Shop Around the Web: Cell Phones

In June, techies were abuzz with the news that the iPhone 3G would be released on July 11. Apple paid close attention to criticism about its first iPhone and Engadget carefully outlines the improvements that were made. Get all sorts of stats on the new phone from the tech-enthused blog.

BusinessWeek predicts that other service carriers are going to have to work hard to keep up with the new iPhone, but as the Consumerist blog astutely concludes, it might be worthwhile to see how much money you can save by investigating competitors’ prices. In fact, one of the biggest ways that other phone companies may combat iPhone mania is with cheaper service plans. Companies may also try to make rivals to the iPhone, but that will be an uphill battle: many people will only be satisfied with the real thing. Neil Strother, an analyst with JupiterResearch explains, “You are not comparing apples to apples.”

So service on the new iPhone will be through the roof. Who cares? Once you take the guided tour on the Apple Web site, you just might get hooked.

If you’re still on the fence, Walt Mossberg’s Personal Technology column might help you decide: Mossberg’s been field-testing the new iPhone for weeks. He says that data synching and Web-surfing capacities are noticeably improved, although they will drain your battery faster.

Still reading? Then you didn’t fall for that catchy iPhone ad. Even so, all the competitors are working overtime to keep up, and practically every day, someone whips out a cool-looking cell phone that you think you want. But does this line sound familiar? “It’s totally awesome but when I’m standing behind the fireplace at my house, I stop getting service.” How about, “I love the keypad, but I can’t believe the bad picture quality.” Rating the pros and cons of a cell phone can be tough to do on your own, but CNET has rated the five best phones and their most attractive features. CNET offers more options in the cell phone section of their Top 100 Products Guide.

Maybe you don’t want an iPhone because you’re an uptight corporate type, and would rather have a BlackBerry. Just kidding. In fact, BlackBerry is working hard to convince you that there’s a BlackBerry for everyone, even people who are very hip, very cool and very now.  Of course, if you’re a super-important corporate honcho, there’s a BlackBerry for you, too. Explore all the new models and features on the BlackBerry site.

You’re thinking, “Whoa. So many smartphones, I need a smartphone just to keep them organized.” Don’t get overwhelmed when we tell you that there are actually 156 smartphones rated and reviewed by ZDnet. The plus side is that they are neatly compared and contrasted. They are also organized into groups of 10 for easy perusal. If long lists are not your thing, go back to CNET and review six editors’ smartphone picks.

Maybe you just want a device to talk to other people, not some kind of electronic toy. You’re smart; why does your darn phone need to be smart, too? In that case, compare and contrast all kinds of cell phones, including the smart ones, the not-smart ones, the fancy ones and the less fancy ones. PC magazine puts all of its phone reviews in one place; that way, you’ll be able to make the smartest choice for you, with or without all those bells and whistles.