It is time to upgrade... how do I choose a cellphone?
How do I choose a cell phone? Great news! You can currently upgrade… Funny how many shops send you a similar message only to ruin your expectations when they see you face to face. You queue for 45 minutes in a retail store in a busy mall only to find your cell phone expert is a snooty 19-year-old who treats you like a potato that wants to become a chicken nugget. Now either your lunch is ruined or your weekend is. Many customers feel intimidated by the fast pace that technology is moving at and sales consultants do not always understand how nerve wrecking it may be to walk into their shop to begin with. I have a couple of ideas that might make the process easier for you as customer.
BRAND PREFERANCE First, look at your needs holistically and then narrow the options down to specifics. The first question you need to ask yourself is whether you prefer a specific brand name. Should you already have an Ipad, continuing with Apple products may be a very good idea. Most musicians prefer Apple as the apps available on the Istore are mostly excellent and your products should have no problem communicating with each other. Sending a file via Bluetooth is tricky when using Apple and because of royalty fees etc, you might not be able to send music to another device using Bluetooth. Keep in mind that you cannot download any torrents or free music (another reason musicians would have you use Apple!) Lastly, Apple has a one-year warrantee in South Africa as opposed to the two-year warrantee most other brand names carry. It is important to remember that you should stick with your favourite brand, no matter the disadvantages. What is important to one person, is trivial to the next.
HARDWARE Do you receive emails with excel spreadsheets or powerpoint presentations etc? How important is the camera? Remember that not all phones have dual cameras and not all phones are equipped with a flash. As a rule, the go-to website for facts and opinions is www.gsmarena.com but even they cannot guarantee that all information is correct. It may however make the decision process a bit easier. SIZE Size and ease of use are two very important factors we might forget to look at. Fair enough, you can opt for a stylus for under R50 these days but you must remember that whatever phone you take, even if it is the same brand as what you currently own, you will have to learn how to use the user interface. New technology is being added all the time and you will have to adapt. Do you work with your hands? Where do you keep your phone most of the time? Is it protected? Does it fit? Ask for a dummy phone to experience the actual weight and size.
ACCESSORIES That fit bit has really changed your life but now you must order a new phone. Luckily Bluetooth is awesome and most products will work with your new phone, you need to sometimes make sure about certain apps that your company might require you to have on the phone. Does the phone have enough memory so that you can run all the necessary apps and still have space for extra usage?
PRICE AND CONTRACT Lastly, the contract and the phone’s subscription should suit your pocket and your wallet. Although choosing a cellphone is usually a two-year investment, you need to make sure that over all you have made the right decision, considering physical and non-physical attributes, like the contract price (remember that many companies do not include vat in their advertisements. Make sure you are clued up before you sign on the dotted line.)
Just one last thing: Do not make permanent decisions based on temporary situations. Remember it is not just a cellphone – it is growing your business, communicating with family overseas and treasuring music and memories. Knowledge is power and with this article I wish you the confidence and knowledge to choose the best solution!
