Will you be buying a wireless device for yourself or a loved one this holiday season?   If so the New York Times has a great article detailing some important considerations to take into account before buying.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/02/technology/techspecial2/02cell.html?_r=1&ref=techspecial2

It used to be that a phone was just a phone, but now with the proliferation of specialized features and functions available on some phones they have now become quite complex, and in essence now are considered extensions of a person’s personality.  This makes the buying process extremely difficult for yourself, or someone else, and reinforces the idea that it is extremely important to consider the needs and preferences of the user carefully before making a purchase.  And if you throw a disability into the mix, accessibility features of a device need to be even more carefully scrutinized in order to ensure you get the appropriate device for your needs.

The article details many questions to ask, such as: Will the device be used by an avid traveler?  Do you require a simplified interface due to age?

If there is a disability involved you may have to ask: Is the device hearing aid compatible?  What is the maximum font size?  Are there raised buttons on the keypad or keyboard?  What are the available contrast options?  Do I need an data-only plan?  What is the return policy?

Asking these types of questions of yourself, and directly to the sales associates, can dramatically improve your satisfaction with the device when you bring it home.

The article also highlights the confusion you may encounter when switching a new device on the service provider’s network.  Buyer beware, you may encounter severe penalties by canceling a contract.  This may happen if you require an all data plan because if you are switching to a BlackBerry or Sidekick-type device and you are deaf or hard of hearing.

In their words, “Buying a phone is hard.  Buying a phone for someone else is harder”.  Their best recommendation is to bring the person you will be buying for to the store in order to ensure they get the device adequate to their needs.

To assist consumer’s in the available options, features and services available to them in cell phones and through the service providers, the Wireless RERC has developed a Cell Phone Guide that can help to narrow down your choices.  The guide can be found by clicking the link below:

  http://www.wirelessrerc.org/for-consumers/your-guide-to-choosing-a-cell-phone-page-1-of-2.html