Purchasing A Cell Phone: Making the Right Choices

Daniel Swensen

Over the past decade, cell phones have gone from expensive status symbols to omnipresent tools for daily living. Once something of a luxury item, cell phones have become inexpensive, reliable, and considerably more sophisticated than their primitive forebears. Because today's wireless devices and carriers are so complex and varied, the amount of information on hand can be a little bewildering to the newcomer. Here, then, are a few basics to get you started.

A Conscious Approach

First, and most importantly, approach cell phone ownership on your own terms. While more and more people are abandoning land lines altogether in favor of cell phones, many others refrain from owning one at all, because they don't want to be constantly available. Others have cell phones provided to them by their workplace, and don't want to feel obligated to carry around (and answer to) a multitude of gadgets.

It's important to remember that a phone is just another electronic device. It won't rule your life if you don't let it. Ringers can be muted, or the phone itself can simply be shut off. Even though it might seem counter-intuitive at first to have a cell phone that isn't always in use, there's no reason to be a slave to your gadgets. Make sure you own your phone, instead of it owning you.

Picking a Carrier

Next, it's important to pick the right carrier. Signing up with the same carrier as your friends and family might save you some money, but there are other factors to be considered. If you travel frequently, roaming charges and coverage can quickly become troublesome. Reliability is also a factor -- not all carriers are equal in terms of customer satisfaction and call quality. Ask around and do your homework before signing up with a wireless carrier, and look for money-saving deals online.

Once you've settled on a carrier, pick a phone that's right for your needs. Cell phones have become increasingly sophisticated and feature-rich, and becoming more so all the time. Many phones come equipped with cameras, music players, games, and loads of other features. If you're looking for only the most basic functionality, then you probably won't need a top-end model phone. On the other hand, you might just get bored during that next long airport layover, or have one of those "wish you had a camera" moments while out with friends.

Generally, a few extra features don't add that much expense, and buying the right phone the first time is usually cheaper than upgrading later. And, if you want to spend the money, the high-end models do look quite attractive.

Loading Up With Accessories

Lastly, once you've picked out a cell phone, consider indulging in a few cell phone accessories. A nice slipcase not only looks attractive, but may end up saving your nice new phone from shattering should you accidentally drop it. A hands-free headset will introduce you to the joys of talking without having to hold the phone up to your face. Buying a car charger can be a worthy investment, especially if you do a lot of traveling (and a lot of talking).

Like cell phones themselves, accessories can make your life a lot more convenient. Pick the right phone and carrier for you, and you may soon find yourself wondering how you survived without one.

Daniel Swensen is a freelance writer who covers websites like [Wirefly] (link: http://www.wirefly.com).

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