Cell Phone Buying Guide 2009

Here are some tips for buying a cell phone with our nifty guide.

Today, people use their cell phone for more than just calling and texting—these phones are used to surf the web, read their emails and as a GPS. With so many carrier options and handset choices out there, selecting the mobile device and plan that fits your needs may be a complicated task. Don’t pull all your hair yet—let us give you some guidance and ideas on what to consider when buying a cell phone.

Things to Consider…

What You Need

Figure out what you need.  We know, smartphones are too cool to pass up, but do you really need all of the features and capabilities of one? Ask yourself some questions about why you need a phone and what you will be using this phone for. Do I need Internet connectivity? Will I be checking my emails? Will I be travelling with this phone? Etc….

Your Current Carrier

Carrier stores and their websites are often the easiest place to buy a phone. You may be eligible for an upgrade or there may be special store or online promotions going on, so be sure to ask your provider if there are any deals available for you.  Now, some carriers may charge upgrading fees, so also make sure you read the fine print and get the full details on your purchase. Also, if you wanting to switch to another carrier, like AT&T for exclusive iPhone access, check to make sure your current provider doesn’t charge termination or switching fees.

Third Party Retailers

Most electronics retailers provide a variety of cell phones to choose from as well, and sometimes they’re cheaper than the ones found in your carrier store. These phones are often not affiliated with any carriers and can hold some advantages. Stores like Best Buy, Radio Shack and Walmart can offer cheaper handsets, have their own services and rebates, and sell unlocked phones which allow you to change carriers with just the switch of a SIM card. But unfortunately, buying an unlocked phone eliminates you from receiving the carriers sponsored rebates.

Style

This is the fun part of picking out a cell phone. Cell phones and smartphones come in a variety of styles and colors. And yes, flip phones still exist and are a great option for someone who just needs the basic cellular functions of a phone—calling and texting.  Go online and check out your carrier’s site to view some styles and prices. Figure out what cell phone frame and style fits your personality and needs the best. For more style ideas check out our list of the Best Smartphones of 2009.

Features

Depending on the phone, you could have a bounty of fantastic features on your hands, but remember it’s always good to ask questions and read user reviews and ratings before jumping into any purchases. Look into app stores and multimedia options. Here are some features to consider:

• Messaging and email
• Camera and voice recorder
• Memory
• Bluetooth capabilities
• Video, live TV, radio and music streaming capabilities
• Apps and games
• GPS services
• LCD Touchscreen Display
• QWERTY keyboard
• Battery life
• Multitasking/multibrowser capabilities