Tech Guru keeps tech in check in Minneapolis, and CEO Dan Moshe is often a sounding board when clients are ready to upgrade their phones. Here are Dan’s suggestions on how to get the most out of your next phone purchase.
1. Know Your Selection
Windows Phones
Windows phones generally offer a small app selection, but they work well with Microsoft environments.
Apple Devices
Apple devices are famously easy to use. Apple offers a strong app store and a wide availability of free classes in the brick-and-mortar Apple store.
Google Phones
Google phones feature a strong app store and wide array of device sizes and types.
* A Note on Google Phones
Ensure the device you are getting is running a modern version of Google’s Android OS, currently at 4.2, to ensure you’ll get to take advantage of the latest features. Some carriers don’t update their devices (Verizon, especially). Another option is to buy an unlocked device directly from Google and activate on a carrier of your choice that supports GSM (AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.).
What do we use?
We like the Google phones because they integrate well with Google Apps (which we use at Tech Guru), and love the turn-by-turn navigation (just recently available on iPhone).
2. Stay on Your Digital Path
Think about your digital life. If you are already heavily invested in Apple or Google, it’s likely best to continue down that path to avoid having to re-purchase songs and apps.
Are the apps you want to use avaialble on your device? As a general rule of thumb, it costs companies more to develop for the Google platform than for the Apple platform because there are so many different sizes and types of Google Devices. Be sure the apps you want are available from the Google Play store or the iTunes store.
3. Make Your Carrier Work for You
Phone carriers, such as Verizon, AT&T, or T-mobile, can be the deciding factor on what phone you ultimately choose. A few minutes with a customer representative may save you hundreds of dollars in the long run.
Stretch Your Dollar
Ask the question, “Am I currently on the most cost-effective plan?” New plans come out all the time, and your carrier is unlikely to call to tell you that you are spending too much money. Todays plans benefit multiple lines, so it might make more sense to put multiple devices on the same carrier than it used to. Compare your carrier’s best monthly price plan to other carriers’ prices if you are considering switching.
Hear Me Now
Just as important is to confirm with a carrier that you have good coverage where you want to be. Check with coworkers to see if they get reception with their carriers in your building, or ask the customer rep what areas of your city may have weak coverage.
Another Satisfied Customer
Try it, and try it again! Once you have your new phone, test it out in all use cases within the return period to make sure that it works in your car, your home, with your blueteooth headset, etc.
Have a Little Fun
Looking for an addictive word game? Check out Ruzzle! We’re hooked! Play Dan – his username is techguru.
Naturally…
When you’re ready to get down to business and hook up to your work email, let us know!
Dan Moshe helps business owners in the Minneapolis area with all things tech, and is the CEO of the Caring IT company Tech Guru. He cares about your business as much as you do!