RINGTONES

What Are They? Where Can I Get Them? How Do I Get Them Onto My Cell Phone?


Ringtone is the sound made by a telephone to indicate an incoming call. Recently, the term has come to mean the customized ring that comes to a cell phone. Individual specialty ringtones are helpful to cell phone users so they can differentiate their cell phone ringing from others. And they're just plain fun! Ringtones are available from the major wireless companies such as Verizon Wireless, Cingular, Nextel, Sprint and T-Mobile. Cell phone manufacturers also support ringtones on almost all of their makes and models. Most ringtones now available come from a selection of music styles, including pop, rock, country, hip-hop, and more. Read on for more information on getting ringtones that suit your style and personality.


Where can I get Ringtones?

First, check your cell phone itself. Most cell phones come pre-programmed with some ringtones. You may find one you like there. Of course, if all of your friends have done this, you may still have a hard time distinguishing if it's your phone ringing, or one of your friends. If you want something more unique, your next step should be to check your cell phone carrier for more options. Additionally, ringtones are available from the makers of your cell phone, too, as well as other web sites. Be wary of the sites that claim downloadable "free" ringtones. Because of copyright infringement, ringtones are not free, unless you happen upon a site distributing illegal ringtones.

  • Cingular Wireless offers a "Cingular Sounds Tone Club," which allows you to download ringtones and graphics directly to your cell phone for a monthly fee. This service is only available to Cingular Wireless subscribers. They also offer "Answer Tones," which is what your caller hears as your phone rings.
  • T-Mobile has a "Music and Sounds" section on their website, which allows you to download ringtones and "CallerTunes" if you are a T-Mobile customer. A small charge applies to the sounds and features you select.
  • Nextel's ringtones start at $1.49 each, and are yours to use until you delete them from your cell phone. They offer a catalog of ring tones online for you to listen to and select from.

Additionally, many web sites offer ringtones, wallpaper and other features through the major carriers. Here are just a couple of them that look good to us:

  • Ringtone.com offers services for the major carriers, such as verizon Wireless, Cingular, T-Mobile, Netxtel and more. Thousands of ringtones to choose from. There is a charge.
  • BestRingtonesOffer.com offers ringtones for all the major cell phone carriers as well as lesser known ones.

How Do I Get Ringtones?

Whether you go through your carrier's web site or one of the others, you will need to know who your cell phone carrier is, and what make and model of cell phone you have. Most of the above web sites ask you for your cell phone number first, then they can check to see if you are able to download your choice of ringtones. There's really no such thing as a "free" ringtone, unless you've stumbled upon a site which is pirating them. Ringtones will cost about $1.49 to $2.00 each, and as mentioned above, some major cell phone carriers offer a plan for a set monthly fee that allows you to download all the ringtones you want. If you access ringtones through your own carrier, you'll find these charges added to your monthly bill. Even at $2.00 a pop, if you get carried away you can easily spend an additional $20.00 each month. If you want the variety and plan to download more than a couple of ringtones, sign up for your carrier's plan.

Access the ringtones link from whichever website you are using and follow instructions. You'll be downloading these ringtones directly to your cell phone, so it needs to be turned on. You can also access the ringtones from your cell phone. Check your owners' manual for more help if you want to do this through your cell phone.

In Conclusion

Ringtones are not only fun, they are useful, too. You can pick out your phone's unique ringtone easily, from all the others around you. Check out your carrier's web site for more information on how to access them, the costs, and to download.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes