What You Need to Know About Purchasing A Cell Phone

 

Before purchasing a cell phone, here are a few facts you need to know in order to choose a good quality phone that is suitable for your needs.

 

Battery Life

When you choose a phone you should consider how long it can last on standby ( turned on but not in use ) and how much talk time you have before recharging.

 

Signal Strength

Ask about the signal strength. Some phones do not work inside buildings, and if you are planning to use the cell phone as your all utility phone ( as many people opt to do) you will want a phone with a strong signal.

 

Weight

The lighter it is the more pleasant to carry around (and loose).

 

Size

Just think about it and choose a size you are comfortable with.

 

Color

This is a personal choice – phones come in many colors.

 

Brand Name

Several different manufacturers make cell phones, but well known brands are easier to service and repair if necessary.

 

Technology and Frequency

The phone will likely be TDMA or GSM, but either technology has several different frequencies. Phones on one technology are incompatible with the other.

 

Your Needs

Do you need a hands free phone? Lots of games for long trips ?  Music? Choose a phone with the features that suits your needs.

 

 

Choose your Accessories

Some examples of accessories to ask for are:

  • Number storage – can the phone hold an address book of frequently called numbers? If so how many can it hold?
  • Voice Mail – does it include the ability for callers to leave voice messages ?
  • Caller ID – you can see the number of the person calling and when they called.
  • Text Messages- does it have the option for callers to leave text messages?

(text messaging is a service where you type a message and send it through your phone)

 

 

Purchasing Tips

 

Many cell phone dealers are knowingly misguiding consumers by selling them used cell phones and claiming they are new. Here are some tips to avoid being cheated.

 

  • Check the phone book ,missed calls ,dialed calls box and the call timer feature.  If numbers are stored, then the phone was previously used.

 

  • In many cases cell phone dealers replace the original components on the phones with inferior ones to make to phone look new.

The batteries, chargers, head sets and other accessories on a new phone carry the brand name of the phone.

 

On used phones, the fake accessories carry no brand name.

 

  • The screen displays on used phones are cloudy or blurred.

 

  • Check the screws at the back of the phone, if there is any evidence of tampering (scratches.) then the phone was opened and tampered with.

 

 

Remember to examine cell phones carefully before purchasing and ensure you receive a manual for the phone, a bill of sale with the details of your purchase and a warranty / guarantee for a minimum of six (6) months.

 

 

For further information contact:

The Guyana National Bureau of Standards

Flat 15 Exhibition Complex, Sophia

Tel: 225-6226, 225-9013, 227-7072.