Cell Phone Buying Guide
from Overstock.comThe cell phone industry is complicated because customers' needs are so complicated. It's sometimes hard to imagine that only 15 years ago, cell phones were rare. At the same time, with so many features and the constant flow of new models, purchasing the right cell phone can be intimidating. Well, cell phone shopping doesn't need to be painful. It can actually be a lot of fun when you're not being pressured by a pushy phone salesman! This cell phone buying guide will give you some useful information so you can purchase the right one on your own.
The cell phone industry is complicated business customers' needs are so complicated. Before you start shopping, determine your priorities; then look for a cell phone with features that meet your needs at a price you can afford.
Cell phone shopping tips
Will this cell phone be your main telephone? If so, you want something durable, with good sound quality and reception. Nothing's worse than having to end a conversation prematurely because of bad reception, especially if you have to do it over and over again. You might want to try a mobile phone with an external antenna for the best reception. Also, signal strength depends on your signal provider, so do your research before purchasing a cell phone plan.
Is the cell phone for business or personal use? PDA cell phones, also called smart phones, are popular for professionals these days. They mix schedulers, e-mail and other office programs into a compact device you can use at home, in the office or on the go. Many smart phones feature QWERTY keyboards -- a smaller version of what you'd find on your laptop. You should also consider the appearance of a phone for business purposes. A sleek black or silver phone might look a little more professional than a bright pink discount cell phone, but then again, that all depends on your type of business.
If you're buying mobile phones for your children or teenagers, you don't want to get cheap cell phones, but you should think twice before getting certain features. Do you want them using their phones to log on to the Internet? You'll be charged for it, usually by the minute or data downloaded, which will cost an arm and a leg if used excessively! Will cell phone games be a distraction during school?
There are so many cell phones available that you shouldn't have any problem finding a good one. If you know what you want, you won't have to spend a lot of time looking.
Common cell phone features
Camera: Camera phones can be quite handy when you happen upon a special moment without a regular digital camera on hand. Most camera phones don't take very high-resolution (usually 1.3 megapixel) pictures, but there are some that top out over 3 megapixels. Some even have small flashes. If you want a camera phone, find out if it comes with the cable and software to connect to your computer, so you don't have to spend extra for a separate program.
Video: Usually, camera phones that play video will also record video. Some non-camera cell phones also play video. Look to see if you can transfer movies from your phone to your computer. Just so you know, it won't be high resolution, but you can't expect that from a compact phone. You won't watch any full-length feature films on a video phone either, but you can download short clips from the web or receive videos from other phones.
Web browsing: Some phones let you connect to the Internet. Most use Wireless Access Protocol (WAP), which allows the phone to connect to pages specifically designed for cell phones. There are some with full browsers, however, that allow you to view regular Web pages.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a technology that allows you to transfer data wirelessly between devices. Wireless cell phone headsets use this technology, and it can also be used to transfer pictures, ringtones and other data between two cell phones or between cell phones and computers.
Games: There are a few phones out there that have been designed with the gamer in mind, allowing you to download games that would compare to those found on a personal gaming system. Most others come with more simple, classic games like "Snake."
Office software: Most cell phones feature some sort of a calendar and alarm. You can set a wake-up alarm or you can make it alert you for your next appointment. Other phones allow you to make notes for each appointment. Some let you create documents that can be transferred to your computer's word processor or spreadsheet.
MP3 player: More and more cell phones are also MP3 players. Check to see if you need special headphones for listening (and if they're included), and pay attention to the phone's memory capacity.
Memory expansion: Some phones (usually video or MP3 player phones) feature memory card slots, so you can save pictures, music or other files on removable flash memory.
Voice dialing: If you absolutely have to use your cell phone while driving, you'll want one with voice dialing. The phone recognizes the contact you speak and places the call, allowing you to keep your eyes where they belong -- on the road.
The right cell phone for the right network
There are two networks used by cell phone companies, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) and Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). For most people, the technical differences between these two cell phone systems aren't important. Just know that both systems transmit sound and data differently, and your phone must be compatible with one or the other, depending on your service.
GSM networksGSM is the most common system worldwide. That means many GSM-compatible phones can be used internationally. GSM phones use a Subscriber Identity Module -- a SIM card -- which stores your subscription information, along with your contacts list, so you can transfer it to another GSM phone.
Even with a SIM card, however, some phones are designed to only work with a specific service provider. Unlocked cell phones, on the other hand, will accept any SIM card. Imagine you are moving to Europe for a couple of months. If you have an unlocked phone, you could subscribe to a new service using the same cell phone you used in the United States.
One more thing: GSM networks operate in four different frequency ranges, depending on the nation, network, etc. If you plan on using your cell phone during international travel, you need to get a tri-band or quad-band phone, which works on multiple frequencies.
CDMA networksCDMA networks are stronger than GSM in rural areas and are widespread across the United States. Those who will only be making calls in the U.S. should consider this type. Like GSM, it allows for cell phone roaming when you leave your service provider's area. For data transfer, CDMA has typically been faster, though both network systems are regularly being improved in this area. Many people also claim that less battery power is used with CDMA phone calls.
CDMA mobile phones don't use a SIM card. They must be activated by your service provider. An equivalent of the SIM card for CDMA networks is being used in some parts of Asia and will eventually make its way to other places, but for now, when you want to upgrade phones, a technician must deactivate your old phone and transfer all of your information to the new one.
U.S. cell phone companies are divided between these networks:
- Alltell: CDMA
- AT&T (formerly Cingular): GSM
- Sprint PCS: CDMA
- T-Mobile: GSM
- Verizon: CDMA
What kind of battery will last longest?
Lithium ion batteries are the best cell phone batteries on the market today. Other types, like nickel cadmium and nickel metal hydride, must be completely drained before being recharged. Otherwise the battery suffers from "memory effect." When the battery isn't completely drained, only part of it needs to be recharged. Over time, the part that never needs to be recharged forgets that it can be, so your cell phone will never have a full power supply. Lithium ion cell phone batteries don't have that problem and can be recharged at any point, whether half empty or half full. Check out Overstock.com's cell phone accessories for lots of great deals on cell phone batteries and cell phone chargers so you never run out of power.
Which phones come with cool ringtones?
Most cellular phones these days come with a small library of ringtones. You can even select different rings to sound when specific contacts call. If you get a phone that features an MP3 player, you can transfer your favorite songs from your computer and choose one as your ringtone. Most of today's cell phones also allow you to download ringtones. If you want to be sure this is an option for you, get a phone that has Web browsing capabilities.
What plan should I get?
This depends on your priorities. If there was one ideal plan, the world wouldn't be constantly bombarded by cell phone commercials and advertisements! As it is, all cell phone companies have their relative strengths and weaknesses. You can get family plans with phones for the whole family, plans designed for business, pay-as-you-go plans -- the options are practically endless. If you want to make things easy on yourself, you can purchase cell phone plans with a phone (or two or three) from one of the main nation-wide carriers through Overstock.com.
Make your cell phone unique
Since practically everybody has one, you need to turn your cell phone into something unique. Overstock.com can help, with lots of colorful cell phone cases and other accessories for less. Whether you get a hard plastic case or a padded leather case, you can protect your phone and make it look cool all at the same time.
"Look, Ma, no hands!"
You need to get some hands-free devices along with your new cell phone. They help you stay safe on the roads and allow for multi-tasking at home or in the office. Overstock.com sells a wide variety of hands-free devices. Choose from lots of cell phone headsets -- get a Bluetooth headset or a wired headset. You can even get Bluetooth car kits for completely hands-free cell phone use while driving. Just say who you want to call and the Bluetooth kit connects to your cell phone, makes the call, and routes the sound through your car's speakers. How's that for convenience?
Expand your possibilities
Check out Overstock.com's electronics store for great deals on everything for your cell phone. You'll find memory cards, pens for your smart phone, travel chargers and all sorts of other nifty gadgets. Then every time your new cell phone rings, you'll remember how much money you saved at Overstock.com. Now that's music to anyone's ears!