Consumers must know what to look for and how to select a cellular phone to get the best value on their investment. National Consumer's Week, October 20-26, is a good time to learn about how to purchase a cellular phone, according to Pat Hildebrand, University of Illinois Extension educator, consumer and family economics. Cellular phone models include mobile phones, transportable, portable and microportable phones. The mobile phone is the original type of cellular phone which is permanently installed in a vehicle. A mobile, or car phone, transmits 3 watts and requires an external antenna.
Transportable phones are basically mobile phones which can be removed from the car.
The power comes from a rechargeable battery pack or a cigarette lighter plug and will weigh around five pounds. The mobile and transportable phones have more power and can make better connections than the portable and microportable models. Their power is usually 0.6 watts, so coverage in areas where cellular service is poor may be worse than mobile units. Consumers should consider features and conveniences when planning a cellular phone purchase and decide which is best for their usage. Select a model that meets the needs of how it will be used.