Choosing the right mobile phone

When choosing a mobile, take some time to think about what your requirements are. Important factors include weight, MP3, camera quality, memory capacity, etc.

Don’t make assumptions based on looks and weight. For instance many people buy neat and compact phones, but soon find themselves not being able to text as their fingers are too big for the buttons.

You should also be careful before opting for some of the PAYG (pay-as-you go) deals. Some use phones that skimp on features for the sake of cost cutting.

Batteries:

Battery life is a very important factor when it comes to buying a mobile phone. A phone can have all the latest hi-tech gadgets in the world, but if the battery life is not large enough then it’s worthless. The very minimum level of battery should still be able to get you reliably through a full day.

Remember to judge a phone by its talktime levels as well as standby time! Some phones can sit on standby for a week or two but still die after no more than two hours of call time.

What to look for in a mobile phone?

The following is a list of features that more technological-minded users will look out for in a mobile handset:

• Address Book Lookup

• Text messaging

• Roaming

• Fax and data support

• Wireless Application Protocol support

• GPRS support

• Infra-red and Bluetooth communication

• Voice dialling

• Call logs

• MP3 player and FM radios

• Colour screen

• Built-in camera

• Video Recorder

• Vibrating alert

• Signal indicators (as fitted to some Ericsson and Motorola handsets)

Remember that it is unlikely you will find all of these features in one handset so you must decide which feature is needed the most and how much money you are willing to pay for them.

Accessories - Treat your mobile to a present:

Mobile phone accessories are very popular with users and can range from phone cases to bluetooth headsets.

Add-Ons:

There are a few add-on devices available that vary in usage. Some attach to existing models while others work on their own, detecting any nearby mobile signalling to the base.

There are even batteries available for certain models that include holders so two sim cards can be used at once, and a connector for the sim card slot in the handset. This allows the handset to connect to either of two networks (but not both at once: you have to turn it off and on again to switch). Unfortunately this restriction means that it would be of little use for most users.

Cases:

Many people like to protect their mobile phone by purchasing suitable-sized cases. These are usually made of leather, with a transparent front (so you can still operate the phone), elastic sides and holes for the earpiece and microphone. Phone cases usually come with a clip on the back, which can be used to attach the phone to your belt or waistline.

In addition cases also offer quite a bit of protection, especially if the phone is dropped onto a hard surface. The disadvantages are that they can make the phone look bigger and not as attractive, and can cause echoes in calls due to the case feeding sound from the earpiece back to the microphone.

Chargers:

If you use your mobile often while away from home then purchasing a second phone charger, or a 12v car charger, would be a recommended idea.

	Mobile phone networks		Choosing the right mobile
	Network coverage		Mobile phone customisations
	Number Portability & Migration		Mobile Phone Alternatives
	Cost Summary		Pitfalls of mobile phones
	Special Needs