So how do you know if the cool handset you read about here on PowerPage is going to work with your Mac? How do you know if it will work with your carrier of choice? What does it mean when some handsets have "GSM 850" and others don't? What is a World Phone?

Know Your Carriers

Mac users have become some of the most blessed users of mobile technology over the last couple of years due to Apple's adoption of Bluetooth, and iSync. Adding ease and convenience to managing data on your mobile phone was an easy decision to make, but one that Apple managed to execute pretty well. I'm not sure I'll ever be fully satisfied with iSync, but for the vast majority of users it hits the sweet spot in managing data across multiple devices.

Not to mention applications like Salling Clicker and Romeo, which make your Mac that much cooler when used with your handset. But what does it take? There are a lot of terms out there that even IT professionals aren't familiar with when it comes to mobile devices. There are operators, carriers, networks, and equipment that may still be a hazy mystery!

Most of the cool stuff to make your life better is happening on GSM handsets. Most of the cool tricks and tips are also on GSM handsets. If you are using Sprint PCS or Verizon Wireless, you're simply not going to get the most of your Mac. Those two carriers are using CDMA, and unless you like dealing with cables or having no options, (Sprint PCS has the Sony Ericsson T608, kind of, if you know how to get it) you will want to give a long look to the GSM carriers in the US.

The big three GSM carriers in the US are T-Mobile, AT&T Wireless, and Cingular. The nicest feature about these carriers is that you can use equipment with them that they don't even sell. You can buy an unlocked handset from the manufacturer or another source (like LV Wireless or Just Talk and use it with these carriers -- as long as the frequency is right.

What's the frequency, Emory?

Mobile phones communicate on a radio bands like any other wireless device. GSM carriers in the United States use two different bands, GSM on 1900Mhz and GSM on 850MHz. I originally posted something on my blog about GSM 850 before it was actually implemented.

Most handsets however have been either GSM 1900 only, or Tri-Band "World Phones" that operate on GSM 900, 1800 and 1900. Handsets that offer 900 and 1800 in addition to our US frequencies are called World Phones because they will operate not only in the United States, but in over 200 countries and on over 500 networks. (And if you're wondering why we can't use GSM 900 and 1800 here in the United States, it's because that band of spectrum was already reserved in the US by certain organizations, such as the US Military et al.

Now handsets come out with GSM 850, 1800, and 1900 too. These are not "world phones", since they'll not work in nearly as many countries as a handset that does 900/1800/1900. They do, however, work quite well with all carriers in the United States that do GSM.

So who does GSM 850 in the United States?

AT&T Wireless and Cingular do GSM 850 in some markets. They do this so they can cannibalize their old spectrum licenses from the FCC without spending tall cash on new licenses. There is also the benefit that lower frequencies penetrate buildings better. In large metro areas with a lot of dense nature or man-made structures, there is a benefit to using GSM 850.

In some markets they do both GSM 850 and 1900, and others they only do 850 or 1900. Between those two carriers, only one of them can use GSM 850 due to the fact that the 800Mhz licenses used are for the "A Side Carrier" of the old TDMA license. Don't worry about that unless you really care about such things -- it just means that only one of them will do GSM 850 in your local market and only one of them will benefit. If you're using GSM with Cingular in Boston or Providence, for example, you're using GSM 850. Cingular does not have any GSM 1900 gear up here!

T-Mobile only does GSM 1900. Once the roaming agreements firm up a bit, having a handset that does GSM 850 may benefit you, but as of this time, T-Mobile doesn't bother selling branded and locked handsets that speak GSM 850 anyway, and to be honest I haven't had a problem with T-Mobile's coverage at all. I spend most of my time in Providence, Boston, New York and Washington DC, all of which are quite well covered by T-Mobile's service.

What to buy?

So to answer the short question, if an unbranded, unlocked handset is for sale and you want to use it, you should make sure it works with your carrier and the has the right frequencies for you. If you ever travel outside the country, using GSM handsets is the right way to go in my opinion. You can take your same number with you over oceans, or simply swap out the SIM card and take a local number when you get to your destination and keep your same phonebook, handset, and calendar.

Before you travel, you may want to check out what GSM carriers exist in your destination, which frequencies they use, and what roaming agreements they have in place. I always use the chart at GSM World for this, because it's wicked-current and keeps tabs on networks so you don't have to.

Verizon Wireless and Sprint PCS, the two CDMA carriers in the US, while having fantastic fast data service, don't have the same level of bliss when it comes to using handsets. You can't simply go out and buy a handset outright, you can't readily find equipment with a big "wow" factor, and their idea of international roaming is to give you a GSM phone! Nextel isn't even close to giving Mac users anything worth mentioning. (And they use a third standard - iDEN, for their network. Joy.)

Remember. Don't trust what the gal in the store says. If you want to use your handset with iSync, you must check the iSync compatibility page at Apple before you freak out with a new phone that doesn't do what you need! The iSync support forum at Apple's site is full of people that were told their handset was going to work but didn't. And if you want Bluetooth, be extra careful. There are now several handsets that have it, and believe me -- you want it!

The best part is, the iSync compatibility chart also tells you what type of handset it is. Remember:

GSM = T-Mobile, Cingular, AT&T Wireless.

CDMA = Sprint PCS, and Verizon

TDMA (ouch) = AT&T Wireless, Cingular. While you're buying a new phone, change your account to GSM!

And remember, PowerPage is your best source to read about these fancy new phones and how they work with the Mac. Other sites have fantastic reviews too, but most don't have the same take we do.