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PERSONAL FINANCE: MOBILE PHONES The Best Handsets... ...The Best Packages There are cellphones and there are cellphones. So how do you go about picking one from this mind-zapping range of gizmos without burning a hole in your pocket. Try reading this... By Ashutosh Sinha Dear Hand-set Halfbrother, I work for a fairly hierarchical organisation in what I consider a fairly senior position. At a recent company do I was shocked to discover my peers in other divisions of the company sporting mobile phones far smaller, and far more advanced than mine. Does this mean the company doesn't value: a) me, b) my division, or c) both? Or is it just because their jobs demand phones with enhanced functionality? Fairly Concerned Dear FC: Comparing sizes is such a male-thing. I don't think you can be expected to know the First Axiom of Handsets: the size and weight of a mobile phone is inversely proportional to its price. You haven't told me whether your peers were sporting Nokia 8850s or 8250s, or Mitsubishi Cosmos, but it doesn't really matter. Functionality isn't really a consideration when it comes to handsets. Most people use their phones simply to make and receive calls, not to check e-mail, play games. So, you can safely rule out the consideration that certain jobs demand higher-order hand-sets. One of your guesses is right; your company doesn't value your services much. But then, if you needed me to tell you that, you're quite a loser. Handset Halfbrother Dear Handset Halfbrother: I've just joined a consumer products company as a salesperson and am considering picking up a mobile phone. A friend says he can help me pick up an advanced model from the grey market for under Rs 10,000. Should I do that? Young and Inexperienced Dear Young..., Boy, you sure are inexperienced. Never buy a high-end handset from the grey market. The best phone for someone of your profile would be a Segam (a Chinese brand) that comes at Rs 4,500 or a Nokia 5110 that costs Rs 7,500. Both models offer no advanced features, but then, you won't need those. Besides, if you are a sales exec on the move you have to consider battery life and the 5110 lasts for well over four days (for light users). Dear Cellular Cousin: My husband recently upgraded his mobile and presented me with the old one. I am a housewife and do not travel around much (except to shop, drop my hubby's lunch at the office, and attend the kid's PTA meeting). My husband thinks I should go in for a pre-paid card (he says he doesn't want to waste money on a package). What do you suggest? Highly Domesticated Dear Highly Domesticated: As much as I hate to agree with the swine you seem to be married to, I must confess that he makes sense. As an occasional user, a pre-paid card will suit you best. You haven't mentioned where you are based, but if it is Delhi or Mumbai, wait till MTNL hits the market with its pre paid offerings. Rates will fall even more then. Dear Cellular Cousin: Help! I need to choose a cellular package right now or my life will continue to be the mess it is. Help... Vague and Paranoid Dear Vague... You haven't told me what you do or where you live so it is going to be very difficult for me to recommend a package to you. But here are some general principles you could keep in mind while choosing one:
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