Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans.

Ultimately when searching for service to choose from it’s what the consumer requires and prefers. Try taking a look at all services and find what will benefit you the most. Because you have expressed an interest for text messaging you should go for a plan with a flexible text message plan rather than one that bills you for each message. Here’s a list of the popular phone plans out there and a quick list of their benefits.

Verizon Wireless +Highest level customer satisfaction +Fewer problems with service Unique: National In Calling - call any +Verizon caller anytime without using up minutes. +CDMA offers better coverage in rural areas Roaming - broad

T-Mobile +High and inconsistent customer service +Unique: Monthly $39.99 buys 1000 nationwide minutes anytime. Networks: GSM (Global System for Mobile) Some GSM phones can be used in Europe. Roaming - moderate

Sprint +Networks: CDMA or analog offers better service in rural areas +Mid level customer satisfaction -Mid to low customer satisfaction +Unique: Fair & Flexible plan offers a varied minute plan +Roaming - broad

Cingular/AT&T Wireless +Unique: Rollover minutes, Carry forward unused minutes +Networks: CDMA or analog offers better service in rural areas +CDMA offers better coverage in rural areas +Roaming - GSM Phones on GSM networks.

Here are some tips for getting past these difficulties and into a plan that works for you.

1. Sign up for the trial period offered by the cell phone carriers. Consider signing up for one of these before signing a long term contract. This gives you a test run of the level of service the carrier provides before you commit for the long haul. Many carriers offer trial periods for two weeks to a month.

2. Go with a short contract. Consider a one year contract even if it means paying more for the phone. This gives you a faster way out if the service goes down hill. Be aware of the early terminations in the short term contracts. These range from $150 to $200. A two year contract might be something to consider if you like the service the offers after you’ve given them a trial run.

3. Read the fine print. Ask if something is confusing or ambiguous. If there is a clause you don’t like in the contract remember they’re not the only carrier on the block. Find a carrier with terms and conditions that meet your needs.

4. Review the coverage maps. By understanding the coverage areas you can avoid expensive roaming charges. If you are going to use your cell phone outside a metropolitan area consider buying a plan that doesn’t charge extra for roaming. Most carriers have coverage for voice calls. But data-related services such as Internet may not be available in all areas.

5. Figure out which network CDMA, GSM, or TDMA makes sense for the areas you call. Choose the carrier with a network in your preferred call zone.

6. If you are not sure where you are going to be in the next 2 years, it is better to opt for a prepaid cell phone without signing a 2 year service contract. Verizon Wireless has a pay as you go plan, where you pay upfront for a LG cell phone and pay for the minutes you plan to talk as you go.

7. If 24 x 7 email connectivity is very important for you and you don’t want to spend a lot on software, utilities and plug ins, you should seriously consider signing up for a wireless data plan with T-Mobile or Verizon wireless and get a blackberry RIM cell phone.

A few great phones that have been tested for battery life have been the Motorola V180, Sony Ericsson P910a, Motorola Rokr E1, and the LG F7200. These phones had an impressive talk time of 9 hours on a single charge while other phones boast with a talk time of 4 or 5 hours.

Ultimately a great phone for texting would be one with a QWERTY keyboard which is a mini standard keyboard on the phone. The keyboard comes in handy when especially texting long messages. However, a QWERTY keyboard is not necessary it just makes the text messaging process a lot easier, more fun and look cooler.

I hoped I’ve answered your question well enough. Happy phone hunting.