What Phone Should I Get... Some Things To Know Before Dishing Out The Cash

In the past month I've heard this question several times.  Sometimes in forums and sometimes directed towards me.  I honestly can't answer this question without making some things known. 

With all the new gadgets that are either out or coming, there are some important things that people should consider before shelling out big bucks on a handset. 

The first thing I always ask is who is the service provider.  This is mainly targeted towards the US because we for some reason have a tendency to switch providers for the sake of a killer device.   If you don't believe me, check out the T-Mobile or Cingular forum on Howard Forums. 

Secondly, the main question... what do you want out of your device?  What is it that you want your phone to do for you as far as features.  This is important again because of the amount of money that will be spent.  Some people consider it as an investment which is rightly so, and should take you to the next year when most contracts are up, unless a 2 year contract has been given.  I would call this a building process, which you are building your service plan around the phone that you chose and vice versa. The same would go if you were switching providers which as I said, most people do. 

What I can't do is tell you what phone you should get.  What I can tell you is to properly build both phone and service plan.   And a bit of a warning... make sure that you know the risks (yes risks) involved with the handset you choose.  Here in the states the providers work hand in hand with the manufacturers.  So if its that new model phone that you know your provider does not and will not carry, don't expect to call them up when it malfunctions.  Also, as we already know with Nokia's, be aware that the money you spend on that "device that isn't available in the states" will tend to increase if something fails on the device. 

With this in mind, you are ready to build.  Check the provider websites.  Call customer service or new accounts and ask for current specials.  If you are the type that text messages more than using voice calls then opt for the lower rate plan and increase your messaging options. 

All of this is going to require research, so my advice is to make a checklist for both phone and service.  It will make it alot easier in the end.

Lol in conclusion, if you are just one of those people who just wants a phone that rings... go for something like the Nokia 3390 which to this day my husband still uses and swears is the best phone ever made...  but what does he know!!

Darla

Comments

[Alessandro]

Ciao Darla,

I think any Nokia smartphone is a good buy. Unfortunatly in US are not that popular. There are new models coming out this quarter so I would wait to check them out. I am waiting for the N91.

Alessandro

[jayson]

to be honest..right at this moment...the nokia n80 is looking awesome..thats what i am waiting for...let's hope cingular don't fck it up...

[bikepunkboy]

your husband is right!!! the nokia 3390 is the best phone ever!!!