Smart Phones Are the Craze: Is the iPhone Worth It?

You see them everywhere you go. The latest fancy gadgets and phones are all around you. Everyone has an opinion about which cell phone looks best and has the latest and greatest features. One of the most talked about smartphones out there is the iPhone. If you're looking for the best cell phone deals, you might be asking yourself - is the iPhone worth it?

Smartphone envy is rampant these days. Each release of the iPhone has been picked apart and reviewed by nearly every technology website, often months in advance. So, what's the big deal? Here are some things to think about when deciding which smartphone is right for you.

Considerations for Smartphone Purchases

First, consider who your current cell phone company is. Apple signed an exclusive contract with AT&T Wireless for the first 5 years. If you are not an AT&T customer, check the contract on your current cell phone plan. If you sign on the dotted line with AT&T and are still under contract with another provider, you could end up with a hefty cancellation fee.

When searching for the best cell phone deals, consider what matters most to you. If your goal is to simply make and receive calls, the iPhone may not be the phone for you. If functionality, features and style matter, it could be a top choice.

The iPhone is a very user friendly and intuitive phone. For people who have been using an iPod Touch, or other Apple products, the iPhone should be very easy to become comfortable with. It is a sleek, sophisticated piece of equipment that is often perceived as complicated.

Apple's latest iPhone's release, the 3G S, includes a 3 megapixel camera, video recording, supports 7 music file formats, and includes Apple's Safari web browser. It syncs videos and music effortlessly with iTunes. The touch screen, which can be used in landscape or portrait format, is easy to learn. If you have longer nails, or bigger fingers, you may need to use a stylus, especially when typing out text.

Being designed, built and supported by Apple is an advantage. Since it runs OS X, it inherits the stability and consistency of other Apple products. This is not the case with Windows Mobile, as it is up to the hardware manufacturer to makes sure the device works with Microsoft's operating system.

Check Out the Competition

Competitors of the iPhone are worth looking at before you make your final decision. The T Mobile G1 Android is a smartphone that is powered by Google's own operating system, based on Linux. It includes One-Touch Google Search, 3G Internet & Wi-Fi. The features of the G1 are similar to the iPhone. However, one big difference between the iPhone and G1 is the keyboard. The G1 has a full slide-out keyboard, which will appeal to those who like the tactile response that an actual keyboard offers.

Sprint's HTC Touch Pro is another smartphone to consider. Like the T-Mobile G1, the Touch Pro has a slide-out keyboard. Since it is a Windows Mobile smartphone, the user interface will be familiar to people who use Microsoft products regularly. The feature that sets it apart from other smartphones is the TouchFLO interface, which lets you navigate by sliding your finger across the screen.

Pre-Purchase Research

Most importantly, do your own research. Visit the store and pick up the phone. Make sure it is comfortable to hold and use. Whether the iPhone is worth it for you depends on your specific needs. Ask the questions you want answered, even if they seem small. The best cell phone deal in the world won't matter if you are unhappy with the product you purchase.

Keep in mind that most cell phone companies have a 15 to 30 day return policy. Make sure to test the phone where you will be using it the most. If you don't get signal where you need it, consider a different cell phone company. Chances are one of them will fit your coverage needs.