Cell Phones Buying Guide

What you need to know when choosing a Cell Phone

With the number of Cell phones on the market and the variety of tariffs, features and extras on each, picking the right phone can be something of a nightmare. To simplify matters we have identified types of user and outlined the type of phone that might suit them best.

Key features

Handsets: As with many electronics goods, features on handsets come in two types, the essential and the differential. The former is what you really need to think about because these will dictate how well the handset works for you. The latter are more for entertainment, but knowing something about them will help you make the right choice.

Colors screen: Increasingly common, the main advantage of a color screen is that it displays web pages and pictures on your phone better and can be useful for games players.

Battery life: Expect anything between 40 and 100 hours between charges depending upon the particular phone and the usage it is put to. Recharging time will also vary between models. Other factors that will affect battery performance are: color screens and video transmissions and poor network coverage where the battery has to work harder to maintain a signal.

Camera phones: Almost standard these days on anything accept the most basic handsets, the digital cameras in phones have a smaller number of mega pixels available than most digital cameras, typically 0.3 rather than the 3.0 common in dedicated digital cameras.

GPRS: General Packet Radio System is the means by which second generation or 2G Cell phones can connect to the Internet. A GPRS enabled phone can collect e-mail and view WAP pages.

GSM: The Global System for Cell Communications uses three frequencies for phones, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900 MHz. A dual-band phone will work on two out of three frequencies (900MHz and 1900MHz). A tri-band phone will operate on all three frequencies and therefore, in theory, will work anywhere in the world.

Bluetooth: This is a technology that enables electronic devices to communicate with each other without being physically connected. Bluetooth equipped phones can be used via a wireless headset and can connect to PCs wirelessly to transmit information.

Games: If you are going to be using your phone for gaming then a Java-enabled phone will give you the widest choice from games developers.

Ringtones: Part of the fashion element of the Cell phone, polyphonic ringtones can be downloaded straight to your phone and even linked to specific callers.

Radio/MP3: Many models have a built-in FM radio and/or an MP3 player which you can listen to using a headset.

WAP: WAP pages, essentially web pages adapted for the smaller screen, are now accessed by Cell phone users to get the latest information on a range of topics from results to shopping.

Porting authorization code (PAC): If you are switching networks and want to keep your current number then you will need a PAC from your existing provider which you give to the new provider. Tariff changes and upgrades with the same provider usually mean you can keep your old number.

Accessories

Headset: Using Bluetooth technology to communicate with the handset, a headset can be a convenient way of using the phone. And while the debate on the long-term effects of heavy phone usage continues a headset is a sensible option for people likely to be on the phone all day.

Car kits: Some cells phones can be plugged into a car kit to utilize the car's battery power, a speaker and an aerial to give better sound and reception. Other car kits have just a charger and a hands-free kit.

Speakers: Ideal for use in the car or the office a separate speaker will give you improved sound quality.

Insurance: Cell phone theft is a problem and insurance premiums are correspondingly high. In financial terms you probably only need it if you have bought your handset separately rather than as part of a contract. Whether you choose to take out a policy or not, keep a record of your phone's 15-digit IMEI number to use if you have to report a phone as stolen.

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