I'm not sure why they still call it a cell phone. Many people are opting for a device that has texting and data, but not very many voice minutes. Who would have imagined a decade ago how the cell phone would evolve?
Way back when, there was a commercial urging youth to stay out of trouble and off drugs so that when they grow up they can get a cell phone. Now they have a cell phone long before they grow up. In fact pay phones have almost become a relic of the past, since hardly anybody uses them anymore.
So how do we take the cell phone to the next level?
1. A good battery is essential. In the real estate business, voice calls are still very important. So when an agent apologizes that his battery is getting low so he might lose me, it makes me wonder what important call he might be missing! The flip phones generally have super long battery life. (But flip phones might be more challenging for texting.) With smart phones battery life may vary. So it is important to consider battery life when planning a purchase.
2. Decide whether the phone is for voice calls or data. I know what you're thinking. It's for BOTH. Of course it's for both. But is the best means for sending and receiving data a cell phone or a tablet? Is the best way to do voice calls a smart phone? Is there a place for carrying two phones or devices, each with a different function? Is there one phone that will multi-task in an acceptable way?
3. The cheapest plan might be the most expensive. When selecting a company, cost is always an important consideration. Of course you need to have service in the areas where you will be using the phone. But what about the quality of the service? In our area, there is one company notorious for frequently dropping calls. One lost transaction would pay for many, many months of the more "expensive" service that the other guys offer. And while on the subject of cost, pay attention to your amount of data usage. Knowing a typical usage number can help you know what your costs are likely to be.
4. Do you need to use a computer in remote locations? There are various ways to connect a computer to the internet. A cell phone might be one way to do that. There are of course other ways. (Businesses that offer wifi service to their customers, air cards, cellular wifi devices) One factor in the decision process for a phone is whether that phone might be used to connect a computer to the internet.
5. A prepaid plan might be better than a contract. Gone are the days where prepaid phone service was significantly more expensive than contracts. Of course you need to select your service carefully. There are several unlimited minutes pre-paid plans to consider. If the phone is expensive, some might opt for getting the phone at a subsidized price and being locked into a two year contract. (Remember that a higher monthly fee for a contract phone doesn't get reduced when the two years are over.)
6. How can a particular phone or device save you time? There are some who are utilizing phones and/or tablets to save time with each transaction. If a device can add to your productivity, it might end up being a money saver instead of a cost.
7. What operating system is the best match for the way you do business? There are of course two systems that dominate the market: Apple and Android. There are other systems out there that might get great reviews, but do they have the apps that fit your needs? That is not to say they do or they don't. It is just to say look carefully at what system will be the best fit.
Summary: The choices available today have costs and benefits that need to be considered carefully. The best choice for you might be the exact opposite of what works best for somebody else. In the real estate business, where voice, text and data are all business essentials, it is very important to find the right match or combination that handles all three functions well.
Carmel Indiana is an area that is well-regarded for its business climate, its schools and many amenities for those who live there. And it is immediately to the north of Indianapolis and all it has to offer. If you are intereted in finding out more information about Indianapolis-Carmel Indiana real estate visit my website or send me a message.
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