Not everyone can afford to purchase the latest and greatest Palm Treo or Blackberry type mobile phone, or maybe they just don’t feel like carrying around something that has such a big footprint in your pocket. That doesn’t mean that you have to be stuck to the limited capabilities of a normal cellphone though. There are many different services and applications out there that can help you to get the most out of your cell phone, Some of them require java enabled phones, and most need some sort of data access in order to be fully effective, but if you have both of those things these services may be just what you are looking for.

backup your data

ZYB is a service that enables you to create a backup of your phone’s contacts and calendar, and then allows you to share them online with the people that you choose. This service doesn’t require a java enabled phone, but your phone does need to have a feature called SyncML, a list of compatible phones can be found here. Like many new services of the web 2.0 generation, this service is still in an open beta.

find your way

If you find your self lost without a map, access to a computer, or lacking in the skills that are required to navigate using the stars, Google may have you covered. Google Maps Mobile allows you to take Google Maps with you wherever you may be.

Combining directions, maps, and satellite imagery, Google Maps is a free download that lets you find local hangouts and businesses across town or across the country — right from your phone.

This is a free program, but it does require a java enabled phone and data access. A list of compatible devices can be found here, and like many other Google services, this is still labeled as beta.

check email and news headlines

One of the biggest features that is missing from normal mobile phones is the ability to easily check your email and news headlines. Sure you can fire up the mobile browser and try to navigate your way around, but that is time consuming and somewhat difficult. Flurry is just the application to make email and news more accessible on your mobile phone. You do have to supply flurry with the password to your email account, but according to their website “flurry is even more secure than using a normal email client since your information is protected at every step of the process.”

A java enabled phone with data access is required, and there is no page to see if your phone is compatible, but there is a list of phones during sign up to check with. If your phone is on the list for Google Maps, there is a good chance Flurry will work also.

browse better

I mentioned in the previous point that using the built in browser on most phones is slow and difficult, and that is where Opera Mini for Mobile comes in.

Opera Mini™ is a fast and tiny Web browser, that allows you to access the full Internet on your phone. Take all your favorite Web sites on the go with Opera Mini!

You don’t have to be stuck with the default browser of your cell phone, and since Opera Mini is version 2.0 it is developed pretty well. This is a great replacement if you feel like your default browser isn’t cutting it. Since Opera is a web browser, you obviously need data access on your phone and to find out if your phone is compatible, check the list here.

If you know of any services or applications that make your cell phone experience sweeter, why not share them with us in the comments section.

Filed under: Article, Cell Phones

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