Cellular Phone Buying Tips

When you're ready to hit the highway with a new cellular phone whether it be for business or simply for convenience, there are a few things you should consider before buying.

#1: Keep the Service in Mind

The phone you buy will usually work with only one particular service provider, so be sure that the provider is taken into account before choosing the phone. Some phones offer better performance and clearer reception than others, but even the best phones can suffer from poor service. The first step to getting the right phone is choosing the right service provider. Ideally, you want to go with the carrier that has a reputation for providing the best service in your local coverage area, where you'll be making most of your calls.

#2: Be Aware of Talk Time

The slickest-looking phone in the world isn't going to do you much good if it loses its juice too fast. True, battery technology is becoming more advanced, and most phones offer a minimum of two hours of talk time, but you want all the battery life you can get. Though manufacturers' specifications aren't always entirely accurate, they're a good starting point for comparison. If a range is offered - two to three hours, for example - it's best to compare the lower numbers among different phones.

#3: Consider The Ergonomics

Plenty of phones look great. Not all of them feel so terrific after you've had a long conversation on them, however, and some are a challenge to operate. Before you buy, spend as much time as possible handling the phone and navigating its menu system - you might call it a test-drive. Check how it feels against your ear and in your hand.

Also, try to get a sense of whether using the menu - especially the features you're likely to use most - is an intuitive process. Ideally, you should be able to figure things out without opening a manual or needing the help of a salesperson. While kicking the tires, you should also assess the phone's durability. If it's a flip-phone, test the sturdiness of the flip mechanism. The antenna is also subject to scrutiny.

#4: Form over Function

The coolest-looking phones don't always have the coolest features. This is particularly true for some of the compact models; their small screens aren't designed to display lots of content. You'll have to weigh what matters most: size or functionality. When in doubt, get the features you want and need. One must-have feature, for example, is a vibrate alert (instead of ringing, your phone vibrates). Also, if you want to use the phone for Web access and email, start with models that have those features and narrow your choices from there.