I work for T-Mobile and we have a new product called @ home service that there are two phones you can use for this plan so that you are have free mins when you use your phone from home or at any Hotspots area. And of course, there is myfaves rate plans. That's enough of my company plug.
One of the most important things I tell anyone when shopping for a phone is to do the research on any company that you are going to go with. Be careful of any online offers from outside companies. Online companies like Wirefly for example will charge you a early termination of $200 if you change ANYTHING of your rate plan within the first six months of service. Check coverage maps as well as ask people that you know who thier provider is in YOUR area. People who have great service in one area will not have the same service in other areas. Find out if friends's can get you a better discount if you use them as a referral. Think of how many minutes you think you will actually need. It's always wise have at least 100 mins remaining each month so that if you ever have an heavier month of talking you have a bit of a cushion. Also check to see if you have the option purchasing more minutes if you are about to go over. Check to see if a company charges you for voice mail, sending your bill, how much you will be charged if you make a payment with a live rep, etc. Check to see if you can get insurance for your phone. It may seem like it's unnecessary expense but when your phone is lost or stolen or drops in the toilet,it will come in handy. For a PDA phone o f any kind keep insurance on it all time. Regular cellphones, you should keep equip protection on for at least six months to a year. Most phones at full cost is an ugly surprise to customers.Check to see how often you can upgrade your phone. With new phones coming out every month, you don't want to be out of the good prices. My opinion on good phones. . . .Samsungs for construction workers and constant phone droppers. . .Nokias for simple users and music lovers (most Nokias come with a fm radio program). . .Motorolas are good but they are not my favorites. As a dancer, having a phone that I can get a 1 GB memory is awesome because you can download your favorite music on the card and dance anywhere. which reminds me. . .make sure that you can get software for your phone either with the phone or from the manufactors's website. Also check to see how your company to be will handle exchanging your phone if it has damage that is covered by your warranty. Do you have to send your phone in first or will they send it to you first?
I have more info. . .lol. . .if that's not enough. Good luck with your choice. There's alot out there.