Comparison Shopping for Smartphones can be Difficult

Is it difficult to comparison shop for smartphones? I read an article today ("Too Difficult to Comparison Shop for Smartphones") that claimed just that. The writer made a convincing argument and had a couple good points about shopping for smartphones in a retail store.

Retail stores like Best Buy are able to offer several phones from competing providers. However, they rarely display many of the available smartphones. In fact, even when they do display a phone, it is usually a fake plastic phone or "dummy" model. This can make it difficult to explore the features of a cell phone, especially a smartphone. Obviously it makes it difficult to compare different phones in real life. This also makes it difficult for salespeople to be well-trained and knowledgeable about the phones they are selling.

On the other hand, the stores owned by wireless carriers have real phones and helpful staff. So it is possible to learn to use a smartphone and talk to a helpful salesperson. Many customers prefer a website that offers a collection of daily cell phone specials. However, it is impossible to comparison shop among multiple carriers. The AT&T store is only going to have AT&T smartphones, and the Verizon Wireless store is only going to have Verizon smart phones, and so on.

I guess I'm a little but biased since I am writing for a site with the premise of comparison shopping for cell phones ONLINE. So I probably take for granted that shoppers can find all the information they need online. If you are very familiar with cell phones and comfortable with many features of smartphones, you can probably get information online ( specs, reviews) that will allow you to choose the best smartphone for your needs.

However, there are many consumers who would prefer to handle phones in person and make a decision based on "test driving" the devices. Among these consumers there may be an opportunity for a company to succeed where the Best Buys of the world fail to deliver.

AT&T Smartphone Holiday Sale- $50 Gift Card

I was just reading my news alerts and came across a blog post about AT&T Smartphone Holiday Sales. Apparently, during this week only ( December 22, 2009) new AT&T Customers who order a Smartphone through LetsTalk.com will get a $50 Visa Gift Card.

If you are interested in this offer for new AT&T Wireless customers and looking for a great deal on smart phones, check out this offer:

Business Smart Phone Comparison and Reviews

BestSmartPhones.info has news of the a recent CNET Review of the best smart phones for business cell phone plans with ratings on a 10 point scale, price, and features.

Based on the CNET reviews they conclude that The AT&T Tilt is the best smart phone for business users.

At only $200 and loaded with functional features, it appears the Tilt is a good deal and should be a big hit among smart phone users.

Verizon Voyager vs. AT&T Apple iPhone Comparison Review

Devon Lohan Entertainment, usually a pretty outrageous entertainment review and gossip type site, has a review comparing the Verizon LG Voyager and Apple iPhone.

While the guy clearly loves his Verizon Voyager, the review and comparison seems pretty fair as he highlights advantages and disadvantages of each phone handset, the carrier, and service plan limitations.

I am usually a guy who chooses phones based on carrier first. As a longtime Verizon customer, I always look for the best smartphone I can find under Verizon Wireless service.

This review makes a pretty good argument that Verizon users attracted to the iPphone may not miss out much by opting for the LG Voyager on their trusted carrier.

Top Cell Phones for Valentine's Day

I found this interesting post on Valentines Day Cell Phone Gifts.The recommended cell phones include quite a few smartphones, which is no surprise. The BlackBerry Pearl Red and Samsung Black Jack 2 are probably going to be big sellers.

I have also noticed many more television commercials pushing cell phones as Valentine's day gifts. This year it seems to be the "red" version of popular phones. In 2007 it was "the chocolate" and in 2006 it was the pink moto razrs.