8 Tips on Buying a Mobile Phone

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So Many Handsets - My Top Buying Tips!

When it comes to choosing a mobile phone you can find yourself buried by the sheer range of choice available to you. With so many networks, handsets and price packages, where do you start, what is it that you should be looking out for?

The positive side of this issue though is that there is plenty of variety. You should have no problems finding exactly what you need and to a budget that you can afford. But to set you off in the right direction we've compiled a list of 8 top tips that should make things a little smoother for you.

Tip 1 - Networks 

Decide on the right phone network for you

Easier said than done right? Well, no. Networks do vary, both in terms of tariffs and coverage. Most mobile phone providers will have a map of where they have the best, and worst, coverage in the UK. If your mobile won't work where you live, it's probably worth considering a new network.

In terms of tariffs, this is down to hunting for the best deals. Most networks have a reasonably similar rate, so watch out for special offers.

Tip 2 - The handset 

Decide what type of handset you want

Before worrying about brand or even model, you need to know exactly what style you're looking for. Is it for business, leisure or just as an emergency backup? If you're an occasional user and a bit of a technophobe, it doesn't make too much sense buying the latest smartphone for a few hundred pounds. Equally, for business users who want everything stored in one place, a mobile designed expressly for music usage.

There are phones of all shapes and sizes, with specifications to match. You can get dual-layered devices, flip top, sliding or just conventional styles, what you need to decide is which one will be most convenient for your needs.

Tip 3 - High Usage 

For high usage choose a contract phone

Contracts tend to come bundled with a whole load of free minutes and texts in one convenient package. You'll pay monthly and will only be charged additional amounts on usage over and above your agreement. This will save you some significant money when compared to pay as you go.

One other bonus is that you'll also get a huge discount on your initial mobile phone purchase, in many cases providers will actually give them to you for free!

Tip 4 - Low Usage 

For low usage choose Pay as you Go

Conversely, if you only intend to use your phone on occasions, or just want to keep a handle on your finances, then a Pay as you go handset might be more suitable. There's no monthly charge and you won't be tied into a 12 or 18 month contract. There are still special offers to be had with these, whereby you can often get free minutes when topping up a certain amount each month.

Tip 5 - Your Requirements 

Choose a handset to suit your requirements

Getting the latest and greatest handset might be immediately appealing, but why splash out on something that you'll barely use. Do your research and find out what features you really need and then go with that. If you're looking for maximum storage and full multi-media service then a high-end smartphone might be just the ticket. But if simple usability is more your thing, don't be afraid to set your sights a little lower and get something more suitable.

Tip 6 - Your Budget 

Decide on your budget and go from there

Top phones cost top dollar. Don't go stretching your costs to breaking point just to have something that is trendy at the time; in 12 months time when it comes to renew, it'll be old hat anyway so stick to a cost. That cost needs to incorporate any monthly fees and top-ups as well as the initial mobile phone handset charge.

Tip 7 - Research 

Spend time researching everything before you decide

Don't go rushing in and picking the first phone you see. Even if you know the handset that you want, take the time to research each of the providers to see if you can get a better deal elsewhere. Whatever your prerequisite requirements, doing plenty of sleuthing could well save you lots of time and effort further down the road.

Tip 8 - Making Your Purchase 

Think about where you want to make your purchase

Are you going to go straight to the network or manufacturer? Are you going to buy on the Internet or high street?

Purchasing online is certainly becoming a hugely popular way for consumers to get their hands on a mobile. There are often special 'online rates' and you can search hundreds of stores in a matter of minutes. Find a reputable firm, sign the contract, pay the money and you'll have a brand new mobile in no time.

The Latest Nokia N97 

Right throughout this article smartphones have been mentioned. Many of you may be wondering what on earth I'm talking about; is it a brand? Is it a model name? is it a supplier? No, in fact a smartphone is just one of many names given to the very top level mobile phones that have numerous integrated technologies.

Another name that is often attributed to smartphones is PocketPC. This is probably a better description, as many of the features on these kinds of devices would be found on a PC, including word processors, high speed wireless internet, multimedia applications and much more besides.

The smartphone with the biggest buzz surrounding it at the moment is the stunning

Mobile Phones Direct 

Mobile Phones Direct is the official branded retail partner of Nokia UK with seven Mobile Phones Direct stores and seven Nokia stores located across the south of England.

The have great deals available on contract and
Why not take advantage of their offer on the Nokia N97 Phone in black or silver. You get the handset for free on a £40 per month contract - bargain!">

Check Out The Movies 

Some great videos of the new Nokia N97 have been added to You Tube. One even shows you how the handset is made!

The Nokia N97 being assembled at the factory

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Multimedia Nokia N97

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Nokia N97

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curated content from YouTube

Have you order the N97 yet? 

So many people I speak to have got the Nokia N97 on pre-order. Due out some when in June 2009 but it is the most talked about phone of the year.

Have you ordered yours yet? If not have a look on Mobile Phones Direct site where they have the Nokia N97 Black and Nokia N97 Phone Silver

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by samnoble18

I am a UK based Search Specialist, working with a number of clients from varying markets helping them to promote their companies across the internet. (more)

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