| The first mobile phones, released in the market during | | | | need a PDA function, but would probably benefit from |
| the early nineties, were large and clunky devices with | | | | a mobile phone with a good camera. You can take |
| low battery life and very limited memory. All this has | | | | instant pictures of your kids (and we all know how |
| changed. Today's mobile phones are not only light and | | | | those moments pass while you run upstairs to get a |
| compact, but are packed with features. Many of them | | | | camera) and proudly send them to friends and family |
| have camera, MP3 and PDA functions, with the option | | | | in the same minute. |
| to download games, programs, ringtones and full-color | | | | Most teenagers opt for phones that have the radio |
| wallpapers. You can't even call them "just" mobile | | | | and MP3 functions, or have that elusive quality called |
| phones-they're almost like mobile offices. | | | | "form and coolness factor". A mobile phone is not just |
| With the diversity of features, the variety of shapes | | | | functional, it is also almost an accessory. Certain |
| and sizes, and the thick competition between mobile | | | | models are designed to look sleek and beautiful, and |
| phone manufacturers that lead them to release new | | | | are even declared by fashion magazines to be the "it" |
| models every year, it's hard to pick which mobile | | | | model of the year. Others simply are triumphs in |
| phone to buy. | | | | ergonomic design, and use materials (from a chic |
| Today's top of the line phones can do almost | | | | chrome to trendy brights) to communicate a particular |
| everything, but which of those features will you really | | | | image. A few models even allow full customability with |
| use? Some have camera resolution rivals a decent | | | | changeable cases in a wide variety of colors. You can |
| point and click digital camera; others flip open to reveal | | | | actually buy all of the shades, and make your mobile |
| a keyboard to let you check and write emails and | | | | phone match your outfit! |
| even surf the web. While it's always great to have | | | | Aside from your lifestyle, of course another important |
| that kind of power in your pocket (literally), the first and | | | | consideration is price. You will have to set a budget, |
| most important thing to consider if your lifestyle. | | | | and then look for the best deals. Check various stores |
| Are you an executive? Do you have to keep track of | | | | and websites before buying, but remember that |
| a lot of meetings and tasks? Do you spend a lot of | | | | cheapest is not always best. Ask if the mobile phone |
| time away from the office? If so, buying a phone with | | | | comes with a warranty, how long it lasts, and whether |
| PDA features will really simplify your life. You don't | | | | the warranty involves repair or replacement of the unit. |
| have to carry too many gadgets with you, and you | | | | Also remember that it is better to pay a little higher for |
| can make note of the messages you receive directly | | | | a phone you like and will use for a long time, than to |
| on to the phone's calendar, and set a reminder for | | | | opt for a cheaper phone, and then replace it within |
| meetings and deadlines. | | | | months. |
| On the other hand, a stay at home mom may not | | | | |