| You see them everywhere you go. The latest | | | | Being designed, built and supported by Apple is an |
| fancy gadgets and phones are all around you. | | | | advantage. Since it runs OS X, it inherits the |
| Everyone has an opinion about which cell phone | | | | stability and consistency of other Apple products. |
| looks best and has the latest and greatest | | | | This is not the case with Windows Mobile, as it is |
| features. One of the most talked about | | | | up to the hardware manufacturer to makes sure |
| smartphones out there is the iPhone. If you're | | | | the device works with Microsoft's operating |
| looking for the best cell phone deals, you might be | | | | system. |
| asking yourself - is the iPhone worth it? | | | | Check Out the Competition |
| Smartphone envy is rampant these days. Each | | | | Competitors of the iPhone are worth looking at |
| release of the iPhone has been picked apart and | | | | before you make your final decision. The T Mobile |
| reviewed by nearly every technology website, | | | | G1 Android is a smartphone that is powered by |
| often months in advance. So, what's the big deal? | | | | Google's own operating system, based on Linux. It |
| Here are some things to think about when | | | | includes One-Touch Google Search, 3G Internet |
| deciding which smartphone is right for you. | | | | & Wi-Fi. The features of the G1 are similar |
| Considerations for Smartphone Purchases | | | | to the iPhone. However, one big difference |
| First, consider who your current cell phone | | | | between the iPhone and G1 is the keyboard. The |
| company is. Apple signed an exclusive contract | | | | G1 has a full slide-out keyboard, which will appeal |
| with AT&T Wireless for the first 5 years. If | | | | to those who like the tactile response that an |
| you are not an AT&T customer, check the | | | | actual keyboard offers. |
| contract on your current cell phone plan. If you | | | | Sprint's HTC Touch Pro is another smartphone to |
| sign on the dotted line with AT&T and are | | | | consider. Like the T-Mobile G1, the Touch Pro has |
| still under contract with another provider, you | | | | a slide-out keyboard. Since it is a Windows Mobile |
| could end up with a hefty cancellation fee. | | | | smartphone, the user interface will be familiar to |
| When searching for the best cell phone deals, | | | | people who use Microsoft products regularly. The |
| consider what matters most to you. If your goal | | | | feature that sets it apart from other |
| is to simply make and receive calls, the iPhone | | | | smartphones is the TouchFLO interface, which |
| may not be the phone for you. If functionality, | | | | lets you navigate by sliding your finger across the |
| features and style matter, it could be a top | | | | screen. |
| choice. | | | | Pre-Purchase Research |
| The iPhone is a very user friendly and intuitive | | | | Most importantly, do your own research. Visit the |
| phone. For people who have been using an iPod | | | | store and pick up the phone. Make sure it is |
| Touch, or other Apple products, the iPhone should | | | | comfortable to hold and use. Whether the iPhone |
| be very easy to become comfortable with. It is a | | | | is worth it for you depends on your specific |
| sleek, sophisticated piece of equipment that is | | | | needs. Ask the questions you want answered, |
| often perceived as complicated. | | | | even if they seem small. The best cell phone deal |
| Apple's latest iPhone's release, the 3G S, includes a | | | | in the world won't matter if you are unhappy with |
| 3 megapixel camera, video recording, supports 7 | | | | the product you purchase. |
| music file formats, and includes Apple's Safari web | | | | Keep in mind that most cell phone companies |
| browser. It syncs videos and music effortlessly | | | | have a 15 to 30 day return policy. Make sure to |
| with iTunes. The touch screen, which can be used | | | | test the phone where you will be using it the |
| in landscape or portrait format, is easy to learn. If | | | | most. If you don't get signal where you need it, |
| you have longer nails, or bigger fingers, you may | | | | consider a different cell phone company. Chances |
| need to use a stylus, especially when typing out | | | | are one of them will fit your coverage needs. |
| text. | | | | |