In our latest poll, we asked you which factor was most important when choosing a phone: design, features, form factor, price, or usability. Think you know the answer? You'll be surprised by the results.
Recent surveys of average U.S. cell phone buyers suggest that price is the leading (if not sole) basis for buying a handset. But we had a sneaking suspicion that you, our dear readers, were somewhat pickier than the typical cell user – and based on the results of our poll, were we right. Besides the price tag, you've been considering such aspects as form factor (candybar, clamshell, spinner), design and size (thin and light, big and sturdy, bulky but solid), features (integrated cameras and music players, e-mail and messaging, office document readers, high-speed data access), and easy of use (intuitive menus and decent keypad).
And now, on to the results. In fifth place, with 4 percent of the vote: form factor. Apparently, you're not married to clamshells, sliders, or candybars when it comes to picking a cell phone. Next comes usability, with 12 percent of you saying that easy-to-use menus and finger-friendly keypads are critical factors in choosing a handset. Coming in at number three with 14 percent is price, a sensible answer considering that price tags for some of the latest smartphones and luxury devices have soared to $500 and higher. Our runner up for most important factor in buying a cell phone: design and size, scaring up 20 percent of the vote, which makes sense given the recent onslaught of sexy slim phones and fashion-conscious handsets. And finally, at number one with a whopping 50 percent of the vote: features. Seems that when you walk into your neighborhood wireless store, you're all about the specs, such as built-in cameras, 3G access, music players, Bluetooth support, mobile Web, and memory expansion. Can't say we blame you.
Phone that make the cut
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Motorola Q
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Score: 60% When: May 2006 Worth: $150 - $300 Carrier: Verizon Wireless
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After almost a year, the sleek and slim Q – the thinnest smartphone on the market with a QWERTY thumbboard – has finally arrived. Was it worth the wait?
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Read » Features » Side-by-side »
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LG VX8300
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Score: 70% When: June 2006 Worth: $80 - $150 Carrier: Verizon Wireless
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The slimmed-down VX8300 sheds some weight and adds stereo Bluetooth headset support. Did this eye-catching music phone manage to rock our respective words? Ben Patterson gives it a listen.
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Read »
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Palm Treo 700p
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Score: 60% When: May 2006 Worth: $250 - $650 Carrier: Sprint, Verizon Wireless
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The 700p brings speedy 3G data access to the Palm OS line of Treos, along with wireless modem capabilities, Bluetooth, a 1.3-megapixel camera, and even live TV. Ben Patterson gives this long-anticipated smartphone the once-over.
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Read » Features » Side-by-side »
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