How to Choose a Cellular Phone

By eHow Electronics Editor

Choose a Cellular Phone

Rate: (6 Ratings)

Can't bear to be away from the receiver for a single second? Join the legions just like you and get a cell phone.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Cellular Phones

Step1

Estimate how many calls per week you'll make on your cell phone and how many minutes you'll spend talking.

Step2

Determine how much you're willing to pay for your cell phone and for the monthly service.

Step3

Decide which features are important to you: size and weight, color options, number storage, messaging, customized settings, fax capabilities and Caller Line Identification (CLI), which displays the phone number of an incoming call. Prioritize these features, since some of them might not fit your budget.

Step4

Take accessories into account. You'll probably need an AC adapter for charging the phone, and you might also want a car adapter, a carrying case, or fun goodies such as removable colored faceplates.

Step5

Consult consumer reports in magazines, newspapers, the Web and other news media for opinions on different phones and providers.

Step6

Decide on a cell phone service provider in concert with your phone decision, since certain plans require the use of specific phones. (See the Related eHow "How to Choose a Cellular Phone Service Provider.")

Tips & Warnings

It is often helpful to purchase a cell phone and choose a service provider simultaneously. Sometimes service providers offer free phones or great deals on phones when you sign up for a plan.
Review the terms of the contract to see if there are early-cancellation fees.

Who Can Help:

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Comments

zendoo said

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Anonymous said

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on 8/12/2006 Check out the coverage maps for prepaid vs. monthly plans. In most cases currently, prepaid phones have less coverage than monthly plans. You would think that coverage would be the same whether you use prepaid or monthly. Coverage maps are available on the carriers website.

Anonymous said

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on 6/30/2006 A very important thing to check out before you buy a cell phone is your town/city zoning regulations. Many towns do not allow cell phone towers and, as such, your cell phone will not get service. I, myself, cannot get service until I'm about 10 miles outside of town, closer to the city. It's a waste of money you pay out for your carrier bill each month.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 In my opinion, you should only use cell phones in emergencies. Studies have shown that Radio Frequency energy (RF) damages your brain. US health professionals have been discouraging cell phone use by children. If you need to make a call, keep it as short as possible.

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Buy pre-paid phones; it's a lot easier and no monthly bills or contracts! If you do have features, it's taken out of the dollars you have left in minutes!

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