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 From Google's Nexus One to the Motorola Backflip, the big talk over the newest crop of hi-tech cell models has many telephone owners looking to upgrade. Indeed, more than fifty p.c of US people surveyed by research firm TNS Media Intelligence say they intend to purchase a new mobile in the 1st half of 2010, up from just twenty-four % during the same period last year.But finding the best replacement model and plan could be a challenge. Our tips for finding a path through the process :
1) Check call quality.
Need to estimate a carrier's caller-frustration quotient? Try a fast search of its Web site forums. Type "iPhone drops calls " at ATT's site, for example, and more than 1,700 results pop up. The company explains it wants to hear from consumers to mend problems. Research firm J.D. Power and Associates continually rates firms on call quality, factoring in common beefs like voice echoes, dropped calls and failed connections ; last year Verizon performed the very best in 5 out of 6 regions across the nation. The largest of the other major telephone carriersATT, T-Mobile and Run Nextelgenerally drew lower marks, tying for last in 4 out of 6 regions. For reviews from callers in a particular zip-code.
2) Price out the plans.
According to a 2009 study from public-interest group Application Shoppers ' Action Network, the average cell telephone user gabs thru only about a 3rd of his plan's "any time " mins. Ensuring you are not paying too much for your talk time means analyzing a bill and comparing the plans and rates offered by different carriersor to do the work for you For between $5 and $30, the site evaluates how folk are really using their telephones and counsels the most cost effective voice, text and information plan for their requirements.
3) Find your fave features.
As the amount of mobile models continues to multiply, the cell telephone market is "definitely going to be confusing for customers to navigate, " announces Sam Curtis, a researcher with TNS. To help cut thru the static, lately rolled out a tool letting clients filter through more than 2 hundred handsets based primarily on whether they desire, say, touch-sensitive screen controls, Bluetooth or GPS on their next model. One drawback : The feature doesn't sort telephones for pre paid plans. For serial telephone swappers, mavens suggest checking how speedily their carrier permits upgrades on the telephone they're considering ; it can vary greatly from model to model.
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