Get Upwardly Mobile
Sydney Morning Herald
Monday May 5, 2008
The range of features available in new mobile phones can be mind-boggling, so it's important to remember which ones you will actually use, writes David Flynn.
Have you had the same phone more more than two years? If so then you're in the minority, at least according to all the surveys and statistics on our mobile-centric lifestyle.The average rate of turn-over is 18 months, the boffins tell us, although we're sure that number is slightly inflated by some cases who upgrade their phone several times a year just to have the latest, greatest, slimmest and shiniest handset on the block.But the time will come when even your 'old faithful' turns up its toes or meets with one accidental drop too many, and you'll find yourself shopping around for a new mobile. And the longer you've owned your previous phone the more amazed and possibly bewildered you may be once you start browsing.Today's mobiles compete for your attention with everything from MP3 players and surprisingly decent digital cameras to high-speed Internet access, email and even GPS receivers to determine where you are, where you want to go and how to get there from here. Just take a deep breath and work out the features that you'll really use, not just the ones that look whizz-bang in the demonstration.Carriers are also eager to get in on the action with some phones that are exclusive to their network plus enticing low-cost or no-cost handset deals, provided of course you ink a lengthy contract with a minimum monthly spend. However, don't be too eager to run for cover - some of the call cap plans provide exceptional value once you do your sums.Also note that some phones are restricted to Telstra's Next G network, others run on the standard 3G bands while some stick to the old GSM system.There's often a 'comfort factor' in buying a phone of the same brand as your last mobile. It's likely to have a similar if not identical interface so you'll know pretty much how to use it straight out of the box. The chargers may often be identical too, so you can keep the charger from your old phone as a spare for the office or when you travel.In this Buyer's Guide liftout we've sorted through some of the best phones in several categories to help you choose your next mobile. You'll find a selection of hassle-free handsets designed for easy operation. They're ideal if you want just the basics of phone calls and SMS messages without too many bells and whistles getting in the way.We've also cast our eye over the crowded market for feature-rich multimedia phones that play music, take photos and browse the web, along with the more advanced smartphones which are the closest thing you can get to slipping a computer in your pocket or purse.At the other end of the market are the dizzying array of 'fashion' phones which wrap the essential features into slim stylish cases.No matter which phone takes your fancy, consider the recommended retail price we've listed as just the starting point. You can almost always trim the price tag if you shop around, using search engines like Google and price comparison sites like StaticIce.com.au.Finally, don't just toss your old phone in the bin. Mobiles contain small amounts of potentially hazardous substances that can harm the environment, especially if they leak into landfill. More than 90 per cent of the plastics and metals in mobile phones, their batteries and even accessories can be recovered and reused, which is why there's a recycling program just for mobile phones. Check out MobileMuster (www.mobilemuster.com.au) for the location of free drop-off points around Australia.
© 2008 Sydney Morning Herald
