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What should I know before buying a Mobile Phone?

Mobile phones can be less expensive than land lines and offer the flexibility of receiving calls from anywhere. Most mobile phone plans include free long distance and a generous amount of included minutes. Your mobile phone can be your only phone.

Number transfer - taking your land-line or other mobile number to another carrier - is new this year. Friends and familiy don't have to learn a new phone number for you, just because you choose to change phone plans. Your number belongs to you.

Something to know when considering making a mobile phone your only phone is that emergency services and 911 may not be as reliable. If access to emergency services is important, you will probably want to keep a no-frills, low-cost land line at home just for emergency calls.

Here are some tips for choosing a mobile phone service:

Shop at a mobile phone company store, not a kiosk or booth at a mall or department store.

Talk to a dedicated salesperson, someone who knows the product well and can help choose a product that is right for you. If you have access to a business sales person, oftentimes they can offer you better service and plans customized for you.

Don't be confused by features in a plan. Buy what is right for you. No matter how cool the salesperson makes the various features sound, buy only what features you will use.

Take your time and ask questions.

Don't be afraid to take information away, read it at your leisure, and return when you're ready.

Have a question for the Guru? Contact Patrick McGraw by email.