| When did cell phones start becoming so much | | | | carrier if you want their phone. Other phones |
| more than cell phones? The newest phones have | | | | though, are available for all carriers and all cell |
| better cameras, games, Internet capabilities, and | | | | phone plans. It should be noted that in the case of |
| more at the expensive levels. Even the cheaper | | | | phones made specifically for one carrier, people |
| phones now come with a camera built in as the | | | | have found ways to "unlock" them and use them |
| standard. Cell phones aren't purchased just to talk | | | | with other carriers. |
| on anymore as they can do so much more. | | | | Even after making your choice of phones, you |
| Cell phones now routinely cost in the hundreds of | | | | have another choice that can be confusing of |
| dollars and it seems people are willing to pay the | | | | what type of plan to get. If you are getting a |
| price. As all your friends get the better phones, it | | | | phone that goes with all carriers, you will have to |
| seems the pressure to keep up with the Joneses | | | | decide which one to go with. There are even |
| has gotten the best of many people. Phones now | | | | many different plans within each carrier that all |
| come with so many other capabilities that it | | | | have different limits on minutes and other little |
| seems the only thing missing is the "phaser" | | | | variations. It is difficult for any first time buyer to |
| option right out of Star Trek. The question is: do | | | | know what they want or might need and the |
| people really need all these gadgets and do they | | | | salesman will of course try to sell you more than |
| really use them all? Of course some people love | | | | you probably want to spend. |
| all the newest technology and have to have it but | | | | All in all, anyone looking to buy a cell phone for |
| do the masses really need so much? | | | | the first time has a lot of decisions to make. |
| Adding to the confusion of what to get for a first | | | | Advertising plays a big part in the decisions we |
| time buyer is the question of what phones are | | | | make and the cell phone makers and carriers |
| available for what carriers. If you like a certain | | | | advertise like crazy. They all hope to get our |
| phone, can you get it with any carrier or is it | | | | business and lock us in to their plans and phones |
| made only for a specific one? Some phones are | | | | for as long as possible. It is our job to do the |
| made by a manufacturer specifically for a certain | | | | legwork first and make educated decisions of |
| carrier. In that case, you will have to use that | | | | what to buy. |