The Low Down on Cell Phones
What you need to know about cell phones as gifts
Here's the thing about cell phones. If you give one as a gift, it's either going to make a fantastic present -- or a terrible one. It all comes down to whom you're buying for and what kind of person they are. Remember, mobile phones are very personal items, so make sure you know what you're doing before you start purchasing.
1. The business associate
While shopping for someone who's a hardcore businessman (or woman), think Blackberry. Blackberries are known as excellent organizational and business devices, and remain the number one choice for most business uses.
2. The college student, the artist, or the musician
If you know someone who makes you think of young and trendy, head for the iPhone. Mac products remain extremely popular among artists and musicians of any age (they're also popular with journalists and educators), but that's just computers. Apple's personal products -- such as iPods and iPhones -- are all the rage with students and other youthful thinkers.
3. The trendsetter, the practical minded
Know someone who just doesn't seem to fit Apple's ultra-trendy brand and isn't a candidate for the iPhone? Check out a Google phone, which combines some of the best elements of the Blackberry and iPhone models of mobile phones. Google has many of the same applications that make the iPhone so popular, but you can download them for free.
4. The minimalist, the economist, or the technophobe
When deciding on a cell phone, don't forget that there are other choices than smart phones out there. It's true that Blackberries, iPhones, and Google phones are the most popular cell phones around, but they're not for everyone. While shopping for someone with a limited budget, or who just isn't into the bells and whistles, stick to a more frugal cell phone.
And remember, just as important as deciding on the cell phone, pay attention to the cell phone providers. If you decide to look into plans on the recipient's behalf, make sure you know exactly what plan they use. With these tips in mind, though, you should be able to make cell phones excellent gifts for any occasion.