Portable or hand-held phones are the most popular wireless phone option, probably because they're the most versatile. All of a portable's components, including the antenna and radio transceiver, are built into the handset. You can carry one in your pocket or purse, and get a car-mounting kit and power booster to use when you're in your car. When you're not carrying your portable phone, you simply slide it into the cradle mounted in your car, which connects it to the car battery, external antenna, power booster and hands-free speaker and microphone. One of the most important features to consider when buying a portable phone is its weight. Generally speaking, the lighter the better. Portable phones can weigh as little as four ounces or as much as twelve ounces and still be very compact. When comparing weights of various phones, remember to take the battery into account. You can get slim, rechargeable batteries to trim the weight that will probably last long enough to leave the phone on all afternoon or make an hour of calls, or you may want to opt for high capacity batteries that weigh more but last at least twice as long. All portable phones include a low-battery warning. Many phones allow you to change batteries in the middle of a call, a feature known as 'stay alive.' When choosing a portable, get the longest retractable antenna you can. It should have a stud at the base so it'll still receive calls when retracted. For more information on portable phones, please contact your local wireless phone dealer.
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