Cell Phone Buying Guide

Likely the biggest revolution in technology in the last decade has been the emergence of the cell phone. Phones now come in all different shapes and sizes, so you can get a slim, pocketable device or a full-featured device. There are also Smartphones, which combine cell phone and PDA functionality, allowing you to access documents like Word or Excel files, go online, check email, and do a host of other things.

The main expense in choosing a cell phone is the service plan, which you'll probably purchase from one of the major carriers in the United States: AT&T, Verizon, Sprint or T-Mobile.

If you don't want to commit to a multi-year contract, which you'll need to do with most carriers, you can opt for a pre-paid phone, which comes with a certain number of pre-paid minutes and no monthly fees or contractual obligations Tracfones  are one of the most popular options.

Phone Styles

Phones started out as simple models with a screen and a keypad, but there are now plenty of options out there. The traditional "candy bar" phones are still made, although a trend in recent candy bar models has been towards reducing the number of buttons in favor of a large touchscreen, where the buttons appear on the display and change depending on the context. There are also flip phones, which open up to reveal a keypad, and slider phones, where an external screen will slide up. Many flip and slider phones nowadays can flip or slide open two different ways, horizontally and vertically, to allow access to a full QWERTY keyboard, great for text messaging or sending emails.

Flip Phones  Flip phones are becoming less popular as smart phones raise in the popularity ranks. However, these are still great starter phones for someone who just does the basics!	Non-Flip Phones  Non-flip phones include less sophisticated Nokia candy bar  styles or non-sliding, non-flipping Blackberries.	Slider Phones  Slider phones can offer the simplistic front screen with a slide out QWERTY keyboard.

Shopping Tips

Whichever style you choose, you'll want to keep some of these basic points in mind when shopping. Be sure, when you have the chance, to compare real phones side-by-side in store. There is a big difference between a floor model and a functioning model. Even better, at some locations you can make a local call to check the sound quality.

• Size, Weight, and Handling
• Big or small, the test of a perfect phone is how it fits in your hand and how it feels.
• Heavy or light? Bulky or so slim you think you'll break it?
• Can you open it and manipulate the keys with one hand?
• Does the phone feel like it's well constructed? Trendy, slim phones look hot, but if a phone isn't built to last, chances are it'll hit the trash can before this season's jeans go out of style. That's not a good thing when you've just signed a two-year contract.
• Check the screen size. Is it big and easy to read? Compare the screens of two models and see which has a clearer picture. You might be surprised at what you see. When in doubt, choose a backlit screen for better viewing in low-light situations.
• Battery
• How long does it take to charge?
• How much talk time do you get and how much is just standby time?
• Does the phone have an optional rapid battery charge?

Cell Phone Features

Now that you've decided what kind of body you want your phone to have, it's time to start looking for features. Most phones come with a few of the basic features, like caller ID, call waiting, voice mail, clock, alarm and a phone book. Here are a few other features that you'll want to consider, from the basic to the high-end. Whichever features speak to you, remember the bottom line: Only pay for those features that you have an immediate use for or that you expect you'll need in the near future. Fun Stuff Games: Fun, but not necessary. You will pay more to have them on your phone, either if they come pre-installed or if you download them via the Internet. Downloading will cost you. Ring Tones: Can you download more if you aren't satisfied with your pre-programmed choices? Can you program your own? It might be a little superficial, but ring tones can give your phone more personality and distinguish them from other phones. Multimedia Options: MP3,  FM radio  and photo/video capabilities  are becoming widely available. Almost all phones have a photo and video feature and most have cameras comparable to stand-alone digital cameras. Remember, sending videos and photos may cost extra money so check with your provider. FM radio might be a selling point for some, but you may also want to check out Satellite Radio instead. Almost any phone you buy now will have MP3 capabilities, if it does not you may want to consider other options. Why carry around an iPod  and a phone when you really only need one device?  Getting Productive Voice Dial/Speed Dial: If you are constantly making calls or have a lot of people you frequently call, voice dial is a great time saver. Text Messaging: Texting is a great way to communicate short messages without spending the time making a phone call.  Speakerphone/Conferencing: Speakerphones act as a hands-free medium and are useful if you need to concentrate on driving or doing other things with your hands while talking on the phone. Email/Internet Access, aka, WAP or microbrowser: This doubles as a fun factor and a productivity factor. You can use the microbrowser for downloading games, ring tones, and even applications, or you can use it for checking the news, stocks or email. Sound Recorder: Instead of carrying around an extra device for voice recording, have it integrated in your phone. It can be useful for making voice memos or to do lists. Keep in mind that the quality is usually pretty basic. Connectivity: Bluetooth  and Infrared  (IR port) are the two most important connectivity features on a phone besides a Web browser. Use the Bluetooth to create instant communication between peripherals and your phone, and link up your PDA via an IR port

Cell Phones for the Kids

Firefly  is a unique little device for youngsters, preferably pre-teens. It is a cell phone, however, its features are more restricted than a phone you would give to a 16 year old. Text messaging is not an included feature and the numbers that the phone is allowed to receive and call are limited to the ones entered in the phone book (20 number limit). Plus, the mini cell phone only has five buttons, making it super simple to use. The LG Migo  is another children's cell phone, created for the Verizon network. It has text messaging and 4 programmable numbers, plus 911. One battery charge supplies about 3 hours of continuous talk time. Please also see this article by Consumer Affairs. It has various links to other sites that discuss the use of cell phones by children and the possible negative effects of using them

Top Picks for Flip Phones

Below are the top-rated products from PhoneRated.

Flip Phone Top Picks
The Motorola VE465  Camera: 1.3-megapixel Talk Time: 220 minutes Memory: 150 MB	Nokia Intrigue  Camera: 2.0-megapixel Talk Time: 270 Minutes Memory: 150 MB	Samsung Axle  Camera: VGAtxt Talk Time: 240 Minutes Memory: 55 MB	Samsung Smooth  Camera: VGA Talk Time: 300 minutes Memory: 64 MB	Samsung Two Step r470  Camera: 1.3-megapixel Talk Time: 180 minutes Memory: 54 MB

Smartphones

Smartphones are the most popular option for most new phones. They offer a level of multi-tasking that was previously unattainable. Key features on any smart phone will include mp3 capabilities, emailing and internet browsing options, full QWERTY keyboards and cameras. Most phones will also have a GPS system. 

Smart Phones
iPhone  The iPhone is one of the most talked about smart phones in the world. When apple released the iPhone in 2007 it was huge news with its touch screen keyboard and single button for turning the phone off and on. However, it was originally missing some key features including GPS programs and a quality camera. Most of the kinks have been worked out now and the iPhone continues to be on the cutting edge of technology. Check out some of the revolutionary apps  for the new iPhone 3GS.	Blackberry  Blackberrys  are known to have great battery life and are some of the oldest smart phones around. Previously known in the business world, Blackberrys have now become a social phone with IM, Facebook and Twitter capability. Just link up all your social networking sites and have comments come straight to your phone!	Palm Pre  The Palm Pre  is making headlines all over the place. In the Sprint store just last week they were entirely sold out. The Palm Pre is a great alternative for those who love the touch screen of the iPhone but aren’t ready to give up the practicality of a keypad. The phones also provide a super chic design and a unique multitasking option.

Related Products

Cell Phone Accessories	Ringtones  and Games	Smartphones	Prepaid Cell Phones

Related Guides

• Cell Phone Cases and Holsters: Once you have a phone add a phone case or holster.
• Cell Phone Covers & Keypads: Here is a great way to customize your phone with a personal touch.
• Smartphones: Here you can find some more information on Smartphones.

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
NL: Mobiele Telefoons Shopgids
DE: Handy