BUYING GUIDES
The GSM Cell Phone Buying Guide
Overview
GSM (Global
System for Mobile Communications) is the fastest growing and most
advanced mobile technology available today. GSM phones work with
a small electronic chip called the SIM card. The SIM card holds the
phone number assigned by the service provider, your phonebook and other
registration information. GSM operates on multiple frequency bands
around the world - 900 Mhz and 1800Mhz, used in Europe, Africa, Asia,
Australia and South America ; 850 Mhz and 1900 Mhz, used in the.North
America and South America. Different service providers operate on
different frequency within the country. For example, T-mobile operates
on 1900 mhz in the USA, while Cingular operates on 1900 mhz or 850 mhz.
When selecting your cell phone make sure that you select a phone that
operates on your service provider's band.
Dual band -
Usually are phones that operate on 900 mhz or 1800 mhz. These phones
will work around the world but, will not work in North America.
Tri-band - Tri-band
phones usually include 900 mhz, 1800 mhz and 1900 mhz band. These
phones will work around the world and in the North America. These
phones will not work with service providers that only support 850 mhz
in your area.
Quad band - Quad
band phones cover all the bands - 850 mhz, 900 mhz, 1800 mhz, 1900 mhz.
Quad band phones will work all over the world with all GSM service
providers.
Unlocked GSM Phones
Unlocked GSM
phones are not locked to a specific service provider.Unlocked phones
will work with any GSM service provider that is supported by the
phone's frequency band. Normally, all the phones sold by the service
providers are locked to be used with their service only. For example, a
locked phone from T-mobile wouldn't work with Cingular's service.
3G
3G is an International Telecommunication Union (ITU) specification for
the third-generation mobile communications technology that was created
for high-speed transfer of data and multimedia content, such as video,
downloads, music and interactive games. 3G aims to increase bandwidth
up to 384 Kbps when a device is stationary or moving at pedestrian
speed, 128 Kbps in a car, and 2 Mbps in fixed applications. 3G will
work over wireless air interfaces, such as GSM, TDMA, and CDMA. The new
EDGE service was developed specifically to meet the bandwidth needs of
3G.
EDGE
Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) is a faster GSM wireless service
that can deliver data at rates up to 384 Kbps on a broadband. The
standard is based on the GSM standard and uses TDMA.
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Bluetooth
Simply known as a “cable replacement” technology, Bluetooth is a
radio-frequency standard that functions as a personal-area network
(PAN). It replaces cable-based connections, like USBs, with short-range
wireless connections. The technology can be applied between desktops
and notebook computers, handhelds, PDAs, mobile phones, camera phones,
headphones, printers, digital cameras, headsets, keyboards and computer
mice.
Feel free
to call us at 773-764-3257/2882 or e-mail us
if you need assistance in selecting a a GSM cell phone for travel.
FAQs
Will a 900 mhz or 1800
mhz
phone work in the USA?
No, 900 mhz or 1800 mhz
phone will not work in the US. GSM service
providers in the US include T-mobile and Cingular. T-mobile operates
only on 1900 mhz and Cingular operates on either 850 mhz or 1900 mhz
depending on your location. Be sure to check with your local carrier to
verify which band they operate on in your coverage area.
What is a Sim Card?
A sim card is a small flat rectangle plastic that contains a microchip.
This microchip contains your phone number, your phone book, and the
necessary information for your phone to work. Sim card is provided by
your GSM service provider, such as T-mobile, AT&T or Cingular in
the USA. All sim cards look the same, but the microchip inside is
different for every GSM service provider.
Where
can I purchase a SIM card?
You may obtain a SIM card
from your service provider such as T-mobile or Cingular. You may also
use your SIM card from your current phone if you currently have GSM
service. For overseas use, you may purchase a pre-paid SIM card from
the country your traveling to. Purchasing pre-paid SIM card from your
destination country will be much cheaper than paying roaming charges to
your US service provider.
How do
I obtain a phone number?
You will get a phone
number along with your SIM card.
Can I use the cell
phone charger in my country?
Most cell phones come with travel chargers (100~240V) so that you can
use them around the world. However, some come with 220V chargers only
so these may require a voltage converter to use in 110V countries. We
do include plug adapters along with travel charger to enable you to use
the charger in various countries.
Does your GSM cell phone
come with any contract?
No, we only sell the phones without any contract or service plans.
Therefore, you can use the phones bought from us with your current GSM
service provider.
Do the
cell phones come with an English instruction manual?
Since unlocked GSM phones
come from around the world, many times they may not include an English
manual. However, an English manual may be downloaded from the
manufacturer's website.
Where can I buy an Unlocked GSM Cell Phone locally in Chicago?
We have a local shop located on the northside of Chicago, with all the selections. You can stop by at anytime during regular business hours at Gandhi Appliances, 2459 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60659. Call us at 773-764-3527/2882
Have more
questions? Need more clarification? Or provide feedback.
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Voltage Converter Guide
Overview
Countries in
in the North America, parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean
and parts or Pacific operate on 110 Volt / 60 Hz, while the rest of the
world operates on 220 Volt / 50 Hz. In general, 110V includes voltage
range of 100-125V and 220V includes 220-250V. Many countries operate on
both 110V and 220V.
As mentioned above,
not only the voltage differ within countries but so does frequency
(cycles per second). Countries use either 60 Hz (USA) or 50 Hz (UK). Most electrical products are not affected by the cycle change
because they internally convert AC voltage to DC voltage. And many
devices support both cycles. The difference in frequency may cause a
motorized 60 Hz device to operate slower on 50 Hz. You'll need to
double check the frequency for for analog products such as clocks as
this can cause it to keep incorrect time. Other products such espresso
makers and turntables may not operate properly with a voltage converter
if they only operate on single frequency. When in doubt, consult with
the manufacturer of the product. Also, transformers are not recommended for use
with heat producing appliances such as heaters, steamers and coffee
heaters.
The third difference
is the plug adapters. Not all countries have the standard US flat prong
electrical outlet. In fact, most countries have a different plug
adapter from the US plug. Many countries have multiple type of outlets.
In this case, carry all types of plug adapters for the traveling
country. Refer
to the World plug adapter guide to find the correct plug adapters.
Voltage converters
and transformers do not convert cycles. They can only be used to
convert the voltage. Step down voltage converter/transformer will
convert voltage from 220V to 110V thus, allowing you to use your US
(110V) products abroad in 220V countries. On the other hand, Step up
voltage converter/transformer will convert voltage from 110V to 220V
thus, allowing you to use 220V products in the US (110V). Most voltage
transformers are both step up and down, you can switch them to operate
as step down or step up.
Selecting
the correct converter or transformer
1.
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Determine if
your appliance actually requires a transformer/converter for use in
abroad. Look for the voltage rating on your appliance, if the rating
states something similar to 100V~240V that means your product is dual
voltage, in this case you can use your product in a 220V without a
transformer/converter. Most laptops and camcorder battery chargers are
dual voltage. However, you may need a plug adapter to plug it in to the
outlets abroad. Now, if the voltage rating states 110V or 120V it means
that your product is only single volt and it will require a step down
converter/transformer for use in 220V countries abroad.
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2.
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Now that you
know that you require a voltage converter/transformer, you need to
determine which one or what kind. Look for the watt rating on the
appliance or calculate the wattage by multiplying voltage x amps.
For example, 110V x 1.5A = 165W. Select the converter/transformer
according to the wattage rating of
your appliance. We recommend using a converter/transformer that is
rated at least a 25% higher than your products wattage rating. Using
converter/transformer to their maximum capacity will eventually burn
out the converter/transformer after prolonged use. Some items, such as,
laser printers and power tools spike when you turn them on. For these
types of situations you need to buy a transformer that is at least
double the products rating. |
3.
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After
selecting the correct converter/transformer, make sure that you have
the proper plug adater on the converter/transformer to plug it in to
the outlet abroad. All of our dual step up/down voltage transformers
include both US plug adapter and European plug adapter. Consult the
world plug adapter chart to determine which plug adapter you need.
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Still need assistance selecting the
correct converter/transformer, feel free to call us at 773-764-3527/2882 or email us at: gandhiappliances@gmail.com or info@gandhiappliances.com
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Voltage
Converter and Voltage Transformer
Voltage converters
are smaller travel size converters available in both Step Up and Step
Down. These converters can be used for electric items with heating
devices or motors such as hair dryer, curlers, irons, shaver, radio,
electric calculators etc... Converters are used for shorter period of
time. Voltage transformers are bigger and heavier in size. They also
come in Step Up, Step Down or both Step Up/Down. Although transformers
are designed for longer or continuous use, its always better to unplug
a transformer when not in use for longer life. Always make sure to
check the wattage of you appliances before using voltage
converter/transformer.
Region
Free DVD Player Guide
Overview
The world of DVD players and DVDs is
divided into 6 regions around the world. US and Canada make up the
Region 1, thus all the DVD players and DVDs sold in the US are marked
Region 1. These DVD players will only play DVDs that are labeled Region
1 or Region ALL (compatible with all regions). Similarly, countries in
Europe are part of the Region 2, thus DVDs from these countries are
marked Region 2 thus, they can't be played on US region 1 DVD players
and vice versa. The chart below shows rest of the regions around the
world.
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Region 1 - USA &
Canada
Region 2 - Europe, Japan, The Middle East, North Africa Egypt,
South Africa
Region 3 - Taiwan, The Philippines, Korea, Indonesia, Hong
Kong
Region 4 - Mexico, South America, Central America, Australia,
New Zealand, Pacific Islands, Caribbean
Region 5 - Russia, Eastern Europe, India, North Korea, East
& West Africa
Region 6 - China. |
Prior to the division of world into
different DVD regions, PAL/NTSC/SECAM video standards were already in
place. Therefore, these video standards are still in affect among the
DVD players around the world. US and Canada belong to the NTSC standard
and Europe is predominantly PAL. Most of the DVD players will only play
NTSC DVDs on NTSC TV and PAL DVDs on PAL TV. There are few DVD players
with built-in video converter which will allow you to play PAL DVDs on
any (NTSC/PAL) TV. Chart below shows the video standard division around
the globe.
BEST SELLER'S GUIDE
Are you looking for a low end Region Free,
PAL/NTSC compatible DVD Player?
Toshiba SD590 is one of our top seller and most reliable low end
model. This product is modified to play all regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
and 0 DVDs. It also has a built-in PAL/NTSC converter which allow it to
play PAL and NTSC DVDs on any TV. Also, this model is dual voltage
(110V-220V) for worldwide use.
Looking for a better quaility brand name multi-region dvd
player model?
Pioneer DV-310-K is our next recommendation. In
addition to the above features of the Toshiba and Coby model, DV-310-K
also plays DivX videos and has USB input.
Looking for HDMI code free DVD player to
obtain the best quailty on your HD TV?
Pioneer DV-410V-K is our recommended HDMI ready code
free DVD player with USB input. This model will also play all region, PAL/NTSC DVDs on
American TV and upconverts them upto 1080p resolution with HDMI cable.
Rest
of the Region Free DVD Players
Feel free to call us at 773-764-3527/2882 or e-mail us
if you need assistance in selecting a region free DVD player.
FAQs
What about the Sony models
that you carry, are they region free and PAL/NTSC compatible also?
Yes,
the Sony models we carry are region free, meaning they will play all
region DVDs: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. They also have a built-in
PAL/NTSC converter, thus you will be able to play PAL discs on NTSC
TV or vice versa. These models will play NTSC or PAL disc on any TV including NTSC TV or PAL TV.
Are your region free
modifications guaranteed to be lifetime?
Yes, our region free modifications are guaranteed to be lifetime.
Do the region code free
DVD players come with warranty?
Yes, all of the dvd player models we carry do come with 30 days store
warranty and 1 year manufacturer's warranty.
Are
the DVD players sold in the major retail stores region code free?
No, the major stores such
as Wal-Mart, Circuit City, Best Buy, etc... only carry Region 1 DVD
players ini the US.
What is RCE and will your
region free DVD players play RCE DVDs?
RCE (Regional Code Enhancing) is a new system developed by the MPAA
which prevents consumers with region free DVD players from watching
Region 1 DVDs. Our region free DVD Players will allow you to play
RCE DVDs.
Do you also carry Blu-Ray Region Free players?
Yes, we do carry all major brand Blu Ray region free players. Please call us at 773-764-3527/2882 for more information.
Have more
questions? Need more clarification? Or provide feedback.
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