Choosing the Perfect Cell Phone
When you set out to purchase a cell phone, be prepared to make a lot of decisions. Once you have determined what kind of plan suits you, you will need to choose a phone and you will find that this opens up a myriad of choices. Understanding the styles, functions, and features that are available is the first step in picking out the perfect phone for all of your individualized needs.The first step to picking out a cell phone is deciding what style suits you best. There are three basic cell phone styles available, the candy bar style, flip phones, and sliders. Which style you pick depends on what style features are important to you.
Styles
Candy bar phones are the most similar in look to a cordless land line phone. They are the largest style of cell phones, making them comfortable to hold and talk with. The dial pad is exposed on the front of the candy bar phone, making it easy to access when you are in a hurry. The exposed keypad does create a few minor difficulties. Because the buttons are so easily accessed it is possible to accidentally dial a number when you put the phone in your purse or pocket. The easily accessed buttons are a plus if you plan to use your phone quite often while driving. There are many fun plastic faceplates and cloth covers that are made to fit a candy bar phone, so you can change the color and look of your phone on a whim.
Flip phones are very popular because they fold in half to create a compact phone. This makes them easy to transport in a pocket or purse without fear of dialing any numbers. The flip feature also protects the phone’s screen. The flip phone is very light weight and when opened it tends to be smaller than the candy bar phone. Some people like how light it is, but when you are talking, if you prefer a phone that is closer in size to the landline phones you are familiar with, you probably won’t want a flip phone. You can by leather covers for your flip phone to protect the phone from scratches and alter the look of it. Adding a cover will increase the bulk of the phone.Slider phones are the thinnest phones available.
Slider phones do just what the name implies, they slide. You simply slide the top of the phone up to expose the keypad and when you are finished talking you slide it back down. They are extremely lightweight, making them easy to carry and store in small places. Because they are so small, they don’t feel like a traditional phone when you hold them up to your ear.
Functions
Most cell phones come with several standard functions such as a phone directory you can personalize, clock, calculator, automatic redial, last number recall, and customizable ring tones for incoming calls. You can also choose from an array of upgraded functions.
Before you set out to purchase a cell phone, decide what functions you will actually use and don’t pay more for a phone that has functions you don’t need. It is silly to pay for options that you won’t use.
Some of the extra functions available include games, storage of incoming numbers, calendar and appointment reminder, mute button, customizable sounds, lock, alarm, silent mode that vibrates, voice activated controls, volume control, speed dialing, speakerphone, car adapter, and even a rapid charger or a built in charger.
Some phones also offer the ability to forward calls or participate in three-way calling, but if your cellular plan doesn’t include these features, you will be paying for a service you can’t actually use.
Features
Most cell phone manufacturers also offer a selection of additional special features. These features can only be used if your cellular service plan supports them, meaning you are usually paying extra on your bill each month to use these features. If the cellular plan that you choose doesn’t include any extra special features, you really shouldn’t pay the extra expense to buy a phone that includes these features. You will only be paying for options that you won’t be able to use.
Special features available on some cell phones include text messaging, wireless internet, PC synchronization, PDA, MP3 Player, and GPS receiver. Each of these features will add to the price of your phone and your cellular service plan but they can also be extremely fun and useful.
Text messaging allows you to type in short messages and send them to other cell people’s cell phones without actually talking to the person. Text messaging a message to a friend will save your minutes, but you might be charged for each text you send. Most plans do offer you a certain amount of free texts per month, so if it saves you a few of your precious minutes, text messaging can be useful.
Many service plans now offer wireless internet, meaning that you can check your e-mail from your cell phone. If you combine this feature with a phone that also includes a camera, you can take pictures and e-mail them to your friends’ computers. If you buy a phone that offers PC synchronization you will have up-to-date, on-the-go access to the photos, music, videos, documents, contacts, files, and calendars that are on your home computer. You will also be able to send files from your phone back to your PC.
A PDA, which stands for personal digital assistant is an electronic device that allows you to organize your calendar, schedule, and appointments. When you buy a cell phone with a PDA included, it cuts down on the devices that you have to carry.
Cell phones can also act as MP3 players, allowing you to download music into your phone to play back any time. When you consider the cost of an MP3 player, paying a little more for a phone that includes this feature is going to actually save you money.
The Global Positioning System (GPS) is a satellite-based navigation system that can actually keep you from getting lost. A GPS enabled phone can give you turn by turn directions to any location of your choosing.
When you set out to buy a cell phone, you will have a lot of options before you. When you know what style will best suit you, and when you understand the features and functions your cellular plan will support, choosing the perfect phone for your lifestyle is easy.