How do I Buy a Smartphone or BlackBerry?

Smartphones and Blackberries are commonly sold in the U.S. through cellular service providers.

In the U.S., all cell phones (including smartphones and Blackberries) must be accompanied by a phone plan with a specific service provider, such as AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon. You must purchase a phone plan through a cellular service provider to activate your smartphone or Blackberry. Unless you are obtaining prepaid cell phone service, the service provider will want to run a credit check before you can subscribe.

Instructions

1. Research available smartphones and Blackberry models on the market to see which one has the features that best suit your needs. Read reviews from authoritative publications, such as CNet, Mobiledia and "PC Magazine" to learn the pros and cons of phones you are considering.

2. Check which service provider carries the smartphone you want. For example, if you wanted to purchase an iPhone, you'd have to sign up for cellular service with AT&T: the exclusive carrier of Apple's iPhone as of August 2010.

3. Compare prices if multiple service providers offer the smartphone or Blackberry you want. For example, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon all offer Blackberry models at different prices. As of August 2010, the Palm Pre Plus (a webOS-based smartphone) is offered via AT&T and Verizon.

4. Note the differences between in-store and online prices for the same phone and service. Online shops that sell cell phones and service plans, such as Amazon and LetsTalkWireless frequently, have sales and markdowns that you may not find in your neighborhood wireless store.

Tips & Warnings

• Factor in the cost of monthly service when considering your phone options as well. Some providers may require you to purchase a separate data plan on top of a regular phone service plan for your smartphone.

• Read the terms of service agreements carefully when making your decision. Know your rights as a consumer with your choice of smartphone or Blackberry and your service. Also, make sure to familiarize yourself with fees that may be unexpected, such as early termination fees. These fees are charged by many cellular service providers if you decide to terminate your service before your contract is up.

References

• AT&T Wireless
• Verizon Wireless
• Sprint Wireless
• T-Mobile
• Palm

Resources

• Amazon Wireless
• Mobiledia
• PC Magazine: Cell Phone Reviews