Best Cell Phones for Women
November, 2001
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They're cute and come in a host of fashion-forward colors, but which cell phones are preferred by women? The Good Housekeeping Institute asked a panel of women to try 12 new phones from four national wireless carriers. Based on easy dialing, voice clarity, and size, three rang our testers' bells.
Good Call: Picking the Right Cell Phone Plan
Shopping for a cellular service can be as complicated as buying a car. To be sure you get the best plan, ask yourself these questions:
How's the reception?
If you have friends in your area whose calls are always getting cut off, find out which carriers they use and avoid them. Different providers have stronger signals in different areas.
How often will I use the phone?
To estimate how many minutes you need, ask the carrier for a free trial period when you'll get a good idea. Or select a plan that lets you cancel within 30 days -- in case it doesn't suit your gabbing habits.
How do the packages compare?
Log on to comparison Web sites such as wirelessadvisor.com , letstalk.com , and myrateplan.com , to research cell-plan carriers and work out the math.
What's my budget?
Take the monthly fee advertised and then count on writing a check for several dollars more to cover taxes, fees for extra minutes used, roaming charges (when you go beyond your area), and directory assistance. You'll also likely pay a one -- time activation charge.
Should I get a prepaid plan?
These are best for people who make a limited number of calls per month. You pay more per minute this way, but you don't have to deal with monthly bills, long-term agreements, and hefty charges for exceeding your plan's minutes. Find out whether the prepaid minutes must be used within a limited time -- that can be a drawback.
Can I commit?
Check the contract to make sure your rate won't go up after a few months. Also, don't agree to a contract longer than a year, even if the carrier tries to lure you with extra features. If you decide to back out, the fee is usually at least $100.
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