Today, cell phone buyers have more options than ever before. With all of the available choices, the selection process can be somewhat daunting. It doesn't have to be. By considering all the available features and benefits prior to shopping for a cell phone, you can make an educated purchase, ensuring continued satisfaction with your cell phone purchase.
Types of Cell Phones
The selection of cell phones currently available is dizzying, but if you select the style of your phone first, it will be easier to decide on a plan that is best suited to your needs. When shopping for a phone, try not to be seduced by a phone that offers features you neither want nor need. Think about what you will be using the phone to accomplish. This can make the selection process less confusing.
Today's phones range from very basic phones to personal digital assistants that can keep track of your appointments, allow you to access email and more. Here's a rundown of the various models.
Basic Phones
There are two types of basic phones, the "flip" phone, which folds up into a compact unit, or a one-piece unit. Choosing a style is a matter of taste, and comfort level. Today's flip phones are extremely sturdy, unlike earlier models that were less durable. Still, if you anticipate heavy usage in an industrial environment, the one-piece model may be a better choice.
Most of these phones now offer color screens and voice dialing. Even on the most basic phones, however, you will find features such as an address book, calling history, ring tones, and other various tools. Some basic cell phones even have voice-dialing, allowing you to speak the name of the person you wish to call thus prompting the phone to dial the number automatically.
Internet Access Phones
These units, which are available in flip models or one piece, allow you to go online to check emails, send instant messages, and surf the Internet. Many of these phones also offer downloading of games, ring tones, screensavers and other graphics. Note, though, that these services are extra, above and beyond standard calling minutes.
Camera Phones
Camera phones enable you to take pictures and short videos and send them to friends and family. Most of these cell phones also include the above referenced Internet features. With camera phones, pay attention to various the megapixel resolutions offered on the phones. If you are going to be using the phone as your primary camera, consider buying one with a high megapixel resolution.
PDAs
As technology advances, personal digital assistant (PDA) phones are becoming highly sophisticated tools. These units offer advanced email, Internet tools, along with standard phone service and can be interfaced with a computer for downloading of information. Many busy business people find these tools indispensable, especially while traveling. Additional charges may apply, however, and the price of these units can still be rather steep.
Service Plans
There are numerous wireless carriers vying for your business, and while each company has variations on the theme, there are certain similarities between all the providers. The first step in selecting a new phone is to decide on the service plan that's right for you.
Prepaid Cellular
Cell phone calls are tracked by minutes – that is, how much time you spend on the phone. If you are considering a cell phone that you will only use in emergencies or for traveling, a prepaid cell phone might be the best choice. Users purchase a phone and then buy cards offering calling minutes in varying increments. The user will activate the card by calling a toll-free number, and can then use the phone until all the minutes expire. Many of the newer prepaid phones show the number of available minutes on the screen.
The advantage of prepaid phones is that you are not locked into a service plan and you can buy minutes as you need them. No credit checks are required, an important factor for people with poor credit history.
However, for many of these plans, the minutes will expire in a specific number of days, and if you don't use them, you lose them. Additionally, if you don't purchase more minutes before the expiration date, you also lose your phone number.
Plan Minutes
Standard plans allow the consumer to select the number of minutes he or she estimates using in a month. Basic service usually includes somehwere around 500 minutes per month. Any calls exceeding these minutes may be charged at a flat rate. The more minutes on a plan, the more it costs, of course, but the price per minute usually decreases proportionately.
Some cell phone companies offer free calls to other users or to people specified as being "family and friends." Others have networks where "in-calling" is free. Normally, it is advisable to start out with a low to mid-range number of minutes and then adjust up or down depending on your first monthly bill.
One important consideration is what happens to unused minutes from month to month. Some companies will allow you to roll over those minutes and use them the next month, while with others, you lose any extra minutes. Choose a plan that most closely represents the usage that you anticipate.
Also consider how much "free" time the company is offering. The more time that you are not charged minutes for your calls the better. It has become standard for weekends to be considered "free," and most plans will allow for free calls at "night." The variation here is when does "night" begin? Some companies offer free calls after 7:00 p.m., while others charge minutes until 9:00 p.m. Again, consider your lifestyle. Those two hours between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. can be pretty long when you are waiting to make a call.
Many companies require that you sign an extended contract, and will penalize you if you decide to cancel your service before the end of the contract. Make sure to read the contract and ask about early cancellation charges.
Calling Plans
Most cell phone companies offer a variety of calling plans for their customers. These plans can range from a basic flat rate for a specific number of minutes plus free long distance, to specialized plans for PDA or Blackberry users. Look at the extras offered at each level to determine how they fit into your plan. Roaming charges – that is, an surcharge for calls out of your calling area – are frequently "bundled" with these plans, as are special features such as three-way calling (you can talk to two people at a time), call waiting, call forwarding, and text messaging.
Family plans are very popular as well. These plans charge a flat rate for basic service and then charge for each additional user. Selecting the right number of minutes on these plans is trickier, especially if you are adding a teenager or college student. Extras such as text messaging or digital images can add up, inflating your monthly bill to uncomfortable levels.
With more people using their phones as a means by which to connect to the Internet, plans are also available that include a specific number of connection minutes. Again, if you intend on using your phone to connect to the Internet, you need to look at these options closely.
Take the time to look at, and carefully consider, the various companies offering cell phones and compare rates, plans, phones, and features. Most companies sell you a phone at a reduced rate when you sign up for a plan at the same time. As an educated consumer, you will be much happier with your final selection, ensuring years of service and satisfaction.
See also: Cell phone buying guide Posted in: Communications, Cell Phones
Types of Cell Phones
The selection of cell phones currently available is dizzying, but if you select the style of your phone first, it will be easier to decide on a plan that is best suited to your needs. When shopping for a phone, try not to be seduced by a phone that offers features you neither want nor need. Think about what you will be using the phone to accomplish. This can make the selection process less confusing.
Today's phones range from very basic phones to personal digital assistants that can keep track of your appointments, allow you to access email and more. Here's a rundown of the various models.
Basic Phones
There are two types of basic phones, the "flip" phone, which folds up into a compact unit, or a one-piece unit. Choosing a style is a matter of taste, and comfort level. Today's flip phones are extremely sturdy, unlike earlier models that were less durable. Still, if you anticipate heavy usage in an industrial environment, the one-piece model may be a better choice.
Most of these phones now offer color screens and voice dialing. Even on the most basic phones, however, you will find features such as an address book, calling history, ring tones, and other various tools. Some basic cell phones even have voice-dialing, allowing you to speak the name of the person you wish to call thus prompting the phone to dial the number automatically.
Internet Access Phones
These units, which are available in flip models or one piece, allow you to go online to check emails, send instant messages, and surf the Internet. Many of these phones also offer downloading of games, ring tones, screensavers and other graphics. Note, though, that these services are extra, above and beyond standard calling minutes.
Camera Phones
Camera phones enable you to take pictures and short videos and send them to friends and family. Most of these cell phones also include the above referenced Internet features. With camera phones, pay attention to various the megapixel resolutions offered on the phones. If you are going to be using the phone as your primary camera, consider buying one with a high megapixel resolution.
PDAs
As technology advances, personal digital assistant (PDA) phones are becoming highly sophisticated tools. These units offer advanced email, Internet tools, along with standard phone service and can be interfaced with a computer for downloading of information. Many busy business people find these tools indispensable, especially while traveling. Additional charges may apply, however, and the price of these units can still be rather steep.
Service Plans
There are numerous wireless carriers vying for your business, and while each company has variations on the theme, there are certain similarities between all the providers. The first step in selecting a new phone is to decide on the service plan that's right for you.
Prepaid Cellular
Cell phone calls are tracked by minutes – that is, how much time you spend on the phone. If you are considering a cell phone that you will only use in emergencies or for traveling, a prepaid cell phone might be the best choice. Users purchase a phone and then buy cards offering calling minutes in varying increments. The user will activate the card by calling a toll-free number, and can then use the phone until all the minutes expire. Many of the newer prepaid phones show the number of available minutes on the screen.
The advantage of prepaid phones is that you are not locked into a service plan and you can buy minutes as you need them. No credit checks are required, an important factor for people with poor credit history.
However, for many of these plans, the minutes will expire in a specific number of days, and if you don't use them, you lose them. Additionally, if you don't purchase more minutes before the expiration date, you also lose your phone number.
Plan Minutes
Standard plans allow the consumer to select the number of minutes he or she estimates using in a month. Basic service usually includes somehwere around 500 minutes per month. Any calls exceeding these minutes may be charged at a flat rate. The more minutes on a plan, the more it costs, of course, but the price per minute usually decreases proportionately.
Some cell phone companies offer free calls to other users or to people specified as being "family and friends." Others have networks where "in-calling" is free. Normally, it is advisable to start out with a low to mid-range number of minutes and then adjust up or down depending on your first monthly bill.
One important consideration is what happens to unused minutes from month to month. Some companies will allow you to roll over those minutes and use them the next month, while with others, you lose any extra minutes. Choose a plan that most closely represents the usage that you anticipate.
Also consider how much "free" time the company is offering. The more time that you are not charged minutes for your calls the better. It has become standard for weekends to be considered "free," and most plans will allow for free calls at "night." The variation here is when does "night" begin? Some companies offer free calls after 7:00 p.m., while others charge minutes until 9:00 p.m. Again, consider your lifestyle. Those two hours between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. can be pretty long when you are waiting to make a call.
Many companies require that you sign an extended contract, and will penalize you if you decide to cancel your service before the end of the contract. Make sure to read the contract and ask about early cancellation charges.
Calling Plans
Most cell phone companies offer a variety of calling plans for their customers. These plans can range from a basic flat rate for a specific number of minutes plus free long distance, to specialized plans for PDA or Blackberry users. Look at the extras offered at each level to determine how they fit into your plan. Roaming charges – that is, an surcharge for calls out of your calling area – are frequently "bundled" with these plans, as are special features such as three-way calling (you can talk to two people at a time), call waiting, call forwarding, and text messaging.
Family plans are very popular as well. These plans charge a flat rate for basic service and then charge for each additional user. Selecting the right number of minutes on these plans is trickier, especially if you are adding a teenager or college student. Extras such as text messaging or digital images can add up, inflating your monthly bill to uncomfortable levels.
With more people using their phones as a means by which to connect to the Internet, plans are also available that include a specific number of connection minutes. Again, if you intend on using your phone to connect to the Internet, you need to look at these options closely.
Take the time to look at, and carefully consider, the various companies offering cell phones and compare rates, plans, phones, and features. Most companies sell you a phone at a reduced rate when you sign up for a plan at the same time. As an educated consumer, you will be much happier with your final selection, ensuring years of service and satisfaction.
See also: Cell phone buying guide Posted in: Communications, Cell Phones
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