| Getting ready to start new cell phone service? Need | | | | Messaging capabilities |
| to buy a new cell phone? Before you do, you should | | | | Nearly all cell phones come with basic text messaging |
| consider what features you need on your cell phone. | | | | capabilities, but if you want advanced features, such |
| Service strength | | | | as multimedia messaging capabilities, you should check |
| Cell phones vary as to how weak of a signal they can | | | | that the phone has the features you need. |
| function on. Many people report that Nokia and | | | | Phone design |
| Motorola phones dependably work for them, whereas | | | | Cell phones now come in many designs flip phone, |
| Audiovox phones tend to be more likely to go out of | | | | standard, slim line, etc. You can also often choose a |
| range in borderline areas. | | | | phone with an internal antenna, which can be a very |
| Media capabilities | | | | useful convenience. You can also choose from many |
| Do you need or want camera and / or video camera | | | | different button styles and arrangements. Most design |
| capabilities on your phone? If so, what quality do you | | | | options are simple a choice of personal preference. |
| need. Keep the video file format in mind as well many | | | | Other helpful features |
| phones use a Quicktime format, which is harder to edit | | | | Cell phones can come with a variety of helpful |
| that other formats. | | | | features, such as: an alarm clock, a calculator, a sound |
| Games | | | | recorder, AM / FM radio capabilities, a digital calendar / |
| What games do you want on your phone? Most | | | | planner, a notes program, a to-do list program, a timer, |
| Nokia phones come with a few very basic games. | | | | a stopwatch, translation features, a world clock, and |
| Some phones come with more advanced games, or | | | | others. If you need any extras like these, keep them in |
| you can add them later. | | | | mind when choosing your phone. |