Bluetooth capabilities... MP3 player... Digital Camera... PDA... So many options yet so many different phones. Nokia... Motorola... LG... Samsung... The list continues. Flip phones... sliders... open face... So which one to choose...

Technology for cell phones has grown past leaps and boundaries. Nowadays we can look to more than answering the phone. Many people revolve their life around their cell phone, making it a necessity instead of a luxury. Companies openly distribute them to their employees for job productivity. Families sharing in plans to stay connected with one another. People customizing their cell phones to their specifications. Its no wonder over 180 million people have a cell phone they own.

Weather you're purchasing an upgrade to your present phone or just starting out looking for a new phone, its important to know what you need and desire before purchasing. Buying a new phone, only to be unhappy about it, not only wastes money but also doesn't make sense. It's only because not enough knowledge was invested in the use of cell phone. In today's topic, we'll discuss how picking out a new phone is more than just looks. This will help save you money by choosing the most out of a phone for the lowest amount of dollar.

Let's start with the basics. In order to understand how different cellular phone companies operate, one must know how do they communicate. Verizon, Sprint and Nextel companies use code division multiple access. (CDMA) T-Mobile, Cingular, and other cellular providers overseas use a global system for mobile communication. (GSM) Both platforms work extremely well within their networks. With cell phones however, its important to know all phones aren't compatible with every network. For instance, a GSM phone can't be activated with a company that operates a CDMA system and vice versa. This will help save you money by knowing what not to purchase once you decide on a company.

Generally, most major cellular phone providers will offer a free phone with activation. Most times it's an all-purpose phone without bells and whistles. In today's hi-tech driven society, getting a basic phone isn't for impressionable youngsters or busy business executives. This is where the extra money starts rolling. There are many types of phones to choose from including:

• Camera - Basically a cell phone with the capability of a digital phone. You can buy one new for around $99 and up.
• MP3 - This is a cell phone with the capability of playing full versions of songs from the phone. They range between $99 and up.
• Slider - This phone has an outside screen that slides open, either towards the top or to the side, revealing a keypad or keyboard. It slides shut to prevent any accidental dialing or damage to the inside. Ranging between $199 and $499 and more, this phone is better suited for the person who loves to look stylish.
• Wi-Fi - This is usually for smart phones. Similar to personal computers they have many features including, phone books, calendars, personal organizers and Internet capabilities. It's usually the costliest of all cell phones ranging upwards to $599 and more.

When choosing another phone, features offered are the number one consideration. There are all kinds of features that are packaged in every imaginable combination to choose from. The trick is locating a phone with the most features you use regularly. This way you can trim off the excess price with a phone that utilizes your wants and desires. Here's a basic look at some of the most popular features:

• Text messaging - This is the most popular feature in any phone. This enables you to send and receive short text messages to another phone. It includes multimedia messaging, where one can even send graphics, photos and music. This feature is most used by young people but enjoyed by many more. Depending on the company, it runs around 10 -15 cents per message sent. However, most providers of a package where you get a bundle or unlimited monthly messaging capabilities for about $4 - 6 dollars. This is an excellent option to save money with when you only have a limited amount of minutes to use.

• Camera - Similar to a handheld digital camera, cell phone cameras operate in the same fashion. Just point and shoot, then up comes your picture on the screen. What separates it is the quality. While most digital cameras have 3-6 megapixels, most cell phone cameras have only 1-2 magapixels. Basically, the more pixels your camera has, the higher the image resolution is. Still, it's a fun tool to have because it's quick and easy to send snapshots to family and friends. Be aware of additional charges, as sending to many of these may run your bill sky high.

• Internet Connection - To send pictures, use the cell phone browser, IM, or answer email, you must have an Internet connection through your cellular phone provider. Costing between $5 and $25, this costly add-on is best suited for individuals who use their phone for business purposes. It will allow you to surf the web, just as you would if you were on a computer. Most business executives with a PDA phone (personal digital assistant) will have this feature due its capabilities of handling emails.

• Phone personalization - The hottest features teenagers desire on their cell phones are graphics or wallpaper, games, and ringtones. This enables your cell phone to ring with a song or tune downloaded from the Internet. Musical artists have noticed this trend and are now using this phenomenon to their advantage. Costing between $1 - 10 dollars, downloading ringtones, graphics and games can become very costly. If you're a parent, beware of hearing a different ringtone.

• MP3 - This feature enables cell phone users to hear full versions of their songs play like a standalone MP3 player would do. This feature is best suited for teenagers, people who use public transportation, walk or run a lot, or just a lover of music. Songs can be downloaded through an Internet music provider such as iTunes. Costing about $1, this feature can be costly if you download a lot of music to your cell phone.

• Bluetooth - It's that little contraption you see in peoples' ears and they look as though they are talking to themselves. This is great for moms who go shopping with kids, people who drive a lot, and travelers. It works by the cell phone sends a signal to the earpiece and vice versa. Costing between $20 -100 dollars, this attachment can be bought if you seriously want to show off.

More considerations that are necessary to a valuable cell phone experience are battery life, size and weight. Other options may include speakerphones, color screens, voice dialing, and Depending upon what you wear, certain phones may not be right for you. For instance, if you're prone to wearing tight pants frequently, then a slim phone that flips will work for you. Or if you are into wearing business attire, then a more stylish and sophisticated phone will do the trick. Knowing what to buy will pay dividends down the road. This is especially true when you're in a long-term commitment, such as two years, with a major cellular phone provider. Remember that it takes time before you can upgrade to a new phone.