| It seems like every year it's time to replace that old cell | | | | battery power, signal, and size. Keep reading to learn |
| phone with something new and with each new cycle | | | | how functionality and extra options can also help make |
| the range of phones available on the market keeps | | | | or break your cellular phone decision. |
| getting bigger and bigger. Today, options range from | | | | Above and beyond the basics of battery power, signal |
| basic phones that come free with your cellular | | | | type, and weight are the extra options and functions |
| package to souped-up business models that can cost | | | | that really make a phone. Unfortunately, they also |
| several hundred dollars. If you're looking for a new cell | | | | make your phone purchasing decision that much |
| phone, keep reading for great tips on how to choose | | | | harder. From cameras to email, how many extras you |
| the right cell phone for you. | | | | want on your phone will depend on how you plan on |
| First, let's talk about the absolute hardware basics of | | | | using it. |
| the phone and how it relates to how you're going to | | | | If you're looking for a fun accessory that also plays |
| use it; | | | | MP3s and takes great pictures of you and your |
| Battery Life: If you're often on the go, away from | | | | friends, consider going all out with an |
| home for long stretches, and a frequent phone user | | | | MP3-Camera-phone. Meanwhile, if you're an |
| then you're going to want a phone that has great | | | | outdoors-adventurer and the kind of person that gives |
| battery life. The lithium ion batteries have an | | | | their gear a beating, you may want to buy a well-built |
| exceptionally long life and don't suffer from battery | | | | but very basic phone that focuses on functionality and |
| memory problems, but they can be very pricey. | | | | sturdiness. |
| Transmission Capability: If you're a big traveler, whether | | | | If you want a business model that will allow you to |
| for business or pleasure, then you're going to want to | | | | quickly access the Internet, browse through emails, and |
| make sure that you get a phone with multi-band | | | | easily organize important contacts, then consider going |
| capabilities so it will work everywhere from Europe to | | | | with a phone/organizer hybrid. These phones run |
| South America to Asia. You also don't want to be | | | | simple software that not only gets you online and |
| relying on a purely digital phone if you plan on making | | | | connected, but also enables you to pull up important |
| trips out of urban areas. | | | | office documents, and sync with your business |
| Weight/Size: For some, the phone size can be a major | | | | computer. |
| issue. If you're not going to be carrying a purse or a | | | | Finally, remember that how you plan on actually using |
| bag, it's important to find a phone that's light enough | | | | your phone should be your most important factor |
| and small enough to fit in your pocket (shirt or pant), | | | | when it comes to making a decision. Don't be seduced |
| but still large enough for easy functionality. | | | | by extra features that will go unused and never |
| Essentially, the three absolute basic characteristics are | | | | sacrifice functionality. |