How to Buy a Cell Phone

Few tools of modern technology have become as prevalent as the cell phone, which allows you to be in touch (almost) all the time, (almost) anywhere. And you can do more than just talk--modern phones let you send and receive e-mail and text messages, and even surf the Web. Sifting through the sea of service plans and handsets can be difficult, but we'll walk you through what you need to know to get the phone and service plan that's right for you.

The Big Picture Find out how to decide which phone is right for you, learn about network coverage, and more. more

The Specs Explained We take an in-depth look at the low-end and high-end features of wireless phones and service plans. more

Cell Phone Shopping Tips Before you start shopping, read our recommendations to get the best deal on a cell phone and service plan. more

The Big Picture

Cell phones are more than just convenient communication tools: They allow you to sync with the calendar on your PC, dial a number by the sound of your voice, look up breaking news on the Internet, take photos, play games, send text messages, check e-mail, listen to music, and more. But choosing a phone--and the service plan to go with it--requires some legwork.

Your choice of phone may depend on your choice of wireless service provider. If you're shopping for a carrier, you first need to figure out which carrier offers the best coverage and the best monthly service plan in your area. Then, you'll have to select a phone from the assortment your chosen service provider offers. With the exception of a few handsets, most phones work only on one provider's system because carriers have mutually exclusive networks, and many carriers lock their phones so you can't take the same phone to another provider.

There's been a lot of talk about the third generation of mobile communications technology called 3G, which is supposed to boost data-transfer performance to 2 megabits per second from the more common data-transfer rate of 19.2 kilobits per second. 3G will be particularly handy if you use a phone to wirelessly access data such as e-mail, text messages, and the Web.

A few nationwide carriers currently provide 3G. For instance, Sprint and Verizon Wireless use the Evolution Data Optimized (EvDO) network, which offers average download speeds of 400 to 700 kbps and potential maximum download speeds of 2 Mbps. Meanwhile, as of this writing, Cingular's 3G network, called High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), is available on only one handset. (Cingular's HSDPA is also available for use with PC Cards.) HSDPA promises average download data rates of 400 to 700 kbps with bursts to more than 1 Mbps. Currently, most Cingular phones support Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution (EDGE), which promises data transmission speeds of 384 kbps, and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), with average speeds of 40 kbps and capable of up to 115 kbps. Other carriers are expected to launch their 3G networks soon.

Wireless standard: World travelers are more affected by wireless standards than are users based strictly in the United States. This is because most of the world uses networks based on GSM, which is the global system for mobile communications standard. U.S. carriers, however, use a variety of networks in addition to GSM. U.S. carriers work on the CDMA (code division multiple access), TDMA (time division multiple access), iDEN (integrated digital enhanced network), AMPS (advanced mobile phone service), GPRS (general packet radio service), EDGE (enhanced data rates for global evolution), and/or EvDO (evolution data optimized) standards. Cingular runs on the AMPS, EDGE, GSM, GPRS, and TDMA networks. Nextel uses the iDEN network exclusively. Sprint and Verizon Wireless run on CDMA and EvDO; Verizon also uses AMPS. T-Mobile supports GSM and GPRS networks. It is important to note that Cingular runs on both GSM and TDMA networks, but the services and the phones that use them do not interoperate.

Wireless mode: Dual-mode phones, which send and receive both digital and analog signals, tend to be more reliable than single-mode models. In rural areas where digital service is often spotty or nonexistent, a dual-mode phone can fall back on an analog signal to allow service, though roaming fees may apply. Bear in mind that using an analog mode consumes more battery power than using a digital mode. If you use your phone mainly in big cities,where digital service is widespread, you can stick with a single-mode model, which is often cheaper than a dual-mode phone.