CELL PHONE BASICS

Today's Cell Phones Do More Than Make Calls


If you've read our related article about choosing a cell phone plan and carrier, you'll know that the first step when choosing your cell phone is actually choosing a carrier and cell phone plan. Once that's out of the way, you're ready to choose your phone. You can usually get a good deal on cell phones through your service provider. They will often give you rebates on the pricier models, and may even give you the basic cell phone models for free. Your choices include very basic models which make phone calls and perhaps do text messaging, up to the more elaborate, and expensive, models which will take pictures and video clips. The choice of phones is up to you--depending on what you want from your phone--and your pocketbook. The two basic styles--"candy bar" and "flip phone," are available from all manufacturers. Read on for more information.

Cell Phone Manufacturers

The best-known cell phone manufacturers include Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Panasonic, and Toshiba. Here is information on the basic brands and their most popular models:

  • Nokia is the world's largest manufacturer of cell phones. They offer four styles: flip, block (or candy bar), slide, and internet tablet. Available features on some styles include games, camera, video recorder, MP3 player, FM radio, web browser, and more. To buy a Nokia phone without a cell phone plan can cost you upwards of $500 or more, but there are deep discounts available when you sign up for a cell phone plan. For example, the Nokia 6030 would sell for about $100 alone, but with a cell phone plan and rebates, it could cost as little as $0. Well-known carriers who feature Nokia phones include T-Mobile, Cingular, Sprint, and Verizon.
  • Motorola currently offers several of their models for as low as $29 after rebates and with a 2-year contract through Cingular Wireless, T-Mobile and Verizon. Several basic models of Motorola phones are free with rebates and contracts.
  • Samsung is another well known brand. They also offer many models, and best prices come when you sign up and purchase through one of the cell phone carriers. You can get some models free with rebates and plans. Samsung is featured through Cingular, T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint.
  • Sony Ericsson phones are also available through the major cell phone carriers. With rebates and a cell phone plan, you can get an expensive cell phone for nothing.

Cell Phone Features

No longer do cell phones simply make phone calls. There are a host of other features available on your cell phone, including:

Organizer applications: calculators, calendars and alarm clocks are available on most of the basic phones.
Web browser
Text messaging and email
Camera and video recorder
Speakerphone and/or conference calling
Walkie-talkie service
Bluetooth, which has wireless capabilities
Multimedia options such as MP3 player, FM radio, streaming video & audio
Accessories & personalization options.

How to Choose the Phone that's Right For Me

Consider your personal needs when selecting your cell phone. Do you only want to make phone calls, and perhaps basic text messaging? Then a basic model will suit your needs. Comfort and ease of use should also be considered. Hold the phone in your hand and put it up to your ear to see how you like the feel of it. If you have bigger hands, you'll probably be more comfortable with a bigger keypad. Test out the keypad and how comfortable you are with dialing. Consider what features you'll enjoy having with your cell phone. The above section dealt with the features currently available. Decide which ones you'd like to have as you consider your choices. And if you plan on using your cell phone as your primary phone, you'll want one with a good battery life--more than three hours of talk time and five days of standby time is recommended.

In conclusion....

There's a lot to consider when selecting your cell phone, cell phone plan and carrier. But if you do your homework by talking to friends and checking some online sources before signing up, you should find the phone, the plan and carrier best suited to your needs and your pocketbook. Being better informed will allow you to make better choices.

Resource Index

Audio-Video-and-Cameras:
Plasma TV, LCD TV, MP3 Players, TIVO, Satellite TV, Dgitial Cameras, Digital Camcorders, Bose iPod Speakers, Multimedia Projectors, GPS, Blu-ray Disc

Computer and Accessories:
Choosing a Laptop Computer, Computer Memory Upgrade, Copying a Hard Drive, Dual Monitors, Networking Computers, Microsoft Office, PDA's, Cheap Ink/Toner, Color Laser Printers, Multifunction Printers, Scanners, USB Flash Drives, Wireless Printers, Dell computers, Wireless Routers, Wireless G Routers, Wireless N Routers, Laptop Carrying Cases

Computer and Video Games:
Age of Empires III, Battlefield 2

Entertainment:
Online Gambling, Poker, Routlette, Blackjack, Craps and other Online Games, Online Casinos, Movies, Online DVD Rentals, Home Theater Systems , Home Theater Components, HDTV, HDTV Buying Tips, HD Radio, Portable DVD Players, Magazine Subscriptions

Fun-Hobbies:
Tropical Fish, Aquariums, Scrapbooking, Rubber Stamping, Geneology, Geocaching, Soap Making, Candle Making

Legal:
Criminal Defense Attorneys, Tax Attorneys, Lemon Law Protection, Structured Settlements, Investment Fraud, Bankruptcy Attorneys, Personal Injury Attorneys, Family Law

CellPhones-and-Communication
Cell Phones, Cell Phone Carriers, Prepaid Cell Phone Plans, Cell Phone Ringtones, Headsets, VOIP, Cheap Long Distance, iPhone, Blackberry, Bluetooth Technology, SmartPhones

Jobs-Schooling
Online College Degrees, Business Degrees, Home Schooling, Drivers Education, Job Resumes, Online Job Search
Internet:
Cybercrime Prosecution, IE Security, Affordable Web Hosting, Web Hosting, Domain Name Registration, Search Engines, Web Site Design, Internet Mailing Lists, Blogging, Internet Serive Providers, Free Email, Clip Art

Finance and Insurance:
Auto Insurance, Car Insurance Quotes, RV Insurance, General Insurance, Travel Insurance, Business Insurance, Basic Guide to Consolidating Student Loans, Cash Advance Loans, Federal Student Loan Consolidation, Debt Consolidation, Debt Management, Credit Card Debt Consolidation, Free Credit Reports, Home Mortgages, Home Equity Loans, Mortgage Refinancing, Mortgage Rates, Mortgage Companies, Second Mortgages, Mortgage Brokers, Health Insurance, Insurance Quotes, Term life Insurance, Mortgage note buyer, Renter's Insurance, Household Budgeting

Home:
Home improvement, Outdoor Lighting, Kitchen Remodeling, Kitchen Countertops, Espresso Makers, Food Processors, Coffee Makers, Coffee Grinders, Slow Cookers, Popcorn makers, Blenders, Cutting Boards, Refrigerators, Freezers, Washers & Dryers, Bathroom Remodeling, Kitchen & Bathroom Faucets, Bathtubs, House Windows, Closet Organizers, Window Treatments, Hardwood Floors, Carpeting, Home Security, Water Heaters, Water Filters, Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Bamboo Flooring, Portable Air Conditioners, Dehumidifiers, Siding, House Cleaning Services, Home Organization, Vacuum Cleaners, Cannister Vacuum Cleaners, Handcheld Vacuum Cleaners, Upright Vacuum Cleaners, Stick Vacuum Cleaners, Wet-Dry Vacuum Cleaners, Furnaces, Fireplace Inserts, Electric Space Heaters, Pellet Stoves, Wood Stoves, Heat Pumps, Buying a used car



Business-Office-Supplies:
Discount Office Supplies, Home Office, Office Furniture, Copiers, Home Business, Business Cards, Business Brochures, Mailing List Companies, Affiliates, Franchises, Business Telephone Systems, Employment Agencies, Call Centers, Fax Machines
Health and Wellness:
Fioricet for Migraine Relief, Online Pharmacies, Phentermine for dieting, Tramadol for Chronic Pain Relief, Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Lawyers, Acne Treatment, Contact Lenses, Drug Rehabilitation, Cerebral Palsy, Hair Loss, Hair Loss Products, Human Growth Hormones , Diet Pills, Treadmills, Fragrances, Reducing Cholesterol, Diabetes, Obesity, Arthritis, High Blood Pressure, Heart Disease, Acid reflux, Cialis, Understanding Depression, Unraveling Diet Plans, Erectile dysfunction, Lipitor, Sleep Loss, Viagra, Autism, Asperger Syndrome, Living With Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder

Gifts:
Gift Ideas, Corporate Gifts, Gift Cards, Wristwatches, Replica Watches, Sunglasses, Wholesale Jewelry, Jewelry Boxes, Wedding Gifts, Food Gifts, Books, Music, Flowers, Gift Baskets, Candles & Candleholders, Chocolate & Candy

Sports:
Health Clubs, Home Gyms, Treadmills, Golf, Golf Vacations, Golf Schools, Golf Clubs, Fantasy Baseball, Fantasy Basketball

Travel:
Railroad Train Travel, Greyhound Bus Travel, Moving Guide, Rental Cars, Luxury Cruises, Maui Vacation, Spain Travel, Panama Cruise, Mexico Travel, Europe Travel, Disneyland Vacation, Disney World Vacation, Airline Tickets, Las Vegas Vacations, Las Vegas Sights, Las Vegas Entertainment, Las Vegas Dining, Lake Tahoe, Reno Vacations, Grand Canyon Vacation, Alaska Vacation, San Juan Island Vacation, Seattle Vacation, San Francisco Vacation, San Diego Vacation, SeaWorld Vacation, Yellowstone Park Vacation, Los Angeles Vacation, Bed & Breakfasts, Las Cruces New Mexico Vacation, Texas Hill Country Vacation, Columbia River Gorge Vacation, Albuquerque Vacation, New Mexico Vacation, Utah Vacation, Denver Vacation, Carlsbad Caverns, Branson, Missouri, Arizona Vacations, Jackson Wyoming, Skiing Wyoming, Skiing Oregon, Skiing Utah, Skiing Colorado, Skiing California, Skiing Washington State, Skiing Idaho

Yard-and-Garden:
Lawn Care, Patio Furniture, Hot Tubs & Spas, Gazebos, Fences, Decks, Barbeque Grills, Greenhouses, Patios, Sprinkler Systems, Landscape Design, Backyard Ponds, Bird Baths, Hedge Trimmers, String Trimmers, Wheelbarrows and Gardencarts, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Mowers, Lawn Care Tools, Lawn Edgers, Leaf Blowers, Now Blowers, Rakes