| The first mobile phones, released in the | | | | |
| market during the early nineties, were large | | | | On the other hand, a stay at home mom may not |
| and clunky devices with low battery life and | | | | need a PDA function, but would probably |
| very limited memory. All this has changed. | | | | benefit from a mobile phone with a good |
| Today's mobile phones are not only light and | | | | camera. You can take instant pictures of your |
| compact, but are packed with features. Many | | | | kids (and we all know how those moments pass |
| of them have camera, MP3 and PDA functions, | | | | while you run upstairs to get a camera) and |
| with the option to download games, programs, | | | | proudly send them to friends and family in |
| ringtones and full-color wallpapers. You | | | | the same minute. |
| can't even call them "just" mobile | | | | |
| phones-they're almost like mobile offices. | | | | Most teenagers opt for phones that have the |
| | | | radio and MP3 functions, or have that elusive |
| With the diversity of features, the variety | | | | quality called "form and coolness factor". A |
| of shapes and sizes, and the thick | | | | mobile phone is not just functional, it is |
| competition between mobile phone | | | | also almost an accessory. Certain models are |
| manufacturers that lead them to release new | | | | designed to look sleek and beautiful, and are |
| models every year, it's hard to pick which | | | | even declared by fashion magazines to be the |
| mobile phone to buy. | | | | "it" model of the year. Others simply are |
| | | | triumphs in ergonomic design, and use |
| Today's top of the line phones can do almost | | | | materials (from a chic chrome to trendy |
| everything, but which of those features will | | | | brights) to communicate a particular image. A |
| you really use? Some have camera resolution | | | | few models even allow full customability with |
| rivals a decent point and click digital | | | | changeable cases in a wide variety of colors. |
| camera; others flip open to reveal a keyboard | | | | You can actually buy all of the shades, and |
| to let you check and write emails and even | | | | make your mobile phone match your outfit! |
| surf the web. While it's always great to have | | | | |
| that kind of power in your pocket | | | | Aside from your lifestyle, of course another |
| (literally), the first and most important | | | | important consideration is price. You will |
| thing to consider if your lifestyle. | | | | have to set a budget, and then look for the |
| | | | best deals. Check various stores and websites |
| Are you an executive? Do you have to keep | | | | before buying, but remember that cheapest is |
| track of a lot of meetings and tasks? Do you | | | | not always best. Ask if the mobile phone |
| spend a lot of time away from the office? If | | | | comes with a warranty, how long it lasts, and |
| so, buying a phone with PDA features will | | | | whether the warranty involves repair or |
| really simplify your life. You don't have to | | | | replacement of the unit. Also remember that |
| carry too many gadgets with you, and you can | | | | it is better to pay a little higher for a |
| make note of the messages you receive | | | | phone you like and will use for a long time, |
| directly on to the phone's calendar, and set | | | | than to opt for a cheaper phone, and then |
| a reminder for meetings and deadlines. | | | | replace it within months. |