Cell Phone Buying Guide

Ten years ago you may have said to yourself, "Ah, I don’t need a cell phone. How silly is that to think I need a phone on me wherever I go?!" Well, as you may have noticed over the last decade, just about everyone you know from your boss to your grandparent has a cell phone. What is it about this small device that EVERYONE from child to elder is going crazy about to absolutely have to own one, well let’s take a look into the functions of a cell phone to find out why. Get your pen and paper ready to take some notes; it’s time for another lesson in the Cowboom Classroom! (After this lesson, when you purchase your cell phone you can just record future lessons )

Cell Phones 101

Welcome to the Cowboom Classroom on cell phones. Please make sure all cell phones are turned off before the lecture begins…..oh wait, you may not have one yet, well never mind that doesn’t make any sense then.

Alright, so you have operated a home telephone before. You know how to make and receive phone calls and retrieve your voice messages on your answering machine. Well, all that and more are built in to current cell phones. How about a small device you can take with you wherever you go that not only allows calls, but surfing the internet, capturing photos, recording videos, listen to music, and doing your work?! Well, yes most modern cell phones do have most if not all of these capabilities. It may seem hard to believe, but it’s true. Before we get into the specifics on these capabilities, let’s take a look at the reasons you may need a cell phone.

My Cell Phone and Me

It may sound like a funny movie, but you will quickly realize that your cell phone will become attached to you all the time wherever you are. Just like your keys, wallet, and/purse it will be something else you will keep track of wherever you may be. You know that feeling when you misplace your keys or wallet? Well, that is the same weary feeling you will get if you lose your cell phone. This device will become THAT important to you everyday life.

OK, not trying to freak you out here, just trying to let you know that it will be an important buying decision as it will be a valuable device.

The reasons you may have a cell phone may be differ from other individuals, but here are the common reasons people have this device:

• Business: The majority of professional individuals operate a lot of their work on cell phones. From emailing, file sharing, to contacting associates or clients on the spot, cell phones provide a great tool to taking care business in a timely fashion. Before you purchase a cell phone though for that new position, wait and see if your new employer is going to provide you with the phone. If they are, make sure to let them know to go to Cowboom.com to get it
• Student: There are various reasons why students enjoy owning a cell phone. Whether a student in middle school or a graduate student in college, many students find a cell phone as a priority to their existence. Similar to a business professional, a student can email, transfer files, do online research, or even communicate with a classmate to make the good grades. However, cell phones can cause a worry for parents as they can also be a major expense for the roaming and possible internet downloading charges. Also as many classrooms, such as this one (Just kidding) have a no-cell phone policy, students are known to still operate a cell phone causing for some distraction in their education. So, for students needing their parents to purchase a cell phone for them, it’s important for the parent to monitor the use as best as possible to avoid these worries.
• Personal: Some business professionals and students may use their cell phones for personal use as well. However some individuals purchase a cell phone for personal use only. Often, a cell phone will act as the primary phone line for a person as they are more accessible. If a cell phone is the primary line for an individual for any reason, it is important to select one that is known for very clear reception. This goes into effect when deciding not only the model of the cell phone, but also the plan/provider.

Whichever reason you choose to purchase a cell phone whether for business, school, or personal use, make sure you pick the right phone with the right networking plan and features.

Ready to be Connected

Well, there is some basic information you will want to keep in mind when selecting your network provider, the company who you are going to pay on a monthly basis to make your calls, roam the internet, and send digital images.

First let us distinguish the two different types of networks:

• GSM = Global System for Mobile Communication Hence the Global part, this network can found commonly all over the world. Many providers use the GSM, and are very important to consumers who need to communicate internationally. Whether you do international business or are trying to contact someone internationally, than the GSM is the way you want to go. The other benefit of a GSM capable provider and phone as that at times a SIM card is included. SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) allows personal subscription information to be stored to easily be transferred to another GSM phone. It is important to read the specifications on the cell phone you desire under a GSM network to ensure that all transfer capabilities are allowed.
• CDMA = Code Division Multiple Access More of a local entity, this network should be pursued if you are planning on only making calls within the United States. The difference between this and a GSM phone when transferring subscription information is that a SIM card is not used under the CDMA. Most individuals will have to go to a service provider location and have a technician manually transfer subscription information to a new phone. The benefit of CDMA is that data transfer, such as texting or calls are generally at a faster speed than that of GSM.

Now you understand the two different types of networks. Next is finding the right provider for your phone. Well it is important to keep in mind which provider uses which network. Here is a quick list of the major providers:

• T-Mobile = GSM
• AT&T = GSM
• Verizon = CDMA
• SprintPCS = CDMA

It Can Do That?

It may be hard to believe that a little gadget that fits in your pocket can do more than the old bulky wired telephone you have at home. But, the truth is, cell phone technology has taken many leaps over the years. The following are the basic features most phones may offer:

• MP3: So, if you purchase a cell phone that play’s MP3’s, you won’t need to buy an MP3 player, you phone can act as one for you! Download your favorite music and upload it to your, that’s right, cell phone! Just keep in mind the amount of memory that is on your phone, and that info is located in your specifications of the product listing.
• Gaming: Yes, you are a gamer and know you can’t haul your heavy gaming console with you everywhere you go. Well a gaming console may lay in your pocket if you purchase a cell phone designed for gaming capabilities. Some cell phones may come with general games such as Tetris; however phone designed for gaming will have higher memory to play more advanced games.
• Photos/Video: You are in a moment where you are thinking, "Gosh, I really wish I had a camera to capture this moment!" or "I totally could have used my video camera to film what just happened for America’s Funniest Home Videos!" Well, the beauty of many cell phones to date is that some offer a camera with photo and video features. While the resolution may not be as high as a digital camera, it still has enough megapixels to take a quality photo or video. Some even offer the ability to transfer your images or video onto your computer for saving, or posting on YouTube
• Online/Bluetooth: While your computer offers you many capabilities, one capability is has in common with the cell phone is allowing the user to surf the web, check email, etc. While the screen on your cell phone and resolution may not be as high as that of a computer, newer innovations for internet via cell phone have made for a nice feature. Bluetooth is an option, especially for the business professional, to transfer data from cell phones to other phones or computers also while using the internet.
• Other Features: Many cell phones offer other great features as well; calendars to schedule appointments and reminders or alarm clocks to help you wake up in the morning. A list of other features include: calculators, contact lists, GPS, notepads, stop watches, extra memory storage and more.

Is It, Deal or No Deal?

Yes, you may be able to download that game application, but what this section is about is figuring out what your finding on Cowboom.com is a good deal or not. The truth is there are many great deals on Cowboom; the main part is your decision on the kind of phone you want. Understanding everything you learned in this guide is important as to knowing the purpose you want a phone and what types of features you want therein. Also knowing the look and design you want as well, including color. Browse all of our product listings and if you ever have any questions, feel free to contact our Cowboom Customer Service Department. Alright it’s time to go buy your cell phone! Give me a call! Class dismissed!

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