The contemporary cellular phone is equipped with an ample variety of options and features which can make the initial purchase quite an overpowering task. Gone are the days of the simple black and white screens and melancholy ringtones. Say hello to digital cameras, music files and multimedia gaming. Goodbye to communication. Here comes the video game. With all these cellular phone choices, what is a consumer to do?

Do you like snapping photos of your friends, but donÕt want to dish out the money for a digital camera? Then you need to consider choosing a cellular phone furnished with a camera. Elite cellular phone creators Nokia, Samsung, and Motorola have had a jump in their returns since camera phones have arrived.

The more advanced phones feature selections such as built in zoom and a movie option that allows you to film 30 second to one minute clips. There are issues with camera phones, however. Most phones only have a one megapixel or less resolution which creates extremely low-quality images. To produce a nicer image, you need a camera that has 3 megapixels or more. Although a bit more expensive, it may be worth it in the end.

Text messaging has become a standardized feature on almost all cellular phones. It is hard to believe that at one time it was deemed an uncommon option! This kind of message enables you to forward segments of text to other cellular phones. There is also another type of messaging that allows the user to attach audio, video, and pictures to the message.

This variety of cellular phone technology is called multimedia texting and is available on most current phones. Be sure to check with your cellular phone provider because some will charge monthly, or by each text. Some of the newest cellular phones are used primarily for fun and entertainment. These play music files and internet radio, saved videos, and even movies!

A wireless system designed for electronic devices to correspond with one another, Bluetooth is presently a basic component in a majority of cellular phones. This element makes it easier to use the phone while driving a car. Bluetooth is also available with a headset that fastens to the cellular phone so you will not be bothered with those annoying wires. Another option that makes driving smoother and safer is Voice Dialing.

This selection is offered in a large number of the newer phones. Voice Dialing gives you the ability to speak the name of any person in your address book into the cellular phone, and then the phone will immediately find the telephone number and automatically dial for you. If you like to drive and talk on your cell phone, these two choices are definitely for you.

If you are still not sure what you want in a cellular phone, the best thing to do is to take a trip to your local wireless provider. Ask for a demonstration and see what features meet the demands of your everyday life. WasnÕt it so much easier when phones were just used to have a conversation?