Best Cell Phones - Cell Phone Shopping 101

Before the advent of cell phones, communications may not have been as convenient, but life was definitely less complex. Since their introduction into society, the design, features and package plans have evolved to the degree that we now have to do research on cost comparisons and option customization, as well as peruse technical manuals in order to learn how to operate these gizmos before we can ever hit that "send" button. Simply put, we need to find the best cell phone for meeting our needs, and it's going to take a good deal of time to do so...or maybe not.

In the interest of cutting through a lot of the red tape when it comes to isolating the different types of cell phones that are available to consumers today, let's take a look at some of the more popular brands on the current market:

Verizon Wireless

Among the many types of cell phones that Verizon offers, there are myriads of features to be considered when shopping for the phone that's right for you - or your loved ones, if you're planning to surprise someone with the gift of communication.

Motorola - While each particular model offers its own set of standard features and options, some of the perks that you can expect to find include two-way text messaging, wireless internet readiness, speed dialing, one-touch emergency access, vibrating option, dozen of ringer options, 500-entry phone book and SMS messaging.


Nokia - On most models, you'll find standard features such as color display, various timer types, SMS messaging, two-way text messaging, vibrating option, internet wireless readiness and about a dozen more ringer options than that of the Motorola line. In addition, special features may include an alarm, voice dialing, memo recorder, built-in stopwatch/calculator/scheduler, games and custom graphics for screen savers and wallpaper.


Samsung - This company offers a rather advanced line of cell phones, some of which include options such as Microsoft Windows technology, audio/video color clips, an expansion slot, voice notes, voice recognition, full-color screen, downloadable games, speaker phone, built-in digital camera and the ability to work on documents, spreadsheets and other types of Microsoft applications - all of these are in addition to the standard features that most other companies offer, such as SMS messaging, wireless internet readiness, two-way text messaging, etc.

Cingular Wireless

This company, too, offers a wide variety of cell phones from different manufacturers, each with its own set of standard and special features. The defining factor for choosing Verizon, Cingular or some other type of company over another is often the pricing structure and how much you actually get for your money.



Sony - Some of the highlights that you can expect from this manufacturer include a x4 zoom digital camera, video camera, PC synchronization, instant messaging, wireless multi-player gaming, modem capability, e-mail, picture caller ID, hands-free dialing, multiple language capability, voice memo, to-do list, mobile web browsing, streaming multimedia viewing capability, customizable faceplates, graphics, themes and a great deal more.


Blackberry - This specialized line of cell phones offers a comprehensive package for those who need something more than just a phone. In addition to the basic cell phone functions, this line also offers features which include e-mail that offers up to 10 separate personal or business accounts, Bluetooth wireless technology, high-speed downloads, Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDF), backlit QWERY keyboard, icon menu, attachment viewing capability, full PC synchronization, wireless modem, customizable graphics/themes, mobile web browsing and lots more.


Audiovox - Advertised as one of the thinnest and lightest cell phones on the market, the products in this line offer Class 2 Bluetooth wireless technology, high-speed data downloads, Windows Media Player, expandable miniSD memory slot, Windows operating system, digital camera, MP3 player, video capture, infrared port, voice-driven menus, games, polyphonic ring tones, instant messaging, mobile web browsing, predictive text entry, phone book with multiple numbers per name, 175 x 220 pixel color display, hands-free dialing with up to 50 customizable voice tags, modem, four-day standby capacity and a multitude of other features that make this device more like a floating office than just a cell phone.

Siemens Mobile

Siemens offers a couple of different lines of cell phones, including their mobile phone and their next generation products. While these tend to change with the progression of time, since they're specific to particular models, there are some outstanding features that are offered within both of these two lines.

Mobile Phones - Of the many mobile phone models that are currently available through Siemens, some of the features that you'll find include a built-in video/digital camera, instant e-mail access, full-size keyboard capability, Bluetooth technology, comprehensive business features, robust packaging (similar to a rugged laptop), phone pilots, downloads, 3D games, icon menus - and even a special outdoor model for emergency workers that has sirens, flashing lights and special rescue features. These and dozens of other features are available on the various models in the Siemens mobile phone line.


Next Generation Phones - With their sleek design and attractive packaging, the phones in this line offer a lot in the way of cell phone convenience, including features such as comprehensive multimedia functionality, full line of state-of-the-art entertainment options, virtual assistant, Bluetooth portable car set with wireless telephony technology, music and video downloads, rugged packaging for outdoor use and built-in translators (accommodating languages such as English, Portuguese, Italian, German, Spanish and French), push-and-talk capability (similar to the "walkie-talkie" concept), as well as stunning new designer packaging that targets the business community, young adults, women and much more.

Finding the best cell phone may be a bit complex, but most manufacturers offer enough in the way of available options to provide something for everyone - no matter what their needs are. Whether you're looking for a cheap cell phone, designer cell phone, rugged cell phone or one that performs most of your daily on-the-job functions, these can be found through local communications merchants, as well as through online major search engines. In addition to cell phone comparisons, you'll also find cellular phone plans, wireless phone plans and cell phone ratings through online research, allowing you to find that "best" cell phone - whatever it happens to be.

About The Author: Samantha Goode is a freelance technology writer who loves to provide tips to consumers shopping for cellular phones [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/index.html], cell phone plans [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/cell-phone-plans.html], and cell phone accessories [http://www.a1-cell-phones.com/cell-phone-accessories.html].

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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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