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Shopping for a Smart Phone
Written By: Gio Mangano
Friday, January 27th, 2012
With a name like “smart phone,” one would expect public outcry over our machines becoming smarter than us. After all, it's right in the name. Instead, everyone wants the latest in smart phones, from the 3G iPhone to the new Google touched MyTouch on T-Mobile or even the tried and true Blackberry brand devices. If it calls, emails, surfs, texts, games, sings, plays, and has apps-- it's a smart phone.
All these bells and whistles come at a pretty penny. Nearly all major mobile network providers require a calling plan, which just handles your talking minutes. Then, you need an add-on for data usage, ranging from $24.99 to over $49.99 for unlimited web browsing, emailing, and downloading. Anything custom like ring tones, navigation applications, or games will be even more padding to the bill. An unsavvy consumer easily walks away with one snazzy cell phone and one doozy of a monthly bill!
Instead of being blinded by the glitz and glamor of the new smart phone you're drooling over, take some time to beef up your bargaining position. You are entering into a two-year contract with the mobile company, the standard arrangement for most promotions. During the initial purchase is your one chance to negotiate terms in your favor.
First, shop online for the desired smart phone. Be educated about the specifications and limitations of the device. Why pay for a feature like navigation when the phone does not have a GPS locator built into the phone? Or subscribe to the premium music service if there is a severe lack of built-in storage? Also, you need to know which features of the smart phone you are most interested in using. This will keep the monthly contract optimized for you, not the sales person's quota for the month. Resisting the irresistible little add-ons keeps you on budget.
Don't be afraid to speak up about promotions advertised online in the mobile phone provider's store. The online sites of most major mobile carriers advertise free trials of applications, waived activation fees, and other discounts on hardware or accessories. The sales representative in a store will recite a brush-off answer explaining why these prices cannot be honored inside the store. However, if you politely make it known this pricing difference will make you walk out the door, magically a chat with the manager frequently makes that Internet promotion suddenly available.
Remember the cell phone service providers make the various cell plans as confusing as possible on purpose. You really need to do your homework to find the most affordable plan for you; do not just rely on the sales representative assisting you. Only you know the real amount of minutes you need, there is no reason to pay for more just because they are bargain priced if they will go unused. Consider purchasing the phone at the full price without a two-year contract and going monthly. Many smart phones, especially the Blackberry brand, are easily portable over multiple networks. Therefore, if anything changes with your cell phone service provider, you can switch companies without the hefty contract cancellation fees.
Finally, there is nothing worse than buying a smart phone that does it all, only to find it does nothing where you live and work. Service coverage is paramount to any smart phone feature, even pricing. It must function where you need it to do so. If you can't confirm coverage in your area, only purchase from a cell phone service provider with a 30-day guarantee of your happiness with the device and services. Most expensive phones carry a restocking fee on more expensive phones, but this is a trifle in comparison to the costs in frustration from a poorly working smart phone over a two year period.
So remember, shop online, mention online pricing at the store, be creative in your plan features, and ensure service coverage in your area. Do all this and you will enjoy the instantaneous global communication of a smart phone. After all, you don't want a phone with a very expensive “paper weight mode.”
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