Welcome to my first blog.
I am fortunate to work in the area of Telstra I call “the Toy Department”, officially referred to as Device Management and Operations. My role includes the evaluation of new mobile handsets that may eventually find their way onto the shelves of our stores, and into your hands.
What makes a “good” mobile phone? This is a question I am asked regularly. They say “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. I say, it’s in the handset of the holder!
Over the past few years, the mobile phone has become more than just a business or communication tool. Gone are the days when we can go into a shop, pick up a phone from a choice of 3 or 4, and walk out, knowing we can make phone calls and receive them. Now, we have to make decisions about the resolution of the screen, the number of mega pixels on the camera, which music player, does it have an inbuilt GPS….and oh yes….can I make phone calls.
With over 100 handsets to choose from today, which one is right for you?
Ask yourself the following questions – they might help guide your decision:
Do I like the brand / style of phone I have been using?
Your phone is going to be with you for a couple of years (if you take out a contract) – so you need to think about the phone you currently have. Is it something you are proud to have and use, does it fit your personality? Strange questions for a phone, I know, but you’d be surprised how many people buy phones these days as a fashion accessory. Also, have you had a good experience with the brand of phone? Remember the good and bad things when making a new buying decision.
What features have I used before, and what features have I never used?
Consider what is being offered, and make sure you are not being “oversold”. This is not to say you should only go for basic features, but make your buying decision on the total package of the phone. Whilst you may have never thought of watching Foxtel for Mobile on your phone, it might not have been an option previously. A silly as it might seem, for a small monthly investment you can actually have some good fun with such features.
What is my main reason for buying this phone – work or pleasure?
If you are a tradesperson, your needs will be different to that of a student. Decide what the main use of your phone will be, work or play, and then chose the appropriate one. A handset with speaker phone capability would be handy in a noisy workplace environment, where an insurance assessor would benefit from a phone with a high resolution camera.
Who’s paying for it?
Sounds like a silly question – but price is important. Check your budget, and decide if a contract, outright purchase or prepaid is the best way to go. Look at your past bills – did they adequately cover your needs? Were you on the correct plan? The salesperson at the store can advise you on this.
How does the new phone feel in my hand?
This is the one bit of advice I always give. Pick up the phone – feel the weight and size. If it is not comfortable, think carefully about purchasing it. As I said earlier, you are going to have it with you for a while. You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes that did not feel right...
Can my finger easily press the buttons?
Again a silly question – but you must try before you buy. All phone shops have dummy phones – this will give you a good idea of the feel of the keys. Some people have skinny fingers, others don’t.
What is being offered?
Do your homework first. Check the prices and offers online, in the papers, or at the stores. Remember that the phone price is not the only consideration. Service, support, advice…..these are all part of the package.
What phones are my friends using?
If you are undecided – ask your friends or colleagues what they are using, and why they chose that particular phone. Believe me, you will get an honest answer.
What phone is the salesperson using (private not shop provided)?
Another way to assist your decision is to ask the salesperson what they use – outside of the work provided phone. As they are “in the know”, they can tell you which phones are popular, and which ones they would not use.
Do I need to use the phone in the car, and what type of car kit is available for me to use?
Be aware of the laws around using your mobile phone in the car. If you do need to use it, make sure your choice of phone supports a car kit. Many options are available here – from simple Bluetooth kits to fully installed (hard wired) kits. Your salesperson can show you the range.
How easy is it to make a video call or take/send photographs?
Video calling lets you not only speak to your friends and family, but also to see them as well. In a future posting I will discuss the do’s and don’ts of video calls – but let me say they are a great way to keep in touch. Sending pictures to your friends or to a website is just a click away. A video call to say hello your grandchildren, a goodnight call to your family if you are travelling, a quick work conference call – it’s all possible with the right handset.
What accessories are provided as standard with the phone, and what do I have to buy?
Not every phone comes with everything you need. Memory cards vary from handset to handset, and if you want to take photographs this should be taken into account. Some have a bluetooth headset included, others a stereo personal handsfree, and others nothing. Data cables to transfer files and music may be included. Bottom line – ask.
Hopefully you will find this useful. I welcome your feedback and look forward to our next posting. In coming weeks I will discuss some of the new products hitting the market.
Thanks for reading.