When cell phones were first introduced, buyers could choose from black heavy cell phones that looked like cordless home phone sets, or possibly charcoal-colored heavy cell phones that looked like cordless home phone sets. As the industry grew, manufacturers offered more and more options that allowed users to purchase a cell phone of nearly every color imaginable. A wide variety of design styles and features options are also available depending on the phone and carrier chosen.
Cell Phone Service Providers
The first step in deciding on a new cell phone is to choose a cell phone service provider. Some examples of service providers include Verizon, AT&T, Alltell, Sprint, and T-Mobile. These providers contract with different manufacturers to provide access to connection networks.
Different manufacturers, such as Motarola or Nokia, make phones for different cell phone service providers. Some phones require contracts with service providers to activate, while other consumers opt to buy cell phones without a plan. These phones offer prepaid options without a contract.
Each service provider offers compatibility with different types of phones. Cell phone users with a contract will probably want to purchase a phone that is compatible with their service provider. Those who prefer pre-paid services instead will want to choose a model that can be used with pre-paid phone cards offered by the service provider of their choice.
People who are considering a contract with a specific service provider, or who are consider changing providers, will want to evaluate the coverage offered in their areas by that network. Some cell phone network providers offer better coverage than others nationwide, as well as in specific locations. Another requirement to keep in mind is that some cell phones are locked to a given cell phone carrier. This means that many AT&T cell phones will only work on AT&T's network, so consumers who foresee changing cell phone carriers should look into buying unlocked cell phones which aren't locked to a single procider.
In addition to nationwide coverage, potential buyers should consider whether they are planning to use their cell phone internationally. For example, people planning to travel outside the U.S., Canada, or Mexico, may want to consider investing in a phone that uses a global system network, or GSM.
In the past, users were often required to switch mobile numbers when switching to a different service provider. Today, however, as a result of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, all users must be offered the option to transfer a previously used number to their new service provider. This service is referred to as "number porting," and applies to both landlines and cell phone numbers.
Cell Phone Features
Choose from a wide variety of available cell phone features. Some models are equipped with digital cameras, Mp3 players, and Bluetooth. The majority of cell phones sold today allow users to access the Internet or check email. The rise of so-called superphones such as the iPhone and Android cell phones have brought cell phones closer to be more and more like small computers. If these are important options, check before buying to make sure that the cell phone has those capabilities.
Other popular features include color screens, calendars, address books, and voice recognition. Some models use traditional phone keyboards, while others offer users faster typing speeds with QWERTY keyboards. Many phones will also support the download of video games that can be played on the user's cell phone.
Phone styles include sliding models, flip phones, and PDA phones. If screen size or portability is a critical factor, consider choosing a flip phone. PDA phones are equipped with many innovative features, but they are heavier and less convenient to carry. Many teens and college students prefer sliding models; these usually contain a number of extras, including cameras and a QWERTY keyboard.
Traditional boxy cell phones are primarily a thing of the past, and today users can choose from cell phones styles, models, and accessories that reveal as much - or as little - of their personalities and preferences as they wish. Most carriers offer a wide variety of phones, so finding a good model available from the desired carrier isn't too difficult and cell phone reviews online can help you decide if the top selling cell phones are indeed right for you. Consumers looking for a deal can also explore buying used cell phones. Choose the right model, then sit back and get connected!