There's no doubt that cell phones are gaining popularity. Today, the need for instant communication has hit typical teenagers too and there are a variety of cell phone accessories available in the market. But do you need all of them? Make sure that the accessories you buy are suited to you, your lifestyle, your phone and that they all fall within your budget.

CELL PHONE COVERS Cell Phone covers prevent buttons from being pressed inadvertently. These protective cases protect a phone from dust, moisture and scratches and other damage that can be caused by accidental dropping of the phone, while still allowing you to operate the phone. They also protect your phone from excessive heat and provide temporary protection from drizzles, which is a why they are so much in demand especially in Pakistan. The covers also make the carrying the phone easier and convenient.


MOBILE CHARGER Mobile charger is a device that charges the phone. It can be a desktop charger, (a desktop charger has to be placed on the desk and the phone has to be placed on it for charging), or a travel charger which is in the form of a cord. This is available for Rs. 500 onwards.
Travel charger - Phones are usually sold with standard AC battery chargers. Rapid travel chargers can cut charge time in half. Charging times vary based on the type of phone and battery. A rapid battery charger can charge a lithium-ion battery used with a digital phone in two hours, compared to four hours by a standard charger. Rapid chargers for the car plug into the cigarette lighter adapter and can provide a full charge in two hours. Phones can charge and be used for conversation simultaneously, although the charging time lengthens when the phone is in use.


HANDS FREE KIT Hands-free kits allow you to convert a handheld phone into a speakerphone, thus allowing you to talk on the phone while you safely drive or work. Your hands are free to do other things. A handsfree also enables you to talk comfortably without straining your neck as you don't have to crunch your phone between your neck and shoulder. Hands free also reduces your risk of exposure to harmful radiation and the radiation waves get directed away from your ear and head. Kits start at Rs. 200 for do-it-yourself; plug-in kits with power converters, speakers and microphones. More sophisticated kits require professional installation and include a microphone that typically attaches to the sun visor above the drivers seat, a speaker that is mounted near the dashboard, a cradle that holds the phone and a junction box where all cords connect. Installations costs about Rs. 500.

CAR KIT It is a kit provided with various accessories, which makes it easier to use the phone in the car. The car kit includes a plug-and-play handsfree solution (i.e. an ear phone which allows you to keep your hands free while talking), a cigarette lighter adapter (which allows the phone to be charged with the cigarette lighter outlet in the car), a car cradle in which the phone can be placed in the car. You should also follow strictly the traffic rules. In Pakistan, there is a fine of Rs. 100 if you are caught talking on your phone while driving. The car kit keeps your free for driving. Car kits cost around Rs.800 onwards. You also get chandsar kits for as low as Rs.500 and such, but they only the hands free the charger. Most of the shops in India do not keep contain flash light chandargers, cigarette lighter charger, etc.)


HEADSET It actually has one earphone to hear the person and a microphone a little below it, near your mouth, to help you speak into the phone. Doctors often advise that very frequent usage of the mobile phone (handset) to your ears could effect your health, however, this has not yet been proved. The headset is much like your ear phone. One end is connected to your mobile phone socket and the other end is plugged into your ear. Headsets are available for Rs. 250 onwards.


BELT CLIP This is a clip in the form of a pouch in which the mobile phone is kept and this helps in carrying the phone around your belt. This is mainly a convenience gadget for those who do not wish to carry the phone in their hand, pocket or bag. Keeping the mobile in the pocket could be quite uncomfortable and if kept in the top pocket, it could slip out if you bend down. Hence, you may opt for a belt clip. Frequent travelers, salespersons and doctors find these very useful. Some covers come with a detachable belt clip as well. These cost around Rs. 50. These molded plastic belt holsters are specifically designed for your individual phone. The belt holster holds your phone securely so you can be sure that you will always know where it is. You can be confident that you will always have your cell phone and that it will always be within reach. Make it part of your routine to clip your cell phone to your belt with whenever you leave the house. With your phone securely attached to you, you'll never be afraid of losing it. Belt holsters are great for people who depend on their phone or are always on the go. When your cell phone is securely fastened to your hip with a belt holster, you will always know exactly where your phone is. No more digging around in your purse or pockets. And having it so close means that it will always be accessible. No more missed calls because you couldn't get to your phone. It's always easily within your reach.


CRADLE A gadget to hold the mobile phone when you are in the car. The cradle can sometimes be attached to the cigarette lighter in the car (which draws power from the car battery using a special cigarette lighter adapter) to charge the mobile phone battery while driving.


CHARGER TRANSFORMER The charger transformer helps you to recharge your batteries. It does so by converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC). It is located in the Adaptor of the mobile charger. You should not use charger adaptors different from the one recommended by the manufacturer as it could seriously damage your instrument. Costs around Rs.350 onwards.

FAST AND LIGHT CHARGER It is a feature by which the mobile phone can be charged quickly. It normally takes 4-5 hours to charge a phone without a fast and light charger. With this feature it takes only 90 minutes to do so.

CIGARETTE LIGHT ADAPTER It is an adapter that is used to charge your mobile phone when you are travelling in your car. It could be either an accessory or some manufacturers give them as part of your mobile phone. Just connect one end of your mobile phone to this adaptor and the other end into the cigarette lighter socket in your car. The mobile phone battery gets recharged by drawing the DC current from your car battery. Before you opt for this, ensure that your car has a cigarette lighter in it. You can charge your mobile phone while travelling in your car.

TRAVEL CHARGER Phones are usually sold with standard AC battery chargers. Rapid travel chargers can cut charge time in half. Charging times vary based on the type of phone and battery. A rapid battery charger can charge a lithium-ion battery used with a digital phone in two hours, compared to four hours by a standard charger. Rapid chargers for the car plug into the cigarette lighter adapter and can provide a full charge in two hours. Phones can charge and be used for conversation simultaneously, although the charging time lengthens when the phone is in use.


CARRY CASE Hold on to your phone, and all your other essentials, while on the go! Carry cases are durable carry-alls that sling securely across your body for today's hottest look. Pocket does not accommodate phone with holster attached.


FACE PLATES Face Plates are the greatest rage in cell phone accessories. Manufacturers are coming out with lots of great styles and colors, to fit every taste. If you're bored with the standard black cell phone faceplate, then check out all the options available online and at all mobile phone shops. You can find faceplates with great colors or

designs. Keep your phone looking like new with a new faceplate. With all that you put your phone through, it can get scratched and start to look old. Instead of buying a new phone, you can get a brand new face plate to replace your old one.


FLASHINGS Individualize your phone with fun flashing accessories. Whenever you receive a call your phone lights up! Flashing accessories look cool, too. Know when you're getting a call without disturbing anyone with the ring. Flashing accessories light up when you receive a call, so you'll always know- even if your ringer is turned off!

Flashing accessories are the latest craze for mobile cellular phones. Techno flashing antennas are great for when you're at the club, movie or meeting.You can see that you're getting a call even when you can't hear it over the noise.


ANTENNA A Universal Antenna Booster is a great accessory for any cell phone. It extends the range of your antenna and gives you clearer conversation. If you have trouble with static then this Universal Antenna Booster can help. Instead of struggling with static or a low signal, you can easily use your cell phone anywhere around town.

Some phones and services struggle with the reception of a signal. An antenna booster is especially necessary for these brands and services because it is the easiest way to increase your signal. And a universal antenna booster sticks easily to any phone. Because it can be used for all phones, you don't have to struggle with finding a service that fills your needs.