Cell phone

Cell Phones and Services Buying Guide

If you thought choosing your last cell phone was hard, just wait until next time. Not only are the plans confusing, but phones are more complex. Digital cameras, MP3 players and GPS receivers are now common and each new feature seems to bring new costs. This guide can help.
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Types of cell phones

Conventional cell phones

Conventional cell phone
Most models are compact and priced from $20 to $150, or come free with a two-year contract. You can also buy prepaid phones, which are quickly becoming the leading low-price option in cellular. The keypad and overall operation is generally straightforward. All allow you to store frequently used numbers and to send and receive text messages. Many have basic cameras and support for wireless Bluetooth headsets for hands-free communication. A new crop of feature-based models can access high-speed data networks (3G) to enjoy Web browsing, music and video-based services. Other capabilities might include a touch screen, a QWERTY keyboard, a full browser, a multi-megapixel camera, memory-card storage for music and pictures, and more options for custom ring tones, games, and other services.
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Smart phones

Smart phone

Long used by corporate travelers to keep up with e-mail and appointments, smart phones have caught on with consumers. A smart phone can typically handle multiple e-mail accounts (including corporate types), has a sophisticated organizer, and can handle Office documents. Some allow you to create and edit spreadsheets and documents, and they usually come with Microsoft Outlook or other personal information management software for your PC. Their advanced operating systems give them access to a host of applications: productivity tools, shopping, multimedia, games, travel, news, weather, social, finance, references, etc.

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