How to Take Care of Your Cell Phone and Save Money

Whenever I sign-up for a new cell phone contract every couple years, I usually choose the "free" phone that Verizon offers. Compared to the fancier models, they're basic communication, but they get the job done. If you pay for a cell phone without a service contract, it will cost you between $150. for an analog, and $500. for a digital, according to the Cellphones website. Replacing damaged or abused cell phones can really cost you as well, especially if you didn't buy insurance. Still, many (if not all) cell phone manufacturers place an indicator inside their phones so they can tell if your phone has been exposed to water. Exposure to water can void your warranty or service contract. Read on to find out some tips on how to take care of your cell phone and save money.

1. Keep Your Cell Phone Safe From Harm
The best way to keep your cell phone safe is to carry it in a protective case. The best cases are dustproof, crushproof, shock and water-resistant. You can buy cases that attach to your belt, hang around your neck on a strap, or that you can place in your purse, backpack or briefcase.

2. Protect Your Cell Phone From Theft
Cell phones are a hot commodity. Millions of them are stolen every day. Stolen cell phones can be used until you close your account. They can also be sold. To prevent your phone from becoming a statistic, guard it like you protect the rest of your valuables. Don't leave it in your car. Don't leave it laying around in any public place. If you can't carry your cell phone with you, lock it up in a secure place.

3. Charge Your Cell Phone Battery Properly and Extend Its Lifespan
Cell phone batteries are costly to replace. I recently got a quote of $40 for a new Motorola battery. To keep it working at its best, and make it last as long as possible: 1) Turn your cell phone off when it's charging. This will help keep the battery cooler, 2) Charge the battery before it's drained completely, and 3) Remove your cell phone from the charger as soon as it's fully charged.

4. Clean Your Cell Phone Without Getting the Inside Wet
Never spray your phone with a cleaner to remove dirt and germs. Moisture can get inside the case and cause all kinds of chaos on the electronics. Instead, take care of your cell phone by using alcohol wipes to clean and sanitize the exterior case. You can also use cotton balls moistened with rubbing alcohol. Be careful not to get moisture inside the charging port.

5. Keep Your Cell Phone Dry
This tip goes along with #4. Keep your cell phone out of the rain, snow, bathroom, shower stalls, and other places where moisture is present. Most (if not all) cell phone manufacturers place a dot inside the battery compartment. When you take the phone in for service, the technicians look at that dot. If it has turned red, or even pink, that means the phone has gotten (even the least bit) wet. Wetness ("water damage") can easily void the warranty or service contract.

Resources
http://www.cellphones.ca/resources/cost-billing/
http://www.squidoo.com/stolen-cell-phones
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/product-testing/reviews-tests/appliances-electronics/cell-phone-guide-care
http://goingcellular.com/phones/prolong-your-cell-phone-battery-life-44179/
http://gadgetopia.com/post/5588
http://digg.com/tech_news/A_red_dot_on_a_cellphone_indicates_water_damage_and_a_voided_warranty.