Mobile users will need to rely on their cell phone for maintaining communication with their co-workers and clients. Having a reliable and economical cell phone will provide mobile users with a valuable tool to complete their jobs. When considering what cell phone you want to purchase, keep in mind the different options available and the tasks you want to accomplish. Know what you need before you buy will make your decision easier and you will have the mobile device best suited to your needs.
Service Providers
Before you choose a particular cell phone, it is important to find a service provider that will have the coverage and services you need. You need a provider with the best signal and coverage in your area. If you plan to do a lot of traveling overseas, you will need a carrier that has international coverage packages. Watch out for special offers or deals that providers have in order to sign up new customers. Those special features could cost you a bundle after the offer period is over.
Use of cell phone - options available
Will you be using your cell phone for only calling? Do you need other options? Take into consideration the size of the phone, some are very tiny and reading or writing e-mail could be very trying. Look at what accessories are available for the cell phone you like: such as does it have a headset for in car use, the cost of extra batteries and what kind of chargers does it require. Do you have to charge it using an electrical outlet or does it have a car charger?
GSM enabled
Mobile office workers that travel internationally will require that their cell phone be capable of handling calls from outside North American systems. A multi-based GSM cell phone will let you send and receive calls using your existing cell phone. You don’t need to purchase or rent a cell phone when traveling. When checking providers, you want to see if they offer worldwide services and that their cell phones are GSM-enabled.
Email support
If you plan to use your cell phone for e-mail, you want a phone that has a large and preferably colour screen to make sending/receiving e-mail easier on your eyes. Have the salesperson demonstrate or check the provider’s web site for instructions on using a cell phone for e-mail. Make sure the service provider will allow you to use POP e-mail accounts and other e-mail accounts such as Hotmail or Yahoo.
Use cell phone as a modem
Using your cell phone as a modem for your laptop or PDA can be tempting but it is important to keep in mind the costs associated with this choice. You are better off using hot spots or other methods of Internet access which will be cheaper. If you are faced with the possibility of no other means of access, then having cell phone that acts as a modem will benefit you. You will require additional cables to connect the two devices and this cost should also be taken into consideration.
Combination cell phone/PDA
For those mobile users who really hate the thought of multiple tools, a combination cell phone/PDA is your solution. When considering this option keep in mind which function is most important – phone calls or typical PDA tasks. These combination devices will be more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts. In addition, if your device becomes inoperable, then you are without both a cell phone and PDA.
