Knowing the difference between Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans Will Save You Time and Money

Many people go looking for cell phones without too much emphasis being put on the cell phone plans. Many new users who sign up to the different networks have been sold to rather than choosing the best option the suits them. Research is important. Cell phones & plans can be an expensive commodity.

Types of Cell Phones:

·Camera Cell Phone

·PDA Cell Phone

·GPS Cell Phone

The cell phone itself is not an ongoing expensive. It's a one off purchase that should last in good working order until you want to upgrade. Your own personal tastes and styles should determine what cell phone you want (not the sales assistant behind the desk). Many phones on today's market have a built in camera. The camera phone is by far the most popular phone for it's multifunction use. Not only can you capture that perfect photo you can also send pictures to friends and family or upload to your PC. Many of the camera phones have a zoom in/out option and a rotating lens.

Personal Digital Assistant or PDA cell phones are generally the most expensive of the range. This type of phone has specifications similar to that of the PC. The have their own processor and memory and even have the excellent TFT display. This type of phone is ideal for sales reps or people who like to work from different locations apart from the office. This phone has word processor capabilities.

Global Positioning System or GPS cell phones are proving more and more popular. The newest on the market between the different cell phone types. Many companies who issue company mobile phones especially to sales reps or drivers are diverting to the GPS cell type. The type of phone will give a precise location and whereabouts to the receiver.

Cell phone plans

Cell phone plans are the most important factor when looking to purchase a cell phone for the very first time or changing from one network to another. Before you sign up on a plan you need to ask yourself the following questions:

·Will the phone be used mainly for calling friends or family?

·Is the phone going to be used for business?

·Are you allowed your cell phone on during working hours?

·Will you need your cell for international calls?

·Will you be sending many SMS texts?

It is important to be honest with yourself in answering the above questions, if not you will end up the long-term loser. Remember you will more than likely have to sign a one-year contract with the cell phone carrier, if you think things through now it will only save you money and stress. Do not get taken in from carriers offering you a certain amount of free texts per month. The calls themselves are the expense.

Watch out for the roaming rates

Watch out for the roaming charges. If you intend to travel from state to state or one country to another different carriers have different rates. The can vary dramatically, be warned.

What about the prepaid cell phones?

If you find that you intend using the phone only a minimal amount of time, you should consider a prepaid cell phone. The pre paid option is more expensive per minute during use but it has it's own advantages such as:

·No contract to be signed

·No monthly line rental

·No service fee

·No credit checks

·No deposit required

·No penalties if you decide never to use it again as you have no contract to begin with

Many people think that you cannot get a prepaid cell phone with built in camera. This is incorrect as many carriers are offering the prepaid phones that are camera mounted. Be careful, sending pictures by text with a prepaid cell to friends or family is much more expensive than with a bill phone. With the prepaid option you know exactly what you are spending at all times. Ideal for those who are on a tight budget.

Where do I get credit for my prepaid cell phone?

It's very easy. You can top up your credit in most stores. Just tell the assistant what carrier you are with and how much you need to top up for with credit. Many stores have vending machines where you operate the top up yourself. You can also call your cell phone carriers with your credit card and top up from your own home. Always choose a carrier that has a free toll number. There is nothing more annoying than a carrier charging it's own customers for phone calls.

About the Author
Declan Tobin is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of Cell phone plans which includes Cell prepaid plans, Carriers, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information for all of your phone interests and needs.

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Cell Phone Plans - Choices Abound!

The Future Is Flexible

Gone are the days when the only way you could afford a cell phone was to buy into a lengthy cell phone plan. In those early days, a cell phone plan included a seemingly ironclad contract that lasted a minimum of three years. There simply were no choices. If you wanted a cell phone you had to buy the phone and commit to being tied to a contract; like it or lump it.

Thankfully those days are over and today because of the number of service providers, choices abound! Today's cell phone plans are designed with the consumer and their multitude of choices in mind. The wireless customer can choose an affordable cell phone with many choices and combinations of cell phone plans. That's the good news! There is bad news though, with the large volume of information available today, where does a person start to look and how do they decide what to choose?

Choices, Choices, Choices

That's the reason for this article. My goal is to help guide you through the myriad of choices that are available and to introduce you to the world of prepaid cell phones, family plans and shared plans for multiple cell phones. I'll be giving you some suggestions on how to match the best cell phone plan for you and your lifestyle. I'll also be giving you an idea where to find some ratings and reviews.

There are a few things to consider when making a decision. Once that's done you can look into the various reviews on what's currently available. Some internet sites provide ratings for the cell phone plans they advertise and are always striving to inform the customer about their newest offerings and hottest deals.

Decision Helpers

* Hardware & Software.

* What's Available?

* The prepaid cell phone - Diamonds & Dust.

* Contracts - Bundles of Bargains.

* Companies you can count on.

* What's your style?

Hardware And Software

The Hardware

When it all comes down to it, isn't it all about the phone? This is primarily one of the first of the decision making factors because it determines what kind of phone you'll get. This is especially true when you are looking at what can be a very expensive purchase.

Almost every cell phone company provides the most simple or the most complex cell phones with their prepaid cell phone packages. Companies such as Verizon, Cricket, and Nextel all offer easy consumer friendly "pay as you go" options.

If you chose a contract, there seems to be a formula but some companies have very enticing offers especially if you are changing service providers. The basic rule of thumb seems to be:

1. $50.00 price reduction for a one year contract.

2. $100.00 price reduction for a two year contract.

3. $150.00 price reduction for a three year contract.

As mentioned above some service providers offer up to a 75% discounted price for a top of the line cell phone in exchange for a three year contract. As a particularly good salesman told me "you can always get out of a contract these days, you just have to pay it out". Because the cell phones offered by most service providers are top of the line items from Motorola and Nokia and the contract is so consumer friendly it will be easy for you to stick with a contract for three years.

The Software

The service provider is the most important software factor when choosing between a prepaid cell phone and cell phone plan contract. This is an important issue because even the best phone is only as good as its signal.

Buyers beware however; some service providers' piggyback on top of more established lines. If it's a case of first come; first serve and your service provider piggybacks, you could be the first one off. This results in dropped calls and unreliable air space. Not a good outcome to your purchase. So do your research diligently.

What's Available?

Because it's all about the phone, ask yourself the following questions. What kind of phone do you want? Do you want one that is bare bones or one that has it all? Does the cell phone company or service provider offer a phone that comes with family or shared plans? If you chose a family plan, are both phones equally efficient? Do you want a cell phone that doubles as a palm pilot or camera?

All these questions will determine where you want to look when making your choice between a contract and a prepaid cell phone plan. There may be some features that you can live without. Knowing this upfront will help you determine what is best for you. There are numerous websites that provide ratings and reviews of what is currently available. Surf the web and research Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Nextel, Cricket and Cingular.

The most popular plans these days are shared plans or family plans. Family plans are useful to the small business because each employee can have a cell phone and the company receives just one invoice. This is a good way of keeping track of communication expenses. This applies to a small business but one invoice is a good way to monitor family budgets as well.

Prepaid Cell Phones...Diamonds & Dust

Diamonds

* Prepaid minutes can be less expensive than contract minutes.

* No Credit checks, no hassles!

* No monthly bill, you've paid upfront.

* No service fees.

Dust

* Extras costs more, long distance and roaming fees can be very expensive.

* Not all services are included, you may not be able to surf the web.

* Your phone only works in analog areas (quite common in more remote areas).

* Prepaid minutes can be more expensive on a minute by minute basis. Read the fine print.

Contracts - Bundles Of Bargains

The most attractive feature about cell phone contracts is the bundle concept. There are numerous cell phone plans to make it easy for you to adhere to a contract and get a bundle of great deals. You can get special "add ons" like three way calling and call display. You can purchase a relatively nice cell phone at a reasonable price. As mentioned above contracts are not the iron clad document they used to be. If need be you can get released from them and you do get nicer phones!

Companies You Can Count On

Tried & True

There are so many cell phone companies and service providers these days, who can you, count on? For the best hardware (the phone) and the best software (airtime and air quality), you could choose cell phone companies that have been in the communication business for a long time. Verizon is one of these companies. They have a long standing tradition of superior customer service and product dependability. AT&T is also a long established communications company with impeccable standards.

Up & Coming

There are also some new cell phone companies and service providers who are making a good name for themselves because of the attention to quality as well. Check out new companies such as Nextel (a proud sponsor of NASCAR), T-Mobile, Cingular and Cricket.

There are reviews you can read about the latest and newest technology about all of the above companies so go to each company's websites and check out how their phones rate against each other.

What's Your Style?

Truly today, it is all about you and your unique lifestyle. This is the most important decision making factor of all. You know what you need in a cell phone plan. The key is finding the best one that will serve your needs best. Don't be intimidated or overwhelmed by the number of choices out there. Just keep in mind; it's all about your unique communication needs. Read these two short scenarios. They will help to show you what could be right for you.

Your job takes you all over the world. Your friends have a hard time keeping track of you because you are always on the move. You pay your bills on the internet and phone your family periodically just to let them know you're "OK".

OR

You're still in school and living at home. Your parents want you to keep in touch but you're sick of pay phones. Borrowing your friend's cell phone is getting old but you still need to check in.

The first scenario indicates that a prepaid cell phone would suit your lifestyle well. Make sure you prepay your minutes and avoid those pricey extra airtime costs. Use an international company such as AT&T so that you receive global coverage.

The second scenario indicates that your family needs a shared plan like the family plans currently available. Surf the web and research companies like Verizon and AT&T.

The Bottom Line - Choices Do Abound!

So there you have it, the future is flexible and choices do abound. I hope you have found this article helpful as you make that choice between a prepaid cell phone and a cell phone contract. 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 cellular phone plans including prepaid phone plans, family cell phone plans and shared cellular plans. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.

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Family Cell Phone Plans - Comparison Shopping To Help You Choose The Best Plan

With the myriad of cell phone plans that are available through the various carriers today, it can be a bit of a challenge to muddle through it all, trying to find the best package for your family. Each has their own special set of perks that are offered, in order to entice potential customers to purchase a contract and commit themselves to a particular amount of time with the company. Although you'd be hard-pressed to find a carrier that locks you in for more than two years - those days are gone - you're still committing your patronage for a designated amount of time, and - that being the case - will have a bit of research to do before settling on a specific package. Where do you begin?

Work the Room

One of the best ways to gather information on any product is to solicit the opinions of others who have used it at one time or another. Since cell phones are such a hot commodity today, and everyone who uses one must purchase some type of cell phone plan in order to use it, then there's a lot of information that's available to you in virtually any place where you'll be exposed to others - in other words, everywhere.

Extended Family - Since family members often chat with each other at some point during the day via cell phone, check with other family members who are outside your home to see which plan they use and how well it works for them. Depending upon their circumstances, of course, the plan that they have might not be tailored to the needs of your family, but it's a good starting point.

Friends - Although many folks have a very limited number of extended family members in their immediate area, most have a wide variety of friends from which to gather information. It's in your best interests, therefore, to find out what works best for them. If their families' needs are similar to yours, you can get a gold mine of information that might help you to select the best family cell phone plan from among the many that are offered in your particular area.

Neighbors - If you're the type that doesn't barricade yourself from the neighbors with tall hedges that serve to discourage communication, then you're probably in the position to check with those who are living around you about which local carriers offer good family plans. Since most people today carry this type of device, then the chances are good that you'll come up with something worthwhile.

Co-Workers - One of the main reasons that adults invest in cell phones today is to keep in touch with family members during the time when they're at work or are traveling on work-related business. Therefore, finding a great family cell phone plan is a real priority for them, and you can cash in on the research that they've already done. Keep in mind that their particular carrier may not be available in your area, but chances are good that they are, since most people don't have an overly long commute to and from work each day.

Clubs/Organizations/Extracurricular Activities - Whether you work out at the gym twice each week, attend an art class or belong to a bridge club, you have the potential to meet a large number of people who use cellular phones and can speak to you about their options packages. Keep in mind that learning about what they use is only half of the research - getting information about what plans didn't work for them is the other half. Sometimes, carriers make a product look great but, when put to practical use, it's found to be failing.

Online Community - Lots of information can be found online regarding cell phone service plans, and one of the best ways to find information about specific carriers and their plans is to search for cell phone reviews. These are easily found - by simply typing "cell phone review" into the keyword area of your favorite search engine - and offer the added benefit of being up-to-date and usually fairly specific regarding the assets and liabilities of the packages' particulars.

Compiling the Data

It's important to keep in mind that there are lots of different types of plans that are available, so there's a lot more research to do be done than may be immediately apparent. For instance, the term "cell phone plan" is very generic, since there are various types of service; so when it's time to compare cell phone plans, you'll have to consider each type of service that's offered through each carrier. Among the many things that you'll have to examine are prepaid cell phone plans, "no contract" cell phone plans, "pay as you go" mobile phones and internet phone service. Once you've narrowed it down to the specific type of cell phone service that you prefer, then you'll have to take the particular features into consideration. These may include long distance plans, multiple phone options, "free minutes" packages and mobile-to-mobile options, to name a few.

In order to weave your way through all of the information that you've collected, it's best to list the cellular phone carriers that you've examined, listing each option and its specifics. Once this list has been compiled, then it's time to decide what type of cell phone coverage is necessary in order to meet your particular needs. Through the good old-fashioned process of elimination, most of your work will be done before you make the attempt to contact any of the cellular phone companies. When you get to that point, you might also be surprised by a few specials that are being offered at the time, which will end up saving you even more on your monthly cell phone bill.

Taking the Shortest Route

Since finding a solid cell phone plan for your family can require a good deal of time and effort, you may wish to consider taking a bit of a shortcut when it comes to information gathering. Rather than approaching everyone on an individual basis, for instance, you might think of having a get-together - maybe even a "cell phone party"! - so that you can bring most of your contacts directly to you, rather than seeking each of them out at different times and places. Doing effective research is time-consuming enough, so take the shortest route to your investigative destination and get a good deal of it over with at once.

About the Author

Samantha Goode is a freelance technology writer who loves to provide tips to consumers shopping for pay as you go mobile phones [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/cell-phone-reviews.html], cell phone family plans [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/index.html] and cell phone packages [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/prepaid-cell-phones.html].

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Buying a Cell Phone - Complete Shopping Guide For Plans and Phones

Nothing in the history of human technology has gained as much popularity or necessity as the cell phone other than maybe the personal computer. They allow you to be in contact all of the time anywhere in the world (providing you have reception). You can do more than just talk these days. These phones let you surf the web, play games, text, and even send and read email. Digging through the many service plans and accessories can be a very difficult task for even most veteran users. Read on to learn how to get the perfect service plan and phone for your wireless needs.

Choosing to buy a cell phone and a service plan to match is going to take some research and some work, so do not expect to find your perfect match overnight. Cell phones are no longer just a convenient way to keep in touch audibly, they are a lot more since their first appearance in high tech culture. These days you may find yourself checking your e-mails, sending pictures and text messages, keeping track of your stocks or world news, editing and reading business documents, listening to your favorite MP3 songs, or adding new personal and business contacts via your laptop computer.

When shopping for a phone, your choice of wireless service can alter which type and model you will be using. A wise plan of action is to shop for your carrier first. Finding out the best coverage and monthly pricing plans for your area will make your experience with your phone more enjoyable. Remember, even the best phone will be worth squat to you if you do not have a good carrier. While some accessories will work with many models, most phones will work only with one mobile carrier due to the exclusivity of their networks. Most providers lock their phones so you are less likely to leave their wireless network so remember that the wireless network is your phone's life support.

Smartphones

What is a smartphone? Basically it is a cell phone but with the added capability of running document type applications and comes with a alphabet keyboard style pad, usually it is the Qwerty. Aside from that, the smartphone has more memory and a larger screen for browsing the Internet and sending emails. As far as media goes, a smartphone is also a perfect way to watch movies, video, and listen to MP3s. Most smartphones are now also 3G phones.

3G Phones

3G cellular phones are basically third generation mobile technology phones that allow you to transmit data (Internet) in larger amounts at a much faster rate, 2 megabits to be exact. This is far faster than the original speeds previously available (19 kilobits per second). So if you have documents you need to send to your boss or associates, a large amount of email messages to send, need to surf the web for research, or need to send video or images often then this is the generation of phone you will be wanting to acquire.

While a 3G phone is a great technological advancement, a third generation phone is only going to be as good as the network it is on. As a matter of fact, some areas may not carry 3G services at all, so make sure to ask your dealer if your area can even take advantage of the data speeds.

Sprint, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all claim to carry the same data rates for their select 3G phones. The keyword spoken is "select". Make sure you understand which phones will actually be compatible with the 3G networks and what speeds your actual phone can handle as well. You will want to ask if your phone is compatible with either the EvDO or HSDPA networks, if not, then you may want to seek out another phone that is.

GSM Phones

While there is a wireless standard for the United States, many countries will use additional wireless standards that can cause many problems for any US citizen traveling abroad with their US bought phone. GSM stands for the Global System for Mobile communications. If you plan to travel outside of the United States then you will want to entertain the possibility of owning a Quadband phone. Quadband means your phone runs off of four world frequencies being USA (850 Mhz and 1900 Mhz), Europe, and Asia.

If you plan to travel to rural areas within your own backyard (United States) then look into purchasing a tri-mode phone which can run off of an analog channel and two digital frequencies for additional coverage in in those low coverage areas.

Phone Body Styles

It is becoming where no one person has the same style of phone these days. They have different names such as the candy bar (phones that slide open from either the side, top, or bottom), the swivel (phones that twist to expose the phone functions), and the ever so common clamshell (flip phone). A quick tip to remember when choosing your phone style is that if your phone comes equipped with the keypad exposed on the outside, make sure it has a key lock. You do not want to be calling everyone under the sun while walking with your phone in your pocket.

Style vs. Function

Regardless of the newest trend or fad, make sure the style you choose is one that works for you. Testing the comfort of the phone against your ear is not commonly practiced, but you will find quickly you will have wished you had tested it once your ear gets sore and raw from your various hour long conversations. Also practice answering the phone to see how easy it is for you to operate and see the caller ID, having an easily accessible phone can help reduce unnecessary last minute stress when finding your phone in the first place. Although smartphones will add some bulkiness for talking, their keyboards are necessary for ease of many functions such as typing and web browsing. You may have to sacrifice some talking comfort. If you can find a medium between function and comfort, you may have found your match.

Batteries

Newer phones can give you a lot of talk time compared to the cellular devices of the past. These days a phone can give you up to 4 hours of talk time and up to 14 days if used with a standby function. Remember, not all phones will have this lasting power but more and more are getting this power efficiency added to their battery life. It is important to remember though, that the higher the bandwidth your phone uses, the more battery life can be drained from your phone. Also remember that the more functions you use on your phone, the more battery life you can expect to use as well. Some phones have additional options such as larger capacity batteries for an additional charge, this may be an option you will need.

Phone Screens

Now if you plan to use your phone almost exclusively for phone calls then your screen shouldn't be too much an issue. As long as you can see outgoing and incoming calls, you should be okay. If you plan on utilizing a 3G or higher device a larger screen will be necessary to properly view the web, emails, etc. Make sure you are able to tweak with the back light settings of your phone before you buy it to check it's visibility under different lighting situations.

Touch Screens

While the concept of the touchscreen phone is relatively the same, not all touchscreens function the same. Some screens can register more than one touch activation at one time. This kind of screen is called a multi-touch. A multi-touch screen will let you manipulate an object while it is being touched such as swivel, twist, zoom, drag, etc. Single touch screens register one touch at a time with your finger and while it may seem less zesty, it can also help save you from accidentally doing more than you intended to. A good touchscreen phone should allow you to adjust sensitivity settings that work better with your own personal style, or should we say, personal touch.

Keypads

If you are purchasing a smartphone then you will be running into what is called a Qwerty keyboard. These keyboards have the alphabet on them as well as punctuations to help type out emails and texts more efficiently. Qwerty usually comes as an addition to the dialing pad. Aside from smartphone keypads, make sure your numeric dialing pad is just as easy to use. Smaller buttons can tend to get in the way of each other causing miss dials. If you must sacrifice your dial pad for convenience of size, make sure your phone comes equipped with voice activated dialing. Obviously this will help you make calls easier, not to mention help you comply with local cell phone laws.

Operating Systems

If you are purchasing a smartphone then you will want to understand a little about the operating systems available. Just like your computer has an operating system, so does your phone. Here are the current operating systems: Windows Mobile OS, Palm OS, Symbian OS, Mac OS, Google Android

Palm OS: Good Productivity Software and Easy Learning Curve

Microsoft OS: Microsoft Office and Great Phone Compatibility

Symbian OS: Good Productivity Software but LessUser Friendly

Mac OS: Optional Paid Download Applications

Google Android: Optional Download Applications

Common Cellular Phone Features

Mobile phones come with all types of internal management features such as phone book, calendar, speed dial, call history, voice activated dialing, photo albums, dial pad lock, and more. As well, many phones come equipped with hardwired features such as speaker phone, cameras, and even walkie talkie features. As you can imagine, there are many additional options that you may want or need so pay close attention to features available with the phone you would like to buy and make sure it is going to perform all the tasks you require .

Headsets

If you drive while using your phone or just prefer to not have your phone pressed up against your face throughout the day, a headset will be an accessory you will be wanting to have with yours. In many cases it will come with a headset, but if not you can pick up one for a fair price. Typical headsets are attached to a wire and in the case you don't want wires make sure you get a bluetooth equipped phone for wireless conversations. Most smartphones come bluetooth equipped.

Choosing Your Cell Phone Provider

While many wireless carriers will boast in their commercials of their network reliability, only usage will tell. Ask friends and co-workers which networks they use for their phones and if you still are not sure go with a carrier that gives you a 30 day trial basis. The major carriers with the most vast networks are Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, Nextel, and T-Mobile. It is suggested you go with one of these carriers for the best chance at getting reliable coverage.

Choosing Your Calling Plan

National calling plans are usually the best packaged deal, even if you use your phone locally. Always try to find a plan that offers free roaming, roaming charges can soar if you ever leave your network and many people don't even know when they have so controlling roaming costs can be difficult. If you travel outside the country, international roaming is a package add-on must.

Choosing Your Data Plan

If you plan on using your phone for email and the web then a data plan is something you will want either bundled or added on to your monthly bill. Accessing the Internet without such a plan can run into the hundreds when charged by the minute and at a higher price.

Choosing Your Minutes

Free nights and weekends may have you thinking you need less minutes, but be warned, each carrier has their own definition of what "night time" is. Make sure you know when your calls are free and what time their weekends start and end. Pick a minute plan that goes over what you think you'll use to spare yourself the bill of going over. Minutes go up in price once you max your limit. If the minute plans look to complex because of the amount of minutes, divide them by 60 to get the numerical equal in hours.

Your Contract

The best deals always come with the lengthier contract. 2-3 year contracts usually allow you to get the best calling plan as well as the best phones for less or free. While this may be the route you wish to go, remember that leaving earlier can be very costly when it comes to cancellation fees. If your phone is expensive, make sure to get a warranty and insurance plan for your phone so if anything happens to it, it can be replaced.

Replacing Your Home Phone?

If replacing your home phone then making sure your service will include E911 is going to be vital for obvious safety reasons. Ask your provider and inform them you are replacing you home phone.

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