How to Buy a Cell Phone

Tips for buying a cell phone

1. Cost is not necessarily an issue with cell phones, as there is something out there for every budget. You can spend big or little, depending on how many features you want. If you are looking to save money, it is easy to find deals that give you a free cell phone for signing up with a specific cell phone service plan. Service plans are where the real money is spent, so be careful before you sign anything. Make sure you will have plenty of free minutes, including for long distance calls.
2. Think about how you plan to use your phone. If you want it mainly for making phone calls, then a simple phone should suit you fine. On the other hand, there are now more advanced cell phones, often referred to as wireless devices, that can perform all sorts of data functions. Your can purchase a cell phone that displays Web pages and email and that allows you to play games. Many cell phones now have cameras in them. Decide how you will use your cell phone and begin your shopping with this in mind.
3. There are two basic cell phone designs. One is the classic “candy bar” design, which is a cell phone that fits snuggly in your hand and has its screen and buttons exposed on one side. The other traditional design is the “clam shell.” This is a cell phone with a lid that opens up. Often the screen is in the lid and the buttons are on the lower half of the phone. Some people prefer clam shell cell phones because the lid protects the buttons and the screen when the phone is not being used. Also, clam shell phones bring the earpiece closer to your ear and the mouthpiece closer to your mouth than the shorter candy bar designs.
4. Cell phones operate on analog or digital technology, though the analog models are becoming less abundant. Analog cell phones can use existing phone infrastructure in much of the United States, but the sound quality is not always good. Digital phones have less of an infrastructure network over which to carry the calls (though this is changing) but provide better sound. A dual mode phone combines both technologies and is good for people traveling to locales that may not have robust digital networks in place.
5. Since they must be periodically recharged, much emphasis is put on the battery life of a cell phone. You should consider two issues: standby time and talk time. A cell phone on standby is on so that it can receive calls, but you are not otherwise using it. Standby time can be anywhere between two days and two weeks. Talk time is when you are actually using the phone to talk, Web surf or play games. This is generally three to six hours. Decide the length of battery life that suits your cell phone activity and go with that.

Caution

One feature people often forget to test on a cell phone is the keypad. Yet, this is the feature you will use most often, whether to dial, enter contact information or send text messages. Make sure the keypad is big enough for your fingers, that the keys are spaced far enough apart to be pushed separately and that the keys respond well to your touch.

Where to buy a cell phone

Pick up your next cell phone from one of these online sources--

LetsTalk.com posts user ratings of many phone brands and models. Service plans are also sold.

Free Cell Phone offers for Motorola and other latest brand phones.

Browse cell phones on Amazon by carrier, type or brand.

Mobiledia also serves up user reviews and rebate deals on a variety of cell phones.