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Smart Talk

Time for a new cell phone, service plan...or both? Use this guide to pick the perfect ones for your needs and budget.

Laurianne McLaughlin

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Cellular Networks

Your network choice can shape your hardware choice, so understanding the different network standards will help. You get an alphabet soup of options: CDMA, GSM, iDEN, and TDMA. Sprint and Verizon use CDMA (Code-Division Multiple Access). AT&T, Cingular, and T-Mobile support GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication). Nextel is the only carrier on iDEN (integrated Digital Enhanced Network). AT&T continues to use TDMA (Time-Division Multiple Access), a now-aging technology, in some areas. You'll save a few bucks on a TDMA phone, but your choices will be limited.

To get the most innovative phones, choose either CDMA or GSM. Some GSM phones allow you to roam in other countries. Ask the carrier about countries you expect to visit, because network standards vary. Newer GSM phones feature an additional layer--GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) or EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution)--for faster data transmission on tasks such as text messaging. However, GSM phones don't support analog signals. If you travel to rural areas, you will need a CDMA- or TDMA-based phone because it can transmit analog signals. Check the handset specs for analog. If you'd like to get details on cellular standards and to learn about other wireless lingo, consult the glossary that's maintained at www.phonescoop.com.

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