Whether you’re buying your first cell phone, upgrading to a newer one or
contemplating a new cell phone plan, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research
your purchase. There are a multitude of companies, cell phone plans and
rates available. You can pick from family plans, prepaid time cards, and
plans tailored to your specific needs. The list, like the beat, goes on. The
purpose of this article is to help guide you through the large amount of
choices. This article includes some suggestions to help you decide which
cell phone and cell phone plan is right for you.
One of the things to consider when looking for a new cell phone is what
cell phone accessories you need and want. It’s also wise to acquaint
yourself with some websites that rate and review cell phones and cell phone
accessories. Cell phone companies such as Nokia, Motorola and LG provide
easy to use quiz’s to help determine what cell phone is right for your busy
lifestyle. Because you are busy, I have done a little homework for you and
have come up with some ideas to help you make the right choice when buying a
new cell phone.
There are a few factors to consider when buying or upgrading your phone.
Part of what you want to look for in a cell phone is what rates are
available if you are buying more than one phone. Many cell phone companies
are currently offering “family plans” which make owning more than one phone
very attractive.
The following are some guidelines to consider when researching a cell
phone and cell phone plans purchase:
1. Economy
Advances in technology have revolutionized the communications industry.
This technology has introduced the world to digital cameras and has also
revolutionized the world of cell phones. This technology has enabled a cell
phone to act as a camera and in some cases to fit in the palm of your hand.
This is why the sky is the limit in the cases of some cell phone prices. You
can pay as much as you like for all the internal options that a cell phone
is equipped with. To further drive up the cost of your cell phone purchase,
there are numerous cell phone accessories that are essential to the safe
operation of the unit and some which are simply frills.
If funds are limited but you still need a reasonably good phone and
corresponding cell phone plan, there are companies that provide cell phones
free of charge with the purchase of a phone plan. These plans were
previously called contracts and most of them were fairly long term (at least
3 years). This is no longer the case. Many companies like Verizon, T-Mobile
and Nextel will provide a phone for free and won’t insist on a lengthy
commitment.
Some Options To Consider:
Prepaid Cell Phones – Are they right for you?
If you are considering a prepaid cell phone, it is a good idea to ask
yourself how often will you be using the phone. A prepaid cell phone can be
more expensive than a regular monthly rate and contain hidden charges and
restrictions. If you need a cell phone simply for occasional use, a prepaid
cell phone is probably a good choice.
Family Plans – You Control who pays the bill.
Many companies are offering “Family Plans”. This is making owning a cell
phone even more economical. These cell phone plans allow the owner to
provide a family member or in the case of small business, an employee, a
cell phone. The principal owner of the plan pays for the air-time (at a
discounted rate) and long distance. Using a family plan for a small business
is a great way to keep track of cell phone expenditures and keeping the
telephone budget low.
Cell Phone Accessories – The costs add up!
When something shows up on the market, you want it…now! In the marketing
world, you are known as an “Early Adopter” and Early Adopters always pay
more. Communications companies love you! You are ultimately their test
market to find out what consumers are willing to pay for the newest features
and latest gadgets available as cell phone accessories. There are numerous
pages on the World Wide Web of cell phone accessories. Numerous pages; so
where to look? Start with Verizon or T-Mobile as they provide stylish phones
free of charge. These cell phones come with many accessories included in the
start up cost. If economy is an issue with you, stick with the basics. You
will only need to buy the following items:
* Handsfree Car Headset
* Battery Charger
It isn’t a very sexy list but if economy is important to you then that is
really all you need. BUT if economy isn’t number one on your list of what to
look for in a cell phone, read on.
2. The Latest And Greatest – Can You Say “E A R L Y A D O P T E R?”
If you want the latest in technology, be prepared to pay for it. A
minimum of $200.00 will buy only the most basic of cell phones. In the case
of pricing for cell phones and cell phone accessories the sky truly is the
limit. Nokia, Motorola, LG, Ericsson and Kyocera provide an established name
in cell phone technology and they also provide cutting edge features in
their repertoire of cell phone offerings. Check out their web sites for the
latest and greatest in cell phone offerings.
3. Style – Looking Good For A Price
Many companies include face plates as a catchy cell phone accessory. You
can wear your heart or your favorite sports team on your sleeve. Motorola,
for example carries a cell phone face plate that features a major league
hockey team. You can even pick up a purse to carry your cell phone to the
most elegant occasions. Check out these “must have” little numbers on the
Motorola site or one of the many other sites on the internet selling these
aftermarket accessories. If you love color and need to match your cell phone
to your Mercedes that is possible too!
Would you like something a little different? A cell mate is the thing to
have. This cell phone accessory allows you to dress your cell phone. This
item was adopted by Ashley Judd who is reported to have many different plush
covers for her cell phones. These items are available from a limited number
of cell phone companies and other manufacturers. Type your brand of
cellphone and “cell mate” into your favorite search engine to find a unique
cover for your cell phone.
4. Reliability – When You Need Your Cell Phone To Be Dependable
One of the most important features when looking for a cell phone is
dependable service. There is no point in having a cell phone and the most up
to date cell phone accessories if the phone is not reliable. Some cell phone
companies advertise that they provide the best cell phone service but
unfortunately this isn’t always true. Ensure that you deal with experienced
cell phone service providers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.
5. Rate Plan Flexibility
Phone plans – finding what’s right for you.
Family plans, call home plans, free included cell phones and prepaid cell
phones! There’s a multitude of choices but what is right for you? Your
lifestyle will indicate what type of phone plan you need. If your cell phone
is your main source of communication and half your life is spent on your
cell, you need a plan that will guarantee you the most air time for the
least amount of money. If you have children and want to give them the
opportunity to have a cell phone but want to control the amount of time they
use it , a family plan may be the right choice for you. Perhaps you need to
call a certain phone number regularly, then a “call home” plan is the choice
that serves your needs best. Do your research to find the best fit possible.
Gone are the days when you had to fit the cell phone plan; today companies
such as Verizon and AT&T make sure that the cell phone plans fits you.
The Choice Is Yours – The Sky’s The Limit
As you can see, there are lots to look for when shopping for a new cell
phone. This article covered only a portion of the information available on
the World Wide Web and in the Marketplace. I hope you found it helpful in
your search for just the right cell phone company for your unique lifestyle.
Keep in touch!
© 2005
http://www.cell-phone-n-plans.com
About the Author
Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire
providing tips and advice for consumers about
cell phones,
cell phone plans and cellular accessories. Her numerous articles offer
valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/
|
