Ever since phones started becoming miniature computers companies have been attaching the (insert number)G status into their products marketing. Starting with 2G we’re now entering the 4G era of smartphones. But what exactly is this differential anyway? Who decides it? More importantly, what does it mean?

The United Nations decides it – sort of. More specifically a UN agency called the International Telecommunications Union decides what is and what isn’t 2G, 3G, and so on. As it turns out, it’s all about speed. For example the current benchmark for a networked device to be classified as being part of the 4G collective it has to retrieve data at 400Mbit/s when the user is highly mobile in a car, and 1Gbit/s when the user is walking or stationary. The ITU also designates certain security measures that a 4G phone should have that separate it from the 3G network.

This isn’t legally binding regulation, however. It’s merely a defining guideline for the communications spectrum. That poses a problem for consumers in the United States and elsewhere who are currently shopping around for a 4G phone. Earlier this year AT&T received a lot of criticism from industry experts who claimed that the telecommunications giant was marketing a few models as being part of the 4G when they were really just running on highly modified versions of AT&T’s 3G software and network. With Sprint and HTC 4G Android phones already on shelves, it can be safely said that 4G is well on its way. But it’s important to remember that so long as not enough people raise a stink about it afterward, any mobile phone service provider can conceivably market their phones as being part of any generation they want.

That makes me wonder whether or not using the 3G-4G differential is really just a clever marketing strategy by service providers to simplify the choice for consumers bent on getting the best and newest technology. Hopefully that’s not the case and there is mostly true value to the designation. Either way, 4G is definitely here, but just make sure you exercise proper research when picking the next phone you want. Check with the ITU guidelines and ask for a demonstration of a phone’s speed in action before making a purchase. That’s the kind of thinking that gets you to the next generation.

If you have a business and want to get additional notice for it then you can use Cheap Flash Drives as a marketing tool to garner customers.  Bulk Flash Drives have many uses which people have a need for.  They are a substitution for floppy disks, and CD Rom’s from the past.  They are lightweight do not cost a lot especially when purchased in bulk quantities and are now even used on many gaming systems.  Whenever a customer uses your flash drive they can spot your company’s logo and it will remind them of your business.

There will always be a need for people that use computers to store data and information.  Cheap Flash Drives can serve this purpose.  They are portable and can easily be removed from one computer to another.  Most weigh less than one ounce which is very light and easy to carry around.  People want something that they can use which will not create a lot of problems for them.  Flash drives answers their problem and creates a solution.  This is how you can use this to propel your business.

In the past only computer parts and accessory manufacturers sold Bulk Flash Drives.  Now you can buy them and at a reduced rate.  You can even have your company’s logo imprinted in the colors of your choice on them with contact information.  When people have a need for their flash drives your logo will be viewed on a regular basis depending on their need.

You can also go to trade and marketing events and hand out flash drives to potential customers.  Although for you it will not cost you a lot of money when Bulk Flash Drives are purchased cheaply.   They are seen as a great value to your prospects.  The future sales and business that you gain will reward you in large dividends.  It is also something that you know they will actually use and not throw away or give to someone else.  In this way you will be able to improve sales with your new marketing tool and lowered budgeting costs from Cheap Flash Drives.  You can distinguish yourself from your competitors by providing customers something different and unique.