Cell Phones: 10 key features to consider

External screen/caller ID: On flip phones, this lets you see who's calling before you open the cover.

Some phones have very offbeat features.

Phone book and voice dialing: Consider how many contacts you can store. Also, voice dialing lets you make calls without using the keypad, which is particularly handy when you're on a headset.

Microbrowser: This lets you surf the wireless Web. If your phone features a WAP (Wireless Access Protocol) browser, it's optimized to view sites configured to display on small, mobile devices. Not all sites, however, are made for WAP browsing. Also, you can use some Internet-ready phones as a fax modem, but you'll need to purchase the proper data cables to take advantage of this feature.

Text messaging, instant messaging, and e-mail: They allow quick communication without making a phone call. Be sure to find out how many messages you are allowed to send and receive per month. If you're a heavy e-mail user, make sure your phone supports this feature and consider adding a data plan to your basic service.

Camera, video recorder, and picture messaging: Use them for taking pictures, shooting brief video clips, and sharing them with others. Some carriers offer better online tools than others, and multimedia plans vary. Also, a camera phone is no substitute for a real camera (yet).

Speakerphone/conference calling: A speakerphone is useful for multitasking, such as working on a computer while you're holding a conversation. Consider getting a unit with a full-duplex speakerphone, which allows both parties to speak at the same time. Business travelers who need to set up impromptu meetings will want to look at a phone that supports conference calling.

Push To Talk: A walkie-talkie-like service that lets you immediately connect with individuals or call groups, which is especially useful for business users who need instant contact with their colleagues. Best of all, you don't need a cell signal to use them. Not all carriers offer this feature, however.

Bluetooth and infrared: Both features let you wirelessly connect with external devices. A phone with an infrared port allows information to be exchange wirelessly with PDAs or PCs. In addition, you can use Bluetooth to connect to a wireless headset.

Sound options: Some features to look for include MP3 support, FM radio, and polyphonic ring tones.

Accessories and add-ons: What's available, and what's important to you? Just make sure it's specifically designed for your phone of choice. If no games and applications are on the phone, can you get them?

Experts say you should consider the following when looking for cell phone service.

Choose a service first, then choose a phone. Specific phones work with individual carriers' networks, so your choice of phones will be limited greatly by the plan you choose. In the end, experts say network functionality and customer service is a bigger issue than whether or not your phone has a speakerphone or fifty fancy ring tones.

Decide whether you want local, regional or national coverage. Although most carriers are now including long distance and roaming charges in their highest-profile plans, you can save some money if you will primarily be making and receiving calls within your area. Be sure to confirm whether roaming or long distance charges apply to your plan.

Slightly overestimate the number of minutes you need. Reviewers say it's better to have a cushion of minutes than to pay extra per-minute charges, which can quickly outpace the cost of an initially more expensive plan. If you already have a phone, you'll have a good idea how many minutes you'll need. Keep in mind that you will be using up your minutes both on outgoing and incoming calls.

Check the coverage area. Carriers have coverage maps on their Web sites. Especially if you live in a more rural area, check for network coverage. Some carriers are better distributed than others in states such as Wyoming or West Virginia. That may further limit your choice of carrier.

Consider a prepaid plan. If you only want a phone for emergencies, or if you want to spend less than the $30 or $35 base price for a cell plan, a prepaid card is a good option.

Ask around. Do your own informal poll of people in your area. Those who live and work in your neighborhood can tell you how frequently they experience outages, busy networks or dropped calls.

5 steps to buying or upgrading your phone

1. Find a phone you like. Find a handset that combines the most-suitable features and style for you.

2. See which phones your carrier is offering free with a rebate. Signing a contract often entitles you to rebates and discounts for phones--find out which ones they are. If you're a current customer, call your provider to see if you're eligible for any deals if you get a new model.

3. Check out manufacturer Web sites for additional rebates. You may get an even better deal by going to the manufacturer instead of the carrier. But you should calculate whether the savings outstrip your carrier's activation fee.

4. Check third-party retailers. You also can buy phones from general electronics stores not affiliated with any carriers. Not only may prices be different but you could find alternative models not directly sold by a carrier. Just be sure to check if your carrier will support it. Also, you can buy an unlocked phone that can be used on other GSM carriers, provided you have a SIM card (the tiny identification chip that's in all digital GSM phones).

5. Read the fine print. Some things to keep in mind before you commit:

You may have to pay a fee to have the carrier activate your new phone, especially if you didn't purchase it from an authorized dealer. Some carriers, however, offer free or discounted online activation.

You can also search auction sites, such as eBay, for good deals. Use caution when going this route, however. If there's an outstanding balance tied to the number, the carrier won't activate the phone to work on a new account.

Again, be aware that if your contract has expired but you still wish to purchase a new phone, you don't need to sign a new contract. However, you'll likely pay full price for the new handset.

Consider an extended warranty if you plan to keep your phone for more than a year. Also, check your carrier's policy in case your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged.

How To Choose Your Next Cell Phone In 5 Easy Steps

1. Answer the basic questions: Prepaid or monthly billed?, by-the-second billing? Wireless Internet? Read my 6 questions and answers on buying a cell phone and service plan.

2. Select your 5 best matching phones: Choosing a cell phone is about choosing its features, but what do you need exactly? Take my cool test that unveils your top 5 ideal cell phones.
* Why select the phones before choosing a service plan? Thinking of your phone will help you better determine the features that you want and may have an impact on the service plan you'll choose but you may do just the inverse if you prefer.

3. Select a service plan: Browse my U.S. Service Plan Comparison Tables with more than 60 plans from the largest nationwide service providers. Once you're done, check out the phones offered by the carrier you selected and match them, or similar models, with those you found at step #2.
* If you are not living in the United States, check out the GSM World association network operators list.

4. At this point, you should have identified 2 to 3 phones that you would like to use. The next step: take advantage of professional reviews and other people's experiences that should let you avoid buying a bad phone. Check out the latest reviews.

5. Buy it:

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