Shopping for the Best Mobile Phone

By Gary Tooth

It’s official! The mobile phone has become a fashion accessory whether we like it or not. Despite the fact that most folks only use their cell phone to make calls and send text messages, many still opt for the all singing all dancing high prided models for no other reason than they’re ‘in’. They’re the latest talking point and the envy
of all your friends. On top of all that, they look good.

The cosmetic appearance of the modern mobile has become a designer’s nightmare, as they all compete to bring out the best shape, colours and designs. Phone companies are on a runaway train and if they dare to stop off along the way, they run the risk of losing their market share to their nearest rivals.

So, when looking for the best mobile phone, even if you like to sport the best and latest models, there are a few useful pointers to consider before making your next purchase.

First, remember that the latest model is replaced after about six months. This means, if you like it now, you’ll probably still like it when it’s been around a while and this is the perfect time to buy, as the prices can literally plummet.

Some models look the same yet one has more features than the other. You need to ask yourself if you really need those additional features. If the answer is no, then you could save some more.

What the clever mobile phone buyer tries to do is get a good design that has enough features, and adequate performance to suit their individual needs.

Before you go shopping for the best mobile phone, write down what it is you use it for. If you’ve owned a mobile previously, this should be an easy task. When you know exactly which phone features you will make use of and which you won’t, you will be able to make an informed decision with you next purchase and won’t be influenced by the sales patter of the commission driven store rep.

My favorite way to buy a new mobile these days is to go online and shop. No stress, no hard sell and lots of reviews to look through. The purchase can then be made online or you can dash down to your local store to by your best mobile phone from there.

Gary Tooth is a proficient writer and webmaster for Modish Phones dot com where he writes on issues such as the pre paid cell phone, cell phone plans and Pay As You Go Phones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

CELL PHONE CONTRACTS INS AND OUTS

By Ian Major

Cell Phone Contracts In General
A cell phone contract is an agreement between the buyer and the wireless service provider. Usually it is of one or two years of duration, during which a consumer is legally bound to remain with the wireless service provider. A prepaid contract does not need a contract term, but then discounts are also not offered. Cell phone contracts specify the service plan that the consumer has chosen.

The Top Names In Cell Phone Contracts
Some cell phone companies, including Cingular and T-Mobile, let the subscriber roam the world with the same phone for a fee. National plans give the facility of roaming
within the nation, from state to state without any extra charges.

Some carriers also include Canada in their coverage areas besides the local area. Regional plans are valid only for tri-state areas and they give more talk time and save money.

Simplify Billing for Your Household
Family plans allow splitting minutes between two or more lines thereby becoming a popular plan in households, where cell phones are replacing landlines.

Cell Phone Trials And Discounts
Carriers generally give a trial period before enforcing the contract term. Almost all carriers give at least 14 days whereas Cingular gives 30 days of trial period. A 1-year cell phone contract has a shorter commitment period, which may prove to be beneficial if the phone needs repairs, or is lost. In addition, since the period is short, one may avail of new discounts that come up with their new contract. After the term of 1-year ends, the phone can be kept without any contract and no penalty is charged for not renewing. However, in a 1-year contract, the activation fee and/or the phone may not be cheap. Certain discounts and promotional offers cannot be availed of as in a 2-year period.

Watch For Activation Fees In Cell Phone Contracts
In a 2-year cell phone contract, the activation fee and/or the phone may not be expensive. Huge discounts on the phone may be availed. Special promotions may be availed.

However, the phone is kept for a longer duration and hence, more money may be spent on repairing, insuring, or replacing. The opportunity to buy a new phone reduces, and thus may not be eligible to switch carriers. It is always advisable to read the fine print on the contract form. Expensive phones may also opt for phone replacement insurance plans; however, due to the costs of such plans, few subscribe to these plans.

Pre Paid Gets Rid Of Cell Phone Contracts
Pre-Paid or No Contract phones are not available with all cell phone companies. They are attractive as they require no commitment, you can get them even if you have bad credit, and there is no penalty whatsoever for switching companies or stopping the use of your cell phone. However, call charges may be more expensive, and no promotional discounts etc., may be availed of.

Penalties Included In Cell Phone Contracts
After the trial period of 14 or 30 days is over, when the phone is bought, the penalty for breaking the contract can range from $150 to $600, depending on where the phone was bought. Before the contract finishes, if a new phone is to be bought, then some companies give a customer loyalty discount, which in effect extends the contract. This may prove to be expensive when compared to buying a new phone with a good discount. Cell phones generally last for 19 months and phone batteries for a year.

Ian D. Major is the editor of Cell Phone Search
Visit the site, www.cell-phone-search.info, for the latest information on cell phones, cell phone contracts and cell phone accessories.
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

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