Choosing the ideal mobile phone for you

In this age of technology, everyone seems to want the latest and most advanced mobile phone, rich in features and capabilities.  But in most cases these devices tend to be grossly underused.  Here are some useful tips to consider when choosing a mobile phone.

Ask yourself these questions.


Purpose of use:

What do I need this phone for?

• Is it for basic communication? 
• To conduct business on the go? 
• To have internet access on the move?

Cost:

Can I afford this phone?

• Given my needs and my budget, should I spend a large sum of money to acquire this phone?

Can I afford a suitable data package?

• Does it make sense to have a high priced phone and I cannot afford the data package to fully utilise its features and capabilities?

Size:

This phone looks good and has the capabilities that I like, but is it the right size for me?

• Mobile phones went from being big and bulky, to being small and compact, back to being quite sizable again.  Thankfully, many mini versions of the popular smart phones are available.  Whether you choose to carry your phone in your pocket, handbag, or attached to your belt, choose the size that best suits your activities or preferred mode of carry.

Right Operating System:

The smartphone's operating system is the platform it uses to run various programs. While they can all pretty much connect you to the Web, e-mail, phone calls and texts, each has its own strengths and weaknesses.

·         Apple's iOS, which runs iPhones, 

·         Google's Android system, Microsoft's Windows Mobile 

·         Research in Motion's Blackberry OS. 

While the Blackberry OS is great for using e-mail and Web browsing,  it does not have as many apps as other browsers.  If you plan on using a lot of apps on your smartphone, then Blackberry may not be your best option.  If you prefer a lot of apps, an iPhone is your best bet.  The downside of Apple OS, however, is that it is only available on Apple's iPhones. Android-powered phones present a great alternative as the Android operating system is available on a range of phones. A Windows mobile phone is good to get if you plan on doing a lot of work on your phone. Since it runs a mobile version of Windows,you can easily view or work on documents and spreadsheets right on your phone.