10 things to look for when buying a phone

Buying a mobile phone these days can be rather confusing, especially since they now come jam-packed with features, from HSDPA and GPS to onboard PDA and motion-sensing functions. Therefore, to help you make a better buying decision, we have identified 10 key features you should consider when looking for a new phone.

1. Size/type of LCD screens
On flip phones, an external LCD lets you see who is calling before you open the cover. Some of the newer models such as the Motorola RAZR2 V9 also allow the user to control music playback options directly from the external display. But while a larger screen makes it more comfortable for tasks such as Web browsing and viewing of documents, it drains battery life at a faster rate, too.

2. Connectivity and memory
If you listen to music often, you should be looking for a handset that comes with a dedicated 2.5/3.5mm audio jack. This allows you to plug in your personal headphones without having to bear with lousy bundled ones. The type of PC connection is also something you should look out for, especially if you have a lot of devices that use the same connector. Proprietary cables mean you'll have to take extra care not to misplace it as it may be harder to find a replacement. In addition, some phones can also be charged via the cable when connected to a PC. Most handsets support some form of external memory and the most common one right now is the microSD/TransFlash media. In ideal situations, the memory card should be hot-swappable, meaning you don't have to power down the device in order to remove the media.

3. Web browser
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. Image-intensive and Flash sites tend to load more slowly, and depending on the type of browser you are using, some may not load correctly. Some of the more popular Web browsers on phones include the Nokia S60 browser and Opera Mobile.

4. Text messaging, instant messaging, and email
They allow quick communication without making a phone call. Be sure to find out how many messages can be stored in the phone. If you're a heavy email user, make sure your phone supports this feature and consider adding a data plan to your basic service. There are also external third-party applications that enable you to logon to IM services. Some of these are free, while others are not.


Nokia N82
5. Camera, video recorder, and picture messaging
Use them for taking pictures, shooting brief video clips, and sharing with others. Most phones come with megapixel cameras which provide enough resolution for 4R prints. The latest camera-phones such as the Sony Ericsson K850i and Nokia N82 top out on resolutions of 5 megapixels and are equipped with a Xenon flash. For those who shoot videos more often, an LED light is better able to provide a constant source of light.

6. 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. This 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.

7. Network
The type of network support available on a phone determines the places it can be used. For example, those traveling frequently should look out for handsets with triband (GSM 900/1800/1900) and quadband (GSM 850/900/1800/1900) support which will ensure that they can use them in other countries such as Europe and the US. 3G/HSDPA networks, which essentially bring wireless broadband data services to the mobile phone, are not new in Asia anymore, so that's something to consider if you require faster data services often. Wireless LAN, or Wi-Fi, is another feature to look out for if you frequent places with hotspots.


Sony Ericsson HBH-DS980 Bluetooth Headset
8. Bluetooth and infrared
Both features let you wirelessly connect with external devices. A phone with an infrared port allows information to be exchanged wirelessly with PDAs or PCs, though it has been gradually phased out in many of the current phones. As for Bluetooth, if it supports the A2DP profile, you can also use it to stream music to a wireless headset.


9. Multimedia options
Features to look for include MP3 support, FM radio, video playback and games. Some of the newer phones come with 3D games, while others make use of accelerometers for more interactivity. For videoconferencing calls, there will be an extra fee and, of course, you'll have to have the service in your area.

10. Accessories and addons
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?