And now that we've become addicted to more than just texting, some restaurants are embracing cell phones. Many are moving past the horrible trend of unusable flash websites, and embracing facebook, yelp, and four square to get the word—and the menu—out to customers.

In fact, many proprieters have used cell phones to connect with customers—becoming their friend on social networking sites, and being able to greet them by name after they check-in.

The most cutting-edge restaurants even offer chargers, used cell phones, and protection from spills.

And with how we're using cell phones still rapidly evolving, it's easy to imagine what else might lay in the future. iPad menus? You could place your order from the table, and even have an account with the restaurant that remembers what you like, what you ordered last time, and takes a credit card order at the end of the meal.

Other small venues—think ice cream parlours—are using cell phones to reach customers and let them know about holiday promotions and new flavours. They get to track your spending patterns, and you get occasional discounts. Throw in a social network—a check-in or facebook mention—and you can even get discounts in exchange for free advertising.

But as many have pointed out, it leaves a trail of distruction in its path. AT&T refused to build new towers to support demand for bandwidth created by the iPhone, and is now suffering the results of its failed attempt to buy T-Mobile (the only company to never get the iPhone). Verizon reacted to the iPhone's use of bandwidth by cutting their customers off at the source, limiting them to 2 MB per month and charging more.

And now there's Sprint, who so far seems to be handling the iPhone (relying heavily on WiFi spots) and is advertising that it won't limit your usage. But it's costing them a pretty penny.

And for all this trouble, many are wondering when iPhones will peak. Even used iPods are still popular, despite iPhones and iPads replacing them as do-all devices (note—used iPod touches potentially take up network bandwidth as well). And every must-have phone before them has died after the fever peaked.

The difference, however, should already be apparent. There's a damn good reason used iPods and other Apple devices remain popular. Sure, used cell phones from other brands are nifty, but few have the lifespan of Apple devices. Blackberry made cell phones that retained quality on the used market—but being at the forefront of developing (or at least releasing) many hot features has kept Apple's used iPods and iPhones popular in a way that surpasses brand identity for the buyer, as well as the desire to just want a used cell phone that works well.

Apple makes used iPods and iPhones that work great—and retain that same great feeling of easy use and superb functionality.

Love for the iPhone may have peaked, but I don't think Apple is anywhere near done—in any of its markets: cell phones, laptops, tablets, or music players. Why? Even if Apple doesn't invent the Next Big Thing, they'll reinvent it to work better, look hotter, and feed that fanboy lust that's pushed them into being the near biggest company in the US. Can't wait to see what the next used iPod is.

But there are many important uses for unlocked cell phones, whether you need to travel internationally, switch between a company and personal phone number, have the freedom to change carrier to keep youself in the most affordable plan, or whether you just want to say no to all the carrier's add-ons.

Many companies are seeking to introduce cell phones that are unlocked out of the box to the US market. Blu, a South American company, was one of the first. Palm tried with its last attempt before dieing, and a few other companies offer unlocked cell phones (but ones that aren't truly unlocked in terms of software, just GSM carrier flexible).

Now Unnecto is hoping to be the next big unlocked cell phone company, and it's main appeal to consumers will be its dual SIM card—the easiest way to switch between GSM carriers or cell phone plans. It would seem from early reports that they've developed software to make the switch easy for the consumer—insert both your GSM SIM cards, and the phone will accept calls from either and guide you through your outbound communications.

In any case, this is just the first in a world wide trend for more unlocked cell phones to reach the US.

Worry over Steve Jobs death, (besides the sadness at his genius passing early) mainly focused on the fact that he tightly controled EVERY aspect of Apple, making great products that latest long as used devices, like iPods. In fact, numbers would be astounding if someone combined Apple's first sale retail with an estimate of what sells used…

iPods, iPhones, and iPads are continuing to sell at astronomical rates. People who have used iPods or iPhones upgrade frequently because the devices don't disappoint, and Apple is constantly innovating. There's no sign of the market dipping in the next few months, either!

Of course, who knows how Apple will do once they design their first new product without Steve Jobs. Will used iPods and iPhones sell like crazy out of nostalgia for "classic Apple"? Or will they're new products maintain the same sleek design, simple interface, and flawless performance?

Only time will tell… but the used iPods market will be almost as good an indicator of Apple's future success or failure as their quarterly reports!

The iPhone 4S has Apple's great craftsmanship and durability, and as a used cell phone it would still be pretty bad ass. Siri is a great tool, although still growing, and (the unfortunately very crackable) glass screen gives a brightness like no other.

If you're a hard core smartphone user, the Galaxy S2 may be the used cell phone to watch for. Without any of Apple's Apple-only nonsense, it's more versatily, easily plugging into your other chargers that you may have gathered the last few years. And it's a great phone, with the growing Android app store behind it and more modability than the iPhone.

Whichever used cell phones you're hoping for, make sure you get a great deal on them. While many carriers are now recycling and reselling used cell phones, they're just going to bloat them back up with carrier apps and restrictions, and they don't have the same selection as online retailers.

Don't forget accessories, like a car charger, spare cable, or case!

Which phone are you hoping for?

The new iPad 3 will likely replace many used iPod touches, as it will add speed of use, as well as compatibility with top end wireless networks. Unlike your used iPod or iPhone at home, this iPad will have the battery, etc., to handle new wireless networks to Apple's standards.

Of course, none of this had been officially announced—it's all come from a nameless source in Apple's overseas factories, which are working to produce enough iPad 3s to meet demands when the product launches later this spring. There's little doubt as to the truth of it…the market is eagerly awaiting not just the iPad 3, but other announcements from Apple, including a television that may bring the iPhone 4S's Siri into your living room, as well as another major tech device hooked into your iCloud and other Apple gear.

Of course, if you're angling for a new iPod 3, you can get cash for your used iPods and cell phones here! Just make sure you're the first in line, because if demand even resembles that for the iPad 2, it's going to be hard to get one right away…

The French network is based on the distribution of boxes—phone boxes, cable boxes, etc.—to subsrcibers of the company, Free.fr, which act as wireless hubs usable by any cell phone made to work on the network.

Calls, texts, internet, TV—they all come in off the data lines, and with each new subscription, coverage grows, backed up by spectrum, when a local wireless box isn't available. Apple once had this plan for the iPhone, but it never came to fruition, the most they accomplished was distributing, and controlling the look and interaction of the phone across networks, a feat only accomplished on other phones by unlocking them (or buying already unlocked cell phones).

In fact, carrier competition in the US is so fierce, so guarded from such a cheap way of operating—one that gives the users more power, and a better experience, that most spectators of the industry would be shocked if such a thing were to happen. Even the giant Google hasn't managed to get a wireless network in place.

Unlocked cell phones are the only way—in the US—of undermining the phone companies. Why? Unlocked cell phones undo all the stock applications, the stupid carrier-specific restrictions, etc., that keep phones from being great. That keep great OSs, like Android, from being able to update.

Even if you don't want unlocked cell phones, you're happy with the random apps taking up space, or the restriction of updates—spite them just a little. Scrape off their branding.

Don't have one? Check out the selection of used iPods and pick one out for cheap, than swap it for a brand new iPod nano with Apple!

In any case, don't keep your old used iPod nano, since the battery of the first gen model is more likely to explode with age, causing injury (especially if you keep the tiny thing in your pocket).

Before getting rid of your old used iPod:
-Make sure you sync with your computer to your song collection is up to date and backed up.
-If you used other features, it doesn't hurt to wipe personal data from your used iPod and other old devices.
-Make sure it's a first generation nano, and eligible for the exchange. They had a white or black front and silver back, whereas newer models are solid.

If you don't have a used iPod nano, 1st gen, there's still a great way to upgrade. As evidenced by the fact that first gen nanos are still around, used iPods have great longevity and functionality, so you can save money and still get great features that are new to you!

While you can use any cell phone to prepare for winter, many newer cell phones will use up battery life faster, and may have more difficulty placing calls in an emergency (*cough* iPhone *cough*).

Many used cell phones have survived to be useful by still having a strong battery life, and older used cell phones are more likely to not have several features which quickly drain the modern smartphone.

During an emergency, you want to have a fully charged cell phone on hand (and, quite honestly, at least one friend with an SUV that can brave the weather). Used cell phones are great for this purpose: a new cell phone will have apps that may tempt your boredom into draining your battery.

Program the non-emergency police phone number into your phone, and at least too "in case of emergency" (ICE) numbers, one of whom does not live with you. Depending on the type of weather and the nature of your emergency, you may want to alternately try texting and calling.

Texts often get through during peak use because they are small, but during an emergency situation many phone companies give priority to cell phones.

Most people buy cell phones today for everything but making calls, and the quality of phones call making abilities has gone done in many cases. If your phone isn't strong at making phone calls, choose a used cell phone well known for having a strong signal, long battery life, and antennae that isn't easily blocked by your finger and can broadcast through severe weather and clouds.

Still have to have one? Get the better deal! Used iPods and iPads are cheaper than new, and work as well. It's the brand name without the brand price.

Plus, unlike the newest iPods used iPods come in a broad selection of colors, GB sizes, and, most importantly, prices.

You can even afford an use iPod or iPad for the amusement of your cat, who will be enthralled with touch games featuring fish or bugs.

Of course, no word yet as to whether Apple's supple of iPads will be affected, but who wants to wait and find out? Just check refurbished iPods for your favorite model, and get the tunes and apps going now!

Another benefit to used iPods is that you don't have to wait in line at stores, and fight other after Christmas deal shoppers ready to push you over for that promotional iPad case or discounted store model.

And if you're concerned about Apple factory conditions, which semi-regularly make the news, buying refurbished iPods and iPads instead of new is a great way to reduce production of something that may not have the best impact on the fireign impoverished.