How to Buy the Right Mobile Phone

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: If you plan on purchasing a cell phone at a discounted price by signing a contract with a mobile phone carrier

   Factors to take into account when choosing a carrier are coverage, price, texting/web/multimedia plans, customer service ratings.
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   Step 2: it is important to first choose the carrier.

   ,, Mid-range users tend not to purchase phones with multimedia players as these tend to add a significant cost increase. ,, Such phones, however, are really more for studying and may be less convenient in the daily use. ,, Ask yourself if you misplace things often or if you drop things often.
   
   Choose a cell phone that is covered by cell phone insurance.
   
   An additional fee is required per month but it will save you hundreds of dollars if your phone is lost, stolen or if there is any physical or liquid damage. , For example: only displaying the time when service is available, limits on text message storage, and shutdown sounds that can't be turned off (really embarrassing at the movies).
   
   Ask a sale person or a friend who owns the same model about specific features before you buy. , Often if a handset has been out for a month users will have already found out about any major problems with their handset and posted on a consumer websites.
   
   You can be confident you are choosing the right mobile phone before making your high ticket purchase. , Get a feel for the handsets and a look at the various sizes, display screens and operating systems to see what best suits your personal abilities and hand size.
   
   You can also get demonstrations and any questions you may have.
   
   They will try to encourage you to sign up but you can always say no thanks once you have the information you want.
   
   Then go home and check online for better offers.
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   Step 3: Once you've determined a carrier

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   Step 4: or if you will be purchasing an unlocked phone at full retail price

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   Step 5: use a phone finder such as the one on Phone Scoop's website (listed in External Links).

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   Step 6: If you are a non-technical user (you want to use the cell phone exclusively as a phone

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   Step 7: not a handheld game console or pocket-pc)

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   Step 8: then features such as a camera

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   Step 9: mp3 ring tones

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    Step 10: video playback and messaging are not needed.

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    Step 11: If you are a mid-range user

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    Step 12: look at phones that have features such as a camera or mp3 ring tone support.

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    Step 13: If you are a high-end user

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    Step 14: look into features such as mp3 playback

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    Step 15: support for trans-flash expansion cards

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    Step 16: a camera over 1 mega-pixel

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    Step 17: video playback

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    Step 18: or blue tooth.

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    Step 19: If you are a real hacker and want to learn a lot

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    Step 20: think about the open

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    Step 21: programmable device that runs Maemo

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    Step 22: OpenMoko or something similar.

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    Step 23: Decide what you want

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    Step 24: what you will use the phone for

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    Step 25: and most importantly what kind of cell phone user you are.

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    Step 26: Consider the type of person you are.

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    Step 27: Many phones have some frustrating "features" that are not immediately apparent.

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    Step 28: When considering whether to purchase your new mobile phone handset consider searching online resources with independent user reviews.

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    Step 29: If you are intending to buy your new mobile phone online for further savings it can be worth popping into your local dealer first.

Detailed Guide

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