Buying A Cell Phone ? Making Smart Choices

Whether you're buying your first cell phone, upgrading to a newer one or contemplating a new cell phone plan, it's a good idea to thoroughly research your purchase. There are a multitude of companies, cell phone plans and rates available. You can pick from family plans, prepaid time cards, and plans tailored to your specific needs. The list, like the beat, goes on. The purpose of this article is to help guide you through the large amount of choices. This article includes some suggestions to help you decide which cell phone and cell phone plan is right for you.

One of the things to consider when looking for a new cell phone is what cell phone accessories you need and want. It's also wise to acquaint yourself with some websites that rate and review cell phones and cell phone accessories. Cell phone companies such as Nokia, Motorola and LG provide easy to use quiz's to help determine what cell phone is right for your busy lifestyle. Because you are busy, I have done a little homework for you and have come up with some ideas to help you make the right choice when buying a new cell phone.

There are a few factors to consider when buying or upgrading your phone. Part of what you want to look for in a cell phone is what rates are available if you are buying more than one phone. Many cell phone companies are currently offering "family plans" which make owning more than one phone very attractive.

The following are some guidelines to consider when researching a cell phone and cell phone plans purchase:

1. Economy

Advances in technology have revolutionized the communications industry. This technology has introduced the world to digital cameras and has also revolutionized the world of cell phones. This technology has enabled a cell phone to act as a camera and in some cases to fit in the palm of your hand. This is why the sky is the limit in the cases of some cell phone prices. You can pay as much as you like for all the internal options that a cell phone is equipped with. To further drive up the cost of your cell phone purchase, there are numerous cell phone accessories that are essential to the safe operation of the unit and some which are simply frills.

If funds are limited but you still need a reasonably good phone and corresponding cell phone plan, there are companies that provide cell phones free of charge with the purchase of a phone plan. These plans were previously called contracts and most of them were fairly long term (at least 3 years). This is no longer the case. Many companies like Verizon, T-Mobile and Nextel will provide a phone for free and won't insist on a lengthy commitment.

Some Options To Consider:

Prepaid Cell Phones ? Are they right for you?
If you are considering a prepaid cell phone, it is a good idea to ask yourself how often will you be using the phone. A prepaid cell phone can be more expensive than a regular monthly rate and contain hidden charges and restrictions. If you need a cell phone simply for occasional use, a prepaid cell phone is probably a good choice.

Family Plans ? You Control who pays the bill.
Many companies are offering "Family Plans". This is making owning a cell phone even more economical. These cell phone plans allow the owner to provide a family member or in the case of small business, an employee, a cell phone. The principal owner of the plan pays for the air-time (at a discounted rate) and long distance. Using a family plan for a small business is a great way to keep track of cell phone expenditures and keeping the telephone budget low.

Cell Phone Accessories ? The costs add up!
When something shows up on the market, you want it?now! In the marketing world, you are known as an "Early Adopter" and Early Adopters always pay more. Communications companies love you! You are ultimately their test market to find out what consumers are willing to pay for the newest features and latest gadgets available as cell phone accessories. There are numerous pages on the World Wide Web of cell phone accessories. Numerous pages; so where to look? Start with Verizon or T-Mobile as they provide stylish phones free of charge. These cell phones come with many accessories included in the start up cost. If economy is an issue with you, stick with the basics. You will only need to buy the following items:

* Handsfree Car Headset
* Battery Charger

It isn't a very sexy list but if economy is important to you then that is really all you need. BUT if economy isn't number one on your list of what to look for in a cell phone, read on.

2. The Latest And Greatest ? Can You Say "E A R L Y A D O P T E R?"

If you want the latest in technology, be prepared to pay for it. A minimum of $200.00 will buy only the most basic of cell phones. In the case of pricing for cell phones and cell phone accessories the sky truly is the limit. Nokia, Motorola, LG, Ericsson and Kyocera provide an established name in cell phone technology and they also provide cutting edge features in their repertoire of cell phone offerings. Check out their web sites for the latest and greatest in cell phone offerings.

3. Style ? Looking Good For A Price

Many companies include face plates as a catchy cell phone accessory. You can wear your heart or your favorite sports team on your sleeve. Motorola, for example carries a cell phone face plate that features a major league hockey team. You can even pick up a purse to carry your cell phone to the most elegant occasions. Check out these "must have" little numbers on the Motorola site or one of the many other sites on the internet selling these aftermarket accessories. If you love color and need to match your cell phone to your Mercedes that is possible too!

Would you like something a little different? A cell mate is the thing to have. This cell phone accessory allows you to dress your cell phone. This item was adopted by Ashley Judd who is reported to have many different plush covers for her cell phones. These items are available from a limited number of cell phone companies and other manufacturers. Type your brand of cellphone and "cell mate" into your favorite search engine to find a unique cover for your cell phone.

4. Reliability ? When You Need Your Cell Phone To Be Dependable

One of the most important features when looking for a cell phone is dependable service. There is no point in having a cell phone and the most up to date cell phone accessories if the phone is not reliable. Some cell phone companies advertise that they provide the best cell phone service but unfortunately this isn't always true. Ensure that you deal with experienced cell phone service providers such as AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

5. Rate Plan Flexibility

Phone plans ? finding what's right for you.
Family plans, call home plans, free included cell phones and prepaid cell phones! There's a multitude of choices but what is right for you? Your lifestyle will indicate what type of phone plan you need. If your cell phone is your main source of communication and half your life is spent on your cell, you need a plan that will guarantee you the most air time for the least amount of money. If you have children and want to give them the opportunity to have a cell phone but want to control the amount of time they use it , a family plan may be the right choice for you. Perhaps you need to call a certain phone number regularly, then a "call home" plan is the choice that serves your needs best. Do your research to find the best fit possible. Gone are the days when you had to fit the cell phone plan; today companies such as Verizon and AT&T make sure that the cell phone plans fits you.

The Choice Is Yours ? The Sky's The Limit

As you can see, there are lots to look for when shopping for a new cell phone. This article covered only a portion of the information available on the World Wide Web and in the Marketplace. I hope you found it helpful in your search for just the right cell phone company for your unique lifestyle. Keep in touch!

© 2005 http://www.cell-phone-n-plans.com

About the Author
Lillian Fuller is a talented and successful freelance writer for hire providing tips and advice for consumers about cell phones, cell phone plans and cellular accessories. Her numerous articles offer valuable insight and informative views on many different topics.

In The News:


Google News
Updated : Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:25:40 GMT

For Mr. Obama - Wall Street Journal

For Mr. Obama
Wall Street Journal - 5 hours ago
The Morning Brief, a look at the day's biggest news, is emailed to subscribers by 7 am every business day. Sign up for the e-mail here.
Democratic convention: A stage and a performance fit for a president guardian.co.uk
'Sixty Seven Days': the Obama 'System' for Beating McCain Worldmeets.us
NPR - KJCT8.com - New York Times - Daily Star - Lebanon
all 2,953 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:34:41 GMT

Obama urges 'new politics for a new time' - Detroit Free Press


Voice of America
Obama urges 'new politics for a new time'
Detroit Free Press - 4 hours ago
BY TODD SPANGLER • FREE PRESS WASHINGTON STAFF • August 29, 2008 DENVER -- Outlining his vision of a resurgent, revitalized nation, Barack Obama entered the pantheon of groundbreaking African Americans on Thursday, accepting the Democratic nomination ...
Dozens gather to hear Democratic nominee's speech Manhattan Mercury
Maryland Democrats Share Excitement Over Obama WJZ
Wall Street Journal - Voice of America - Los Angeles Times - New York Times
all 535 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:14:28 GMT

US not surprised at Georgia's break of ties with Russia - Xinhua


ABC News
US not surprised at Georgia's break of ties with Russia
Xinhua - 1 hour ago
WASHINGTON, Aug. 29 (Xinhua) -- The United States said Friday it was not surprised by Georgia's break of diplomatic ties with Moscow.
Video: UN does have double standards RussiaToday
Russian Markets and Currency Hit by Georgian Conflict Voice of America
The Associated Press - AFP - Aljazeera.net - Times Online
all 6,059 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:59:35 GMT

EPA Waives Clean-Air Gas Limits In La Parishes Before Gustav - CNNMoney.com


Times Online
EPA Waives Clean-Air Gas Limits In La Parishes Before Gustav
CNNMoney.com - 54 minutes ago
To ensure an adequate supply of gasoline if Hurricane Gustav strikes Louisiana , the Environmental Protection Agency has waived some clean-fuel requirements for 16 parishes until Sept.
Video: Gulf Coast Begins Evacuations Ahead of Gustav AssociatedPress
A hurricane again, Gustav plows toward Caymans The Associated Press
Bloomberg - USA Today - Washington Post - BBC News
all 5,680 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 23:31:26 GMT

Integrity Bank Becomes 10th US Failure This Year (Update2) - Bloomberg


NBC13.com
Integrity Bank Becomes 10th US Failure This Year (Update2)
Bloomberg - 2 hours ago
By Alison Vekshin and Ari Levy Aug. 29 (Bloomberg) -- Integrity Bank of Alpharetta, Georgia, was closed by US regulators today, the 10th bank to collapse this year amid a surge in soured real-estate loans stemming from the worst housing slump since the ...
FDIC announces 10th bank failure of the year CNNMoney.com
Regulators Shut Integrity Bancshares In 10th US Bank Failure This Year Wall Street Journal
MarketWatch - Reuters - Bizjournals.com - USA Today
all 239 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:18:34 GMT

Keg Folly: College President Resigns Over Photo - ABC News


ABC News
Keg Folly: College President Resigns Over Photo
ABC News - 2 hours ago
By SARAH NETTER A keg of beer might not be expensive, but a photo of an Iowa college president holding one over a young woman's open mouth cost him his job.
College president resigns over controversial keg photo USA Today
Iowa college president steps down after beer photo The Associated Press
DesMoinesRegister.com - Right Pundits - Times of the Internet - Fort Dodge Messenger
all 218 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 22:24:16 GMT

Boy, 15, dies of injuries to become 4th fatality in Eagle Rock car ... - Los Angeles Times

Boy, 15, dies of injuries to become 4th fatality in Eagle Rock car ...
Los Angeles Times - 3 hours ago
The brother of two sisters who perished in the fiery accident succumbs to multiple injuries at the hospital. A family friend also was killed in the wreck.
4th teen dies after fiery LA car crash San Francisco Chronicle
Teen charged in LA car crash that killed 4 Las Vegas Sun
FOXNews - CBS 2 - San Diego Union Tribune - abc7.com
all 120 news articles

Publ.Date : Fri, 29 Aug 2008 20:48:26 GMT

Rss Feed Reader
Increase Website Traffic


PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts, Websites, and more...

Adsense websites

We Have Compiled a List of Wireless Cell Phones General Cautions and Warnings

For the most part, wireless cell phones are safe. And... Read More

Cellular Phone

Technology advances in cellular phone field.Cellular phone shoppers can find... Read More

Recycling Mobile Phones

Recycle Cell PhonesTechnological advancements providing users with improved reception through... Read More

Calling Cards and Prepaid Phone Cards To Help You Save Money

You can now save quite a bit of money on... Read More

Should Your Teenage Have A Cellular Phone?

The time has come and your teenager has asked for... Read More

Have Some Fun With Cell Phone Games

You're never too old to have some fun. With the... Read More

4 Dazzling Midrange Cell Phones

Your next cell phone can be a stripped down model... Read More

Buying a Business Telephone System

When buying a new telephone system, it's absolutely vital to... Read More

What Are All Those Cell Phone Accessories Used For?

Cell phone accessories would include antennas, batteries, cases, faceplates, holsters,... Read More

Donate Your Old Cellular Phone To Support A Worthy Cause

With new features being added to cellular phones at an... Read More

Limiting Cell Phone Use for Re-Allocation to First Responders

Judging from the 9-11 hearings and many reports by first... Read More

3G Technology

A 'third generation' wireless communications technology having evolved from first... Read More

Cell Phone Batteries, Money Saving Tips

It's hard to imagine what the world did before the... Read More

Samsung SGH-x427m Portable Digital Telephone

Switching cell phone providers allows consumers the opportunity to purchase... Read More

Free Camera With Cell Phone

Free camera with cell phone - excellent deal.Getting a free... Read More

Prepaid Cell Phones ? Are They Right For You

In today's world of communication technology, there's a lot out... Read More

Say Goodbye to Traditional Telephone Lines

Like old, dusty books on the shelves of public libraries,... Read More

Cell Phone in Forests

We are putting cell phone towers in the forests for... Read More

Is That Your Cell Phone Ringing or Mine?

The newest technology is incredible and getting better. The newest... Read More

What SMS Users Are Telling Telcos

The recent rollout of 3G-ready mobile devices has caused a... Read More

GPS Cell Phones

Motivated by the events of 9/11 2001 and problems with... Read More

Toll Free Virtual PBX Systems Level the Playing Field for Small Businesses

Technology, some people fear it, some resist it, and others... Read More

Camera Phones - Are They The Real Deal?

It's no surprise If you've become interested in the new... Read More

Wireless... Are You Connected?

If you look around at any given time in public,... Read More

Cell Phone Accessories - A Guide To Wireless Phone Accessories

Cell phone accessories are a big business on the commodities'... Read More