Cell phones are arguably one of the biggest impact inventions of the past twenty years. Although telephones are nothing new, cell phones have revolutionized how people communicate, for better or for worse. It's easier than ever to communicate with people anywhere in the world. Phones are no longer used just to speak with people, but now offer a variety of extra features such as texting, cameras, and access to the Internet. Phones are getting thinner and thinner, all while providing more function than ever before.

Almost 100 years ago, people began fantasizing about the possibility of a wireless phone. However, it took several decades for the idea to evolve. Twenty years ago, the impact and global reach of cell phones would have been unfathomable. The first cell phones were ridiculously large and heavy, quite unlike the small, sleek models that are so popular now.

In regards to phone design, there are three main types of phones seen on the market right now: basic "flat" phones, flip phones, and slider phones. There are also a few other types of designs popping up for those in the market for high-end phones, such as touch-screen phones, and those with two sides of interface.

Features such as voicemail, caller ID, and voice dial are no longer pricey upgrades to phone service, but a part of the basic phone plan. Although for many people it's hardly an "option," text messaging is by far the most popular upgrade on the market. Most cell phone service providers have a high per-text fee (around twenty cents per text) as well as several texting packages that are far more affordable. Because so many customers, teenagers especially are addicted to texting (sending thousands every month), the unlimited texting package is extremely popular in the United States.

Cell phones now have a variety of multimedia options available for download at an additional fee. The list includes the "essential" and the trivial, including ringtones, wallpapers, games, and music. This is one area where the cell phone market could improve; the options are typically somewhat mediocre in quality while expensive compared to the other downloads out there.

Unfortunately, there are a couple downsides to this tremendous invention. The actual telephone part of the cell phone is being commonly overlooked or ignored, with far more focus being given to the extra gizmos and fashion statement behind the phone.

Even more of a problem, the cell phone has been attributed with increasingly poor etiquette and discourtesy. People are continuously asked to turn off or silence their phones before entering quiet places like theaters, libraries, and places of worship. However, since there is little way to enforce these rules, people are repeatedly embarrassed when their phone unexpected goes off at the most inconvenient or inappropriate times.

It has become increasingly common for people to use their cell phones while driving, whether for calling somebody or sending a text. Every year, many accidents are blamed on inattentive drivers who were distracted by their phone. So far, the only method for reducing these accidents has been to ban cell phone use while driving.

Technology never ceases to blow people away. Even though the cell phones of today seem remarkable compared to Alexander Graham Bell's first can-and-string device, phones will continue to evolve. Phones are no longer just for calling people, but just one small feature of a larger "smartphone" capable of so much more.