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Smart phone buying guide

6 steps to buying or upgrading to a smart phone

	Sony Ericsson's M600i is possibly one of the world's slimmest business UMTS device. (Click for more information)

Do you need a smart phone or a PDA-phone? Smart phones are typically cell phones with strong organizer functions in one unit. They're most appropriate if you spend most of your time away from the office and need to sync or have access to your email and appointments. Though they're typically larger and more expensive than standard handsets, often costing upward of S$700, they eliminate the need for two separate devices. PDA-phones, on the hand, are PDAs with phone functions. They are available in Palm, Symbian, Windows Mobile, Linux and BlackBerry operating systems, each of which has unique characteristics. (Check out our quick guide on handheld OS.)
Find a smart phone you like. If you've decided that a smart phone is the way to go, you can find a handset that combines the most suitable features and style for you at our Mobile Phones channel. Or if you fancy a PDA-phone, check out what's available in the market right here.
See which models your carrier is offering with a rebate. Signing a contract often entitles you to rebates and discounts for phones--find out which ones they are. If you're a current customer, call your provider to see if you're eligible for any deals if you get a new model or if you can trade-in an older model for a new one. If the selling price is close to the trade-in price, all the better.

The Nokia E61 offers both 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity.
(Click for more information)
Check third-party retailers. You also can buy phones from general electronics stores or online stores not affiliated with any carriers. Not only may prices be different, but you could find alternative models not directly sold by a network operator. Just be sure to check if your carrier will support it. Finally, try to avoid buying export sets. If you do not see a label that indicates compatibility with local operators, when it comes to selling, dealers are likely not to accept it or will offer a much lower trade-in value.
Alternatively, suss out the classifieds or second-hand stores. The problem with buying second-hand phones is caveat emptor, buyer beware. So do check if the store offers refunds as sometimes some phones may have hidden problems that are not apparent until you've bought and brought it home. If you've taken the necessary precaution, and if the price of the second-hand smart phone is within your budget and in good condition, it might be worth considering. Ask also if there is still a valid warranty attached. As for online classifieds, you are more likely to find offers of brand new sets still sealed in their boxes. It's also likelier that classified sellers are enthusiasts who've bought the phone for fun and then sell it off while still new.
Choose a plan that suits your smart phone lifestyle. Keep in mind that if you go the smart phone route, you'll need a plan (3G or GPRS) that can accommodate the extra data required for sending email and surfing the Web. Some carriers offer data plans that provide a monthly allowance of megabyte usage, while others charge a flat fee for unlimited usage. Also, if your smart phone supports Wi-Fi access, check to see if your network operator offers monthly Wi-Fi plans.

Buying smart phones for businesses »

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