| Nobody likes to be out of touch, and with the prices of | | | | prepared to shell out about $70 or more for that |
| cell phones and cellular service these days, being out | | | | optional battery. |
| of touch is really only done by choice, and rarely out of | | | | What about the "smart phones" that are also a PDA? |
| necessity. We like to communicate; we like to know | | | | Again, it depends on the person. If you have never |
| what is going on, whether it is something to do with our | | | | been able to discipline yourself to keep a DayTimer |
| jobs or something at home, we like to be on top of | | | | updated with each and every contact and |
| things every minute. The fact that cellular service | | | | appointment, or you currently have a separate PDA |
| allows this to happen is both a blessing and a curse. | | | | device that is gathering dust in the back of your office |
| One of the biggest decisions you need to make, even | | | | closet, then do not get a smart phone. You will have |
| before you decide which cellular service provide you | | | | exactly the same problems of not keeping it updated if |
| want to go with, is what cell phone to get. Your | | | | you have not already gotten in the habit of doing so, |
| choices in this area have never been more diverse. | | | | even despite the best intentions to get better at using |
| There is not really a right or wrong choice, it is much | | | | it. |
| more of what you want to do with the cell phone. All | | | | When you have narrowed down your list of possible |
| people are different, so be realistic about what you will | | | | choices, check one more thing, and that is the fine print |
| use the device for. | | | | or the caveat that comes with it. That super low price |
| For example, many cell phones now double as an MP3 | | | | may only be available if you sign a two year |
| player and can store hours of music, especially if you | | | | agreement with the cellular provider. If you find out that |
| get the mini-SD cards that many of these cell phones | | | | the cellular coverage in your area blows, you are |
| can accommodate. But you need to ask yourself if | | | | stuck. |
| you will really use that option? After the novelty wears | | | | Finally, decide which cellular provider you want to use. |
| off, the answer might be no, in which case there is no | | | | Again, you have many plans and options at various |
| sense in paying extra for it. For me, if I want to listen to | | | | price levels. Your criteria should be based first on the |
| music, I want it to be high fidelity and clear, not with the | | | | good coverage they can provide in the area where |
| much lower fidelity of a cell phone. | | | | you will be using your phone the most. For example, |
| What kind of battery life does the phone have? If you | | | | T-Mobile provides great coverage in the areas they |
| are on the go all the time and spend a lot of time on | | | | service, but if you are not in one of those areas, you |
| the phone, there is nothing more irritating than noting | | | | are going to hate the service. Verizon provides great |
| that you are almost out of battery power by 2pm in | | | | coverage, but their reputation for extremely poor |
| the afternoon. If this is a concern and likelihood for how | | | | customer service continues to haunt them. Sprint and |
| you use your phone, you may want to opt for the | | | | Cingular are strong contenders for your business, and |
| optional higher powered extended life battery, but be | | | | you may want to review the plans they have available. |