Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Choose the right system
Step 2:
Calculate the airtime you'll need
Step 3:
Know when and where you're going to use it
Step 4:
Choose a calling plan
Step 5:
Choose a phone
Step 6:
Read your monthly bill

If you're going to use your wireless phone while driving, consider a hands-free kit, which lets your phone function much like a speaker-phone. It's the single most popular extra and makes for safer highways.

If you make a lot of calls from your car, you may want to consider a special phone that runs off your car's battery. You won't have to worry about recharging, plus car phones run at a higher wattage. This means they can maintain better connections, especially in rural areas.

2torial #0410: Learn2 Shop for a Wireless Phone Choose a phone Now that you've chosen a plan, you're ready to buy a phone. Your provider may offer a phone at a highly subsidized rate, or even for free. Take advantage of such a deal if you can. But beware: not all phones are alike. For unbiased information, go to an electronics store that carries many different brands and ask a lot of questions. Keep these features in mind: Signal strength: Phones vary in the strength of the signal they produce, and some can establish and maintain contact better than others. Likewise, some are better at filtering out interference. Be sure to ask about these qualities. Battery life: Long battery life is a big plus. In general, the less expensive the phone, the faster it'll eat power. Some phones can be left on for 30 hours or more; some won't last more than eight. Size and weight: If you're really going to use your wireless phone, you're going to have to lug it wherever you go, so you'll probably want a relatively small model. Then again, smaller, lighter phones are more expensive. Dual-mode: Even if you sign up for all-digital or all-analog phone service, you might want to consider a dual-mode phone so that you'll have flexibility in the future should you change plans. Extra features: Extra features can include everything from speed-dialing to call timers, from a battery-strength indicator to a "roaming light" that indicates if you've left your local calling area. Step 6