Helpful hints on finding the right mobile phone for you
Choosing a mobile phone is more than a matter of picking the latest phone with the best bells and whistles. The way you will use it--as well as your individual lifestyle--will help you decide which is the best mobile phone option for you.
Ringing In A New Generation of Mobile Phones
Once upon a time, the telephone was simply a device used to make a phone call from one person to another. Nowadays it is a pocket-sized camera, a portable computer, a personal organizer, even a mini-television. Today’s mobile phone packages offer everything from text messaging and conference calling to navigation and global positioning systems. They even play music. It seems that the days of simply calling a friend are a thing of the past.
Call Me…Confused.
Turn on the television or the radio and you will likely get bombarded with tantalizing appeals to switch your cell phone service. Whether you end up with AT&T, T-Mobile, Nextel, Sprint, or Verizon, there seems to be new entries every day into the cell phone market. What’s more, each one seems to boast a wider network, cheaper mobile phone rates, and a dizzying array of gizmos and gadgets. So how do you choose the mobile phone package that is right for you? And what if you are just not ready to make the pledge to any one service? There’s even a solution for commitment-phobes: cellular phone rentals.
Between the hottest mobile phone ringtone and the latest bell and whistle, it’s hard to decide which mobile phone package to go with. Start by asking yourself a few important questions.
Ten Important Things To Ask Yourself Before You Buy A New Mobile Phone:
- Is the phone just for you—or will you need a package that offers a family friendly plan? Some plans offer special rates for shared minutes and in-network calling.
- How many telephones will you need to purchase? Many mobile phone providers offer great deals (even free phones) when you are purchasing more than one at a time.
- Are you a big fan of cell phone technology? If can you live without a phone that can sing a lullaby in seven different languages a more basic mobile phone package might be for you.
- Do you ever use text messaging? If not, you may not have to sign up (i.e., pay) for this service.
- Is having a camera in your telephone important to you? Is it necessary? If you can remember to keep your little digital camera on hand for those important moments you might save a few bucks if you purchase a basic phone without camera capabilities. That said, many of today’s newer phones have this feature anyway, so just be aware of your options.
- Do you want to know where your twelve-year old is at all times? For example, do you want to make sure she’s actually studying at Susie’s house and not out shopping at the mall? According to the Washington Post, mobile phone provider Sprint offers a clever GPS tool for protective parents who want to stay “in the know.” You can also find the GPS capability in certain phones offered by Wherifone, Kyocera, Samsung, Motorola, and Verizon.
- How important is the hottest mobile phone ringtone to your quality of life? Do you need a mobile phone with the ability to easily download a new ringtones?
- Do you need a discreet (and possibly temporary) cell phone? If so, a cellular phone rental is a good bet for you.
- What are you looking to spend per month for your mobile phone package? If you are on a budget, there are always new deals and promotions from most top mobile phone providers. A little surfing on the internet should help you narrow down your options in a jiffy.
- Have you researched the mobile phone rates from each of the providers? The internet is a great place to find quick comparisons.
It’s Your Call
Once you have answered these ten questions, you should have significantly narrowed down what you really want—and need--in your new mobile phone. After a little comparison shopping, you should be well on your way to making a truly informed decision.
