Wireless and Mobile News' editor, Lynn Walford wrote the following article for the beta
version of Google's Knol, a knol is a unit of knowledge. She offers the
following advice on ways
to help to keep the cost of
smartphones down.
What Will Do You Need it For?
The best place to start is by figuring how often and for what uses you will need the phone for such as:
- Access to corporate email accounts
- Web surfing
- Video/TV viewing
- Photo taking
- Video capture
- Music playing with a Bluetooth stereo headset
- Ability to sideload music/photos with a microSD card
- GPS for mapping and directions
- Access to Wi-Fi networks
- If
you are sending email or text, if these messages will be long or
short. If you will be sending long messages you may want to consider
a smartphone with a keyboard. - If you would like it to follow voice commands
- Ability to access high-speed data network (3G) not all carriers have fast data access in all areas.
Research Online
If
you already have a carrier you like you can search on the carriers'
website for phones available. Most people however search for reviews
of the phone on the internet. A recent study for Google by compete
showed that 78% of all wireless buyers go online to research. Reviews
are a good place to start but sometimes they can be so long, you loose
track that's why Wireless and Mobile News' created the Review of Reviews
where the top reviews of cell phones are summarized with links to
original reviews. Often websites that have reviews also have ads to
independent sellers of wireless phones that offer better deals to new
customers with a contract. The web is also an excellent place to
search for the best price once you have decided on the model of
wireless phone that is best for you.
Wait Longer for Better Deals
If
you don't have to have the newest phone available, earlier model phones
are often less expensive. For example when the TV touchscreen phone
the LG Vu first went on sale it was selling for $400 on eBay because it
was the only phone with 3G access before the iPhone 3G came out.
Recently we've seen the LG Vu offered for free with certain plans and a
rebate, especially from Wirefly that often has ads on Wireless and Mobile News. The G1 Google phone from T-Mobile was first offered in its
stores for $179.99 and then discounted at Wal-Mart to $148.88.
Order Online for Cash Back Offers
While you do your online research always check for special offers for
online ordering it can reduce the price of the cell phone.
Bundle It Other Services
Sometimes when you buy Television
services, High Speed Internet and landline phone services the combined
package makes a fantastic deal. You can always ask your cable company,
telco, or satellite TV provider for a package deal.
Pay In Advance / Pay As You Go
Taxes and added fees can add as much as 20% to a wireless bills,
prepaid services already include those fees. There are even unlimited
prepaid plans, which may not have the newest phones but are sufficient
if you don't use your wireless phone all the time.
Unlocked Cell Phones Unlock Contracts
Wireless carriers subsidize high end phones by making you agree to two
years of service which you can not leave easily. Although most
carriers will allow you to cancel a plan without a month without a
penalty, Early Termination Fees can keep you from changing your mind.
You may pay more for unlocked phone but you can change your plan at any
time. Most unlocked phones can also be placed on a prepaid plan.
Test in Store for Your Style
Although Reviewers do an excellent job of telling readers what they
like, you make find the phone easy to operate. Women with long nails
and people with disabilities found out that they couldn't use the
iPhone without a special stylus because the screen requires the charge
of a finger. You are the person who will be operating the phone.
Take Your Time
If you are not sure what kind of wireless
phone you need, wait until you do know what you want. There is always
a newer better, faster, cheaper phone coming on the market everyday.