Accessorise: Practical & fun mobile phone accessories

Mobile phones have changed our lives, and while an increasing number of phone applications (or “apps”) keep mobiles entertaining (and sometimes actually useful), a range of external accessories also enhance a mobile phone's helpfulness. From combination kits to fun extras, mobile phone accessories have a host of applications.

Accessory kits for mobile phones

While your mobile phone is a great communication tool, there are several accessories that you can apply to extend its range and effectiveness. Some mobiles are sold with a basic accessory kit but you can build on these and purchase kits to match your needs. Examples of such kits are:

Accessory packs, which contain a hands-free unit and car charger
Car kits, which are also hands-free and can extend 3G coverage
Patch leads, which are a cost effective alternative to car kits and connect to an external antenna - good for multiple vehicle use
Personal hands-free, which offers hands-free operation via the phone connector and has both a microphone and earpiece
External antennas, which maximise signal quality and range on vehicles

Mobile phone car kits are available in “wired” format, offering a phone holder, car charger, plus a wired microphone and loudspeaker. Sometimes these kits include a wired headset instead of the microphone and loudspeaker.

Wireless mobile phone car kits also include a phone holder and car charger but wireless kits use Bluetooth headsets, which will connect with Bluetooth compatible phones. These headsets also have a speaker and microphone for calls.

Fun accessories for mobiles

As is often the case with new technologies, the mobile phone accessory industry soon expanded into fun accessories that, while not vital to your phone's operation, allow you to personalise your phone to suit your individual tastes. The “phone bling” craze includes accessories such as decorative covers, stickers, hangers, mascots, phone socks and carry cases.

When it comes to mobile phone accessories, age is not a factor, with mobile add-ons and embellishments appealing to phone users of any age. No matter which culture group or background, from children to pensioners, men and women, there's an accessory in this fast moving sector to jazz up any phone's exterior or enhance its usefulness.