| As a cell phone user, you probably feel overwhelmed | | | | contract or pay-per use agreement, be sure to read |
| with all the changes that are coming about with cell | | | | the fine print. Consider how many minutes you plan to |
| phones. Cell phones are ever changing with new | | | | use each month. Weigh the prices of both types of |
| gadgets, services, and phones being released on a | | | | agreements before signing on the dotted line. If you |
| continual basis. Below we've put together some cell | | | | plan to use the cell phone a lot, then a long-term |
| phone facts every user should know. Don't get caught | | | | contract might be worth it. |
| in a trap, but become educated before you make your | | | | Consider the features you want. With long-term plans, |
| next phone purchase. | | | | you can often get more features for less money or |
| Cell Phone Batteries | | | | even as a bonus at no charge. Ask if all your features, |
| Every cell phone user occasionally experiences the | | | | such as caller ID, will work when roaming. Also with |
| "race against battery life" on their cell phone. You try to | | | | any plan, consider if long distance is included. Find out |
| use up every ounce of power there is before | | | | the usual roaming charges, connection fees (if |
| recharging. Unfortunately, this can cause many | | | | applicable), and if there are any other hidden fees in |
| problems with your battery later on. Primarily, it could | | | | the plan. |
| shorten the life of your battery between charges to | | | | Ask about Factory Warranties |
| the point where you're charging more than you're | | | | Some cell phone companies will replace your cell |
| talking! | | | | phone if it breaks or is lost or stolen. Consider the |
| There are several ways to prolong the life of your cell | | | | warranty before buying. Cell phones are typically |
| phone battery. Keep your backlight off unless you | | | | carried everywhere you go: in a purse, pants pocket, |
| know for sure you'll need it. This might be annoying at | | | | shirt pocket, on a belt case, and even out in wet |
| first, but it will save battery life. When traveling in areas | | | | weather. With cell phones being so mobile, they can |
| where there is no coverage or there is only roaming | | | | easily get broken or damaged. The warranty will give |
| coverage, turn off your cell phone completely. The cell | | | | you peace of mind when carrying and using your cell |
| phone uses a lot of battery power while trying to | | | | phone. |
| locate a network. In addition, try to limit your | | | | Buying Cell Phones Online |
| conversations. The longer you talk, the more battery | | | | When buying cell phones online, be sure the phone is |
| power you will use. Also, limit your usage of cell phone | | | | up-to-date and carries all the features you want. You |
| games or Internet browsing. These use a lot of battery | | | | can buy your cell online and still visit a local venue to |
| power even though you're not actually talking. | | | | purchase minutes or to sign up for a contract. Just be |
| Downloading Woes | | | | sure and buy from a company you trust. |
| When downloading Web features, games, ringtones, | | | | There are also electronics shopping malls online where |
| wallpaper, and screensavers, be sure there are no | | | | you can find many brand names of cell phones, a |
| recurring fees. Although companies may not state it | | | | PDA, or other electronics at discount prices, such as |
| upfront, some of these features have recurring | | | | Sony, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Blackberry. You can |
| monthly fees. If you purchase a cell phone for your | | | | shop for other products while at the mall, including PS2 |
| child, find out if you can block these features. Or, find | | | | machines or games, computer supplies, iPods, and an |
| out if there's a way that you as a parent can order | | | | Xbox. |
| features, but your child cannot. | | | | Use these cell phone tips to find the phone you need |
| The Fine Print of Cell Phone Purchases | | | | for work or play! |
| When buying a cell phone with a one- or two-year | | | | |