It's a Package Deal - Your Cell Phone and Plan
It's all about the phone, right? well almost - the best cell phone money can buy is only as good as the signal, isn't it? So to choose the proper cell phone also includes the service that goes with it.
Let's take a look at both sides of the puzzle - the right phone AND the right carrier.
First the Phone
Ask yourself a couple of questions:
- What kind of phone do you want?
- What do you want your phone to do? (Camera, Video, Multimedia, SmartPhone...)
One common mistake that cost cell customers the most money is over-buying. They purchase more than they need many times over. For example, I am a business owner that works entirely out of my home. I love the Blackberry Pearl in Pink, but for me it is not cost effective to purchase because my laptop serves my Internet needs, and the VoIP phone serves my telephone needs. My husband has his cell when we travel - so you see, my purchasing a Blackberry would be considered over-buying.
The bottom line is that your own lifestyle should be the #1 factor in choosing your cell phone. If you are a world traveler, you'll want a "G" Phone, or World Phone, like the Blackberry World. If you are a busy mon, you may want the "Family Plan" with extras phones for the kids. And if you are that mobile exec, you might well need one of those Smart Phones that does everything except raise your kids! (I will be jealous!)
Most quality phone are equipped with a basic camera now, so that's a gift that wasn't always cheap. Beyond that consider these factors:
- Do you need BlueTooth hand-free headset and voice dialing? (if you drive and talk, do us all a favor and say yes!)
- Do you need text messaging? Extra text messaging? (Teenager parents beware!)
- How many feature can you live WITHOUT?!
>Also consider style: Flip, slide, color, size, and brand name. All personal preference you choose. One word of caution with the style - manufacturers now make kids-specific and even senior-specific style phones. These are great for first (and last) cell phones with bigger number pads, auto-features, and design that fits the hand better. Check out the "Firefly Kids phone!.