Upgrading Your Cell Phone or PDA
With the many feature-rich PDA/cell phones now
available, many users are tempted to upgrade. However, selecting the right equipment and
package can be an onerous task - and one that can be very costly if you sign on for
services you do not really need.
Before you purchase or upgrade your PDA or cell
phone, take time to assess the features you will actually use and the cost of the air
time. You will find all carriers offer some identical features but some may also offer
some unique features. Of course, the more features, the higher the cost. But do you really
need everything that is included in a particular package?
Here are some guidelines that can assist you in
the decision-making process when selecting equipment and determining which service
provider offers the best options and pricing for your particular needs.
Plans
The monthly rates for plans can vary considerably
depending on the services and features you select, such as a television, radio, music,
camera, hands-free dialing, text messaging,
e-mail, emergency roadside assistance, call forwarding and custom ring tones that identify
the caller. Of course, you cannot expect a $400 cell phone to provide the same pixel
resolution as a $400 digital camera.
Most carriers offer "free" or reduced
costs for PDAs and cell phones if the purchaser signs a one, two or three-year contract.
Choose carefully. If you make the wrong choice, you could be locked into a plan that
doesn't suit your needs. A one-year contract may be more cost-efficient in the long run.
If you are considering a longer term, ask about the cost of the termination fees should
you need to cancel the service prior to the contract's expiration.
Review your calling pattern. How many minutes per
month do you use your cell phone? If you often "roam" outside your rate plan
area, what are the additional costs?
If you use your cell phone all of the time,
consider purchasing a plan that provides 1,000 or more minutes of free incoming and/or
outbound as part of the package. If you tend to use it infrequently, the
"pay-as-you-go" cards may be a more cost-effective deal. Although the per-minute
cost is higher, you will save money by not paying for a long-term contract when the cell
phone sits idle.
If several employees use the same service
provider, consider a plan that allows you to pool your minutes. A "share plan"
may reduce costs, yet users can still make the same number of calls.
Communications Costs
Some packages offer free text messaging but charge
for e-mail. Not only is it important to determine which communications are free, but you
need to determine the cost of all the various communications you may be using.
Battery Life
Many PDAs/cell phones are touching the 10-hour
mark and if you work long days, anything less may not be satisfactory. Ask if you can
purchase a second battery for the unit.
Sound Quality
If the PDA/cell phone has a speaker, test the
sound quality both talking and listening. Does it come with ear buds or headsets or do you
have to purchase these add-ons separately? Are they universal or brand-specific (the
latter being more expensive)? Does the headset have volume control?
Upgrades
If your needs change two months after you sign the
contract, is there an additional fee for changing the plan? If you decide to upgrade the
unit, is there a penalty or cost for transferring to the new unit?
Memory
What is the average MB size of the files or
pictures you may wish to download? PDAs may have as much as 48 MB. That may be enough for
most users but ask if expansion slots are provided. 64 MB is not unusual. If you plan to
download pictures or files, you may need additional memory.
Screen
Is the screen large enough? If you plan to review office documents, browse the
Web or take pictures, consider a larger 7.62cm (3 in) screen.
Keyboard
Do you need a keyboard? Pecking at a traditional telephone dial pad to send
a text message is cumbersome so if document transmission is essential, look for a PDA/cell
phone with a functional keyboard rather than use the dial pad of a cell phone. The
familiar QWERTY layout of the keyboard lets you input your message faster and reduces the
likelihood of typing errors.
Test the various keyboards that are available to
find the one that is most comfortable. The positioning of the keys varies from model to
model so some may not suit your finger size or movement. While you are checking out the
keyboard, look for delay in keys registering. Some keyboards may take longer to register
the keystroke. Some users may find the delay frustrating.
Communication Limitations
All carriers provide great service within
metropolitan areas, but what if you need to use the device in northern British Columbia,
traveling across the Prairies, north of Lake Superior or on the ferry to Newfoundland?
What wireless technologies does the device support? Ask your supplier about WIFI,
Bluetooth, GPS and the various wireless standards used in North
America such as GSM/GPRS/EDGE.
Some cell phone/PDA devices allow the
synchronization of desktop applications (e.g., schedules, address books, etc.) to your
cell phone for convenient and mobile access to important data. Find out the rate of
transmission. The newer devices are transmitting at 3G. The speed is important if you need
to send large files as e-mail attachments or if browsing the Internet is your life.
Warranty and Service
If the PDA or cell phone breaks down, will the
repairs be covered or do you have to pay for service? Do you return it to the place of
purchase or to the manufacturer? Is a loaner provided while your unit is being repaired?
Local Number Portability
With Local Number Portability (LNP), you can now
take your phone number with you when you switch providers. However, do not cancel your
current service before applying to be switched. In order to take advantage of this
service, your current number must be active.
Before You Purchase
Review your requirements and choose the plan that
most closely fits your business needs. Selecting the right package can improve your mobile
business communications while saving you both time and money. |
