Is your cell phone looking a little long in the tooth? Has it never been quite the same ever since you slammed it in your car door? Are your friends starting to snicker behind their hands at your Triassic relic of a cell phone and asking you smirking questions about what century it's from? Or are you just fed up with your wireless plans and your phone's lack of features? If so, perhaps it's time to think about upgrading.

Why Upgrade Your Cell Phone?

Although there are plenty of perfectly good, frivolous reasons to upgrade your cell phone -- a 3 megapixel camera, video-on-demand, or even gaming-- there are plenty of sensible ones as well. With smartphones becoming more advanced (and best of all, more affordable), today's full-featured cell phones don't just make calls -- the high-end models offer games, music, TV on demand, and even full-length feature films. Cell phone plans are also becoming more flexible and affordable as well, meaning that getting the latest phone could actually save you money in the long run.

Why Not Upgrade Your Cell Phone?

Upgrading your cell phone is easier -- and cheaper -- than you might think. Many carriers offer free cell phones or discount upgrades after a set period of time, such as Verizon's "New Every Two" plan. If you find you're not quite in love with your wireless carrier, you may want to do some shopping around -- cell phone carriers are always hungry for new customers, and many will offer significant discounts, or free cell phones, with a new contract. Unless you just bought your brand-new Nokia last week, now might be a great time to upgrade your cell phone.

Getting the Most Out of your New Cell Phone

Once you've made the decision to upgrade, there are a few steps you can take to make the process easier. First of all, you might as well do a little research and get precisely the phone you're looking for. Make a list of what you most in a cell phone; whether it's a high-end digital camera, GPS, or wireless Internet capability. Determine which features you can't live without, and find a cell phone that fits your needs.

Secondly, think carefully about whether your cell phone plan truly meets your needs, and if it doesn't, consider upgrading that as well. If your current carrier's rates or minutes are not up to snuff, and you can get out of your contract without incurring massive fees or some other misfortune, don't stick to your carrier out of a sense of loyalty -- switch to the bigger, better deal. Don't be afraid to trade up, and look for a cell phone plan that gives you everything you want, preferably at a better price.

So now you've taken the plunge, and your slick new cell phone is in your hands. What's next? Obviously, there are a few practical concerns: learning to use all the swank new features, getting your numbers transferred, and calling everyone with you know with your new cell phone number (assuming didn't keep your old one). You've done your homework and made a smart choice -- enjoy your new toy. And finally, don't forget to recycle your old cell phone. Who says consumerism has no conscience?

About the Author
The Rough Guide to Upgrading Your Cell Phone: http://www.wirelessrecycling.com/home

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