Accessories can complete an outfit, dress up something like a purse, a coat or shoes. Accessories can also add to the performance of something like a cell phone. Cell phones have almost as many accessories as Barbie does. Some accessories are practical, some are ornamental and some are just available.

In the world of cell phones, there are accessories that are practical, they aid in the safe operation of the phone or allow you to carry the phone safely. Some are there if you want them like downloadable ring tones. I have broken the accessories down into groups to make it easier to describe them.

There are operational accessories. These accessories include battery chargers. Bear in mind these chargers are often phone and model specific so that they are not interchangeable. There are hands free kits that are easily installed in your vehicle. These enable you to talk on the phone and keep both hands on the wheel. There are antenna boosters that help to strengthen the signal between your phone and its cell tower. These are particularly good in areas where cell phone signals are not strong. Batteries are available for your cell phone but they are made specifically for your model and manufacturer of cell phones. An attachment is available to attach to your phone that will add some time on your battery when its low until you can get it charged again. There are speaker phone kits. These are attachments for your cell phone that allow you to talk on the phone without holding your handset in one hand and trying to control your vehicle with the other. There are a variety of dashboard mountable holders that can be placed within arms reach.

Cases and holders are available in various styles. There is the horizontal case that looks very much like an eyeglass cases. Vertical cases look like pocket eyeglass cases. Cell phone holsters are available for your belt or to be worn across you shoulder like you see policemen wear on television.

Multi-use cases can be worn on the arm, on your thigh or on your wrist. These cases not only hold your cell but they can hold your license and maybe a few dollars. These cases are usually fastened with Velcro(tm).

There is a variety of other cell phone accessories that are somewhat technical in nature. Internal cell phone accessories include downloadable games to help you pass the time when you are waiting for someone and downloadable ring tones these can be anything from the traditional ring to the William Tell Overture and traditional holiday songs. Cell phones are not just phones, they are mini computers with internet capability, organizers, calendars, note recorders, and to do lists. They also have number directories and record the numbers of callers and names and numbers of calls that you missed so you can return calls later. Text keypads might be available for your phone. Antenna boosters increase signals and there are radiation shields that are supposed to reduce your exposure to radiation.

Other accessories that exist for cell phones are phone covers and face plates. Phone covers have two pieces one to cover the front and one for the back. Face plates just go over the keypad and front of the phone to add some decoration such as patriotic designs, animal prints.

One of the cutest accessories is plush animal covers for cell phones. Not only are they cute but they actually are functional the cell is placed in the back of the animal. The body of the animal acts as a cushion in the event the phone is dropped.

Cellular phones and the accessories that go with them can vary in price. They are all optional but some might be just plain fun. The thing to remember with cell phone accessories they are not necessarily interchangeable. Do your home work, learn all about your cell phone and learn how to operate it.