Abazoo UK: Consumer Advice

 

Mobile Phones: Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, Siemens, Sony Ericsson

 

ABOUT MOBILE PHONES

 

When buying a mobile phone there are two decisions to make. Firstly, what mobile phone to buy, and secondly what network to connect it to.

 

The main functional choices when choosing a mobile phone relate to its extra features; these may include a camera, MP3 music player, email, and web browsing. There is also the question of appearance, with many mobile phones presenting themselves as stylish fashion accessories.

 

The main functional choice when choosing a network is whether to opt for a monthly subscription plan, or pay-as-you-go. All UK mobile phone networks offer this choice. There is also a choice between standard 2G networks, and the more advanced 3G networks which offer faster communication, particularly for sending photos, email, and web browsing.

 

CONSUMER ADVICE ON MOBILE PHONES

 

Pricerunner UK publishes a buying guide to mobile phones. This covers pre-apy and monthly payment methods, tariffs, networks, handsets, and a glossary of terms.

 

Consumer Direct, the official consumer website, provides an online guide to consumers' rights when buying mobile phones.

 

Which? publishes product test reports on 2G mobile phones, 3g mobile phones, and Bluetooth headsets. The reports include a free features guide, and the following subscriber-only content: best buys; frequently asked questions about mobile phones; and the results of product tests. Which? offers a 30-day online free trial. 

 

LEADING MANUFACTURERS OF MOBILE PHONES

 

Motorola. Motorola of the USA is a leading manufacturer of mobile phones. Its range includes mobile phones with integral MP2 player, 3G mobile phones, and the BT Fusion mobile phone. The BT Fusion mobile phone automatically detects when you are at home, and then uses your landline (via your BT Home Hub) thus significantly reducing call charges.

 

Nokia. Nokia is the world's largest manufacturer of mobile phones. Its UK website gives details of all available models, and enables you to shop online. To reduce the bewildering variety of models, the Nokia website has a section presenting Nokia's 'Top 20' models. These include mobile phones with camera and MP3 player, and 3G mobile phones. There is a separate section for business mobile phones, including those with email and web access.

 

Samsung. Samsung, a leading manufacturer of consumer electronics, has a section of its website dealing with mobile phones. These include mobile phones with cameras, and 3G mobile phones.

 

Siemens. Siemens of Germany has a section of its website for mobile phones. It covers four brands: BenQ-Siemens, BenQ, Siemens, and Q-fi. The website enables you to search for mobile phones with particular features, including multi-band capability, memory extension, messaging services, address book, and Bluetooth.

 

Sony Ericsson. Sony Ericsson is a joint venture of Sony of Japan and Ericsson of Sweden. Its website enables you to compare features of phones side by side. It also has a business area, with applications and case studies. Other sections cover fun and downloads, product support and accessories.

 

LEADING ONLINE RETAILERS OF MOBILE PHONES

 

Carphone Warehouse. Carphone warehouse is a leading UK retailer of mobile phones, through its shops and online. Its website is divided into two main sections: for pay months mobile phones, and for pay as you go mobile phones. There are sections for web-only deals and for clearance deals. Another section covers products that are coming soon.

 

Phones 4u. Phones 4u sells mobile phones through more than 350 high street stores and online. Its website lists the top selling ten monthly and pay as you go phones. Other sections cover clearance items, accessories, and products that are coming soon.

 

Vodafone. Vodafone, which is one of the UK's leading mobile phone networks, also sells mobile phones online. In addition to normal mobile phones, Vodafone offer Blackberry and Treo personal organisers with mobile phone capability. These provide email and web browser access using Vodafone's 3G network.

 

PRICE COMPARISONS AND USER REVIEWS FOR MOBILE PHONES

 

The following websites supply UK price comparisons for mobile phones:  Dealtime UK; Kelkoo UK; Price Runner UK. Ciao UK provides price comparisons for mobile phones together with user reviews. Reevoo provides user reviews of mobile phones.

 

OTHER USEFUL LINKS RELEVANT TO MOBILE PHONES

 

Wikipedia article on mobile phones.

UK mobile phone network coverage at the Direct Mobile Phones website.

Epinions. User reviews on mobile phones from the US-based Epinions website.

How Stuff Works. Article at the How Stuff Works website on how cell phones work, with illustrations.

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