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Choosing the Right Cell Phone

(January 11, 2009)
No, the picture above is not real. But, would you be surprised? With all of the bells-and-whistles that newer cell phones have, it's no wonder that more people than ever would buy the joke.
So, what is the right cell phone for you? It depends on your usage, your purpose and your wallet.
1. Your usage. How often do you talk on the phone? If the answer is very little, then you might look into a pay-as-you-go phone, which can be purchased at just about any retailer. These phones require no credit check of any kind and are great for those who just want an emergency phone or something to give their kids when they are at practice or staying at a friend's house. They aren't great for long-time usage as they can end up being very expensive in the long run, but they do just the trick if you find yourself making fewer than 20 calls a month and/or your calls are very short. If your usage is higher than that, you may want to opt for a contracted plan with a major carrier.
2. Your purpose. If the phone is going to replace your home phone, look for a plan that has over 1,000 minutes a month. Also, if the rest of the family is going to need their own, look to getting a family plan with a fleet of phones for the kids and your spouse. Is texting important to you? Then, find a plan that includes unlimited texting. Also, look into plans that have a data package if you want to be able to access the internet while on the fly (these can be $15-30 a month just for the data add-on, however!). If unlimited everything is more your style, then Sprint may have the answer. They are the first company to offer such a plan, which is $99.95 a month. Steep? Yes. Lacking? No.
3. Your wallet. There is a plan to fit every budget. Understand that after taxes and fees, most family plans may take you around $100 a month, while the pay-as-you-go options can cost as little as $10 a month. Contracted plans are always the best deal if one is looking for lots of options and lots of minutes, but if you just need something to get a number and the phone won't get a ton of usage, then buying time at a retailer is your best option.
- Drew Kuespert

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