You see them wherever you go. The latest gadgets and fancy phones are all around you. Everyone has an opinion on which cell phone looks the best and has the latest and greatest features. One of the most talked about smartphones is the iPhone. If you’re looking for the best cell phone deals, you might be wondering: is the iPhone worth it?
Smartphone envy is rampant these days. Every version of the iPhone has been selected and reviewed by almost every tech website, often months in advance. So what is the problem? Here are some things to think about when deciding which smartphone is right for you.
Considerations for smartphone purchases
First, consider who your current cell phone carrier is. Apple signed an exclusive agreement with AT&T Wireless for the first 5 years. If you are not an AT&T customer, check the contract on your current cell plan. If you sign on the dotted line with AT&T and you’re still under contract with another carrier, you could end up with a hefty cancellation fee.
When searching for the best cell phone deals, consider what matters most to you. If your goal is simply to make and receive calls, the iPhone may not be the phone for you. If functionality, features, and style are important, it might be the best choice.
The iPhone is a very easy to use and intuitive phone. For people who have been using an iPod Touch or other Apple products, the iPhone should be very easy to use. It is an elegant and sophisticated piece of equipment that is often perceived as complicated.
Apple’s latest iPhone release, the 3G S, includes a 3-megapixel camera, video recording, supports 7 music file formats, and includes Apple’s Safari web browser. Sync videos and music effortlessly with iTunes. The touch screen, which can be used in landscape or portrait format, is easy to learn. If you have longer nails or larger fingers, you may need to use a stylus, especially when writing text.
Being designed, built and supported by Apple is a plus. Since it runs OS X, it inherits the stability and consistency of other Apple products. This is not the case with Windows Mobile, as it is up to the hardware manufacturer to ensure that the device runs on Microsoft’s operating system.
Take a look at the competition
It’s worth looking at the iPhone’s competitors before making a final decision. The T Mobile G1 Android is a smartphone that runs on Google’s own Linux-based operating system. Includes one-touch Google search, 3G Internet and Wi-Fi The functions of the G1 are similar to those of the iPhone. However, one big difference between the iPhone and the G1 is the keyboard. The G1 has a full slide-out keyboard, which will appeal to those who like the tactile feedback that a real keyboard offers.
Sprint’s HTC Touch Pro is another smartphone to consider. Like the T-Mobile G1, the Touch Pro has a slide-out keyboard. Since it is a Windows Mobile smartphone, the user interface will be familiar to people who use Microsoft products regularly. The feature that sets it apart from other smartphones is the TouchFLO interface, which allows you to navigate by sliding your finger across the screen.
Pre-purchase research
The most important thing is that you do your own research. Visit the store and pick up the phone. Make sure it is comfortable to hold and use. Whether the iPhone is worth it to you depends on your specific needs. Ask the questions you want answered, even if they seem small. The world’s best cell phone deal won’t matter if you’re not happy with the product you buy.
Please note that most cell phone carriers have a 15-30 day return policy. Be sure to test the phone where you’ll use it the most. If you’re not getting a signal where you need it, consider another cell phone company. Chances are one of them will fit your coverage needs.
