act as a camera and in some cases to fit in palm of your hand. This is why sky is limit in cases of some cell phone prices. You can pay as much as you like for all internal options that a cell phone is equipped with. To further drive up cost of your cell phone purchase, there are numerous cell phone accessories that are essential to safe operation of unit and some which are simply frills.

If funds are limited but you still need a reasonably good phone and corresponding cell phone plan, there are companies that provide cell phones free of charge with purchase of a phone plan. These plans were previously called contracts and most of them were fairly long term (at least 3 years). This is no longer case. Many companies like Verizon, T-Mobile and Nextel will provide a phone for free and won’t insist on a lengthy commitment.

Some Options To Consider:

Prepaid Cell Phones – Are they right for you?

If you are considering a prepaid cell phone, it is a good idea to ask yourself how often will you be using phone. A prepaid cell phone can be more expensive than a regular monthly rate and contain hidden charges and restrictions. If you need a cell phone simply for occasional use, a prepaid cell phone is probably a good choice.

Family Plans – You Control who pays bill.

Many companies are offering “Family Plans”. This is making owning a cell phone even more economical. These cell phone plans allow owner to provide a family member or in case of small business, an employee, a cell phone. The principal owner of plan pays for air-time (at a discounted rate) and long distance. Using a family plan for a small business is a great way to keep track of cell phone expenditures and keeping telephone budget low.

Cell Phone Accessories – The costs add up!

When something shows up on market, you want it…now! In marketing world, you are known as an “Early Adopter” and Early Adopters always pay more. Communications companies love you! You are ultimately their test market to find out what consumers are willing to pay for newest features and latest gadgets available as cell phone accessories. There are numerous pages on World Wide Web of cell phone accessories. Numerous pages; so where to look? Start with Verizon or T-Mobile as they provide stylish phones free of charge. These cell phones come with many accessories included in start up cost. If economy is an issue with you, stick with basics. You will only need to buy following items:

• Handsfree Car Headset
• Battery Charger