Cellular Phone Buying Guide:  Select Cellular Phone Types

There are many choices in cell phones today, one you could go from supplier to supplier, study their brochures, and still not know the subtle differences. And that’s the point—you probably don’t need to know subtle differences. The basic types may be enough to help you make your choice.

Considering the Specific Type of Cellular Phone and Service that is Right for You

What kind of phone and service do you want? This will determine the handset you choose. There are two basic types: digital and analog. Digital rates are cheapest and don’t eat up batteries like others, but providers are still trying to get the country covered in digital antennas. Analog phones are cheaper than digital, and most of the country is equipped for analog service. However, rates are higher and the move is toward digital technology—analog will be a thing of the past soon. Some phones can switch between analog and digital depending on where you are.

Considering How You Will You Use Your Cellular Phone

What do you want it to do? If you need hands free, you may want to choose from the Bluetooth cellular phones or similar technologies. You may also choose a speaker phone or ear phone. If you want to be able to send photos or videos, you will need a camera phone. Some phones have QWERTY keypads for text messaging, and still others serve as PDAs and internet stations as well as phones.

Other Features and Types of Cellular Phones

Some phones also have calendars and alarms, and a few even help you keep track of workouts and your health. Others have GPS locators and navigators, which brings us to a great phone for teens that deserves its own category.