Cell Phones and Services Buying Guide
If you thought choosing your last cell phone was hard, just wait until next time. Not only are the plans confusing, but phones
are more complex. Digital cameras, MP3 players and GPS receivers are now common and each new feature seems to bring new costs.
This guide can help.
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Getting started
Service providers determine which phone models work on their networks. So when you're replacing your phone, use this cell phone guide to help you decide whether you'll stay with your cellular service carrier or switch to a new one. Major carriers rely heavily on two incompatible digital networks. Sprint and Verizon networks use Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) technology, while AT&T and T-Mobile use Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) technology. All of these carriers also support 3G networks. The network plays a big part in the capabilities your phone will have and, to some extent, its performance.
When you're ready to buy a phone, you'll first have to decide which of the two types, conventional cell or smart, meets your needs and budget. Choose a conventional model if you mainly need voice and text-messaging capability, and perhaps a music player and camera. Smart phones, with their advanced operating systems, larger displays, QWERTY keyboards, and other PDA-like features, are a better choice for people who need frequent access to multiple e-mail accounts, a sophisticated organizer for appointments and contacts, to open Office documents, and Internet-based services.
Useful features such as support for wireless Bluetooth headsets, GPS navigation, and high-speed data access can greatly enhance user satisfaction.
