Counting the Cost! – Can you afford it?

I am not really a ‘techie’ person so buying the latest gadgets do not fascinate me as they do others. However I must admit that the newer models of phones are quite attractive.  The prices for those phones however seem out of reach of the average consumer.

Prices for Smart Phones
The idea of a ‘smart phone’ is a device that can not only make and receive calls but provide a wide range of other services. These phones can access the Internet, play games and download applications that can offer consumers a wide range of options from photography to streaming live content.

The price for the smart phone however does not seem to be a ‘smart’ choice. The average cost of these types of phones is staggering! Often I wonder if there is gold lining the outside of these phones why they are so valuable.

I was informed however that the better the performance of the phone then the higher the cost.  Additionally the brands with the better features such as a lot of storage capacity and better display options are sold for higher value.

In fact the prices are so high for these phones that often those who own then can become a target for thieves.

Why should a phone cost over $100,000? It seems ridiculous as that money is more than most people earn in an entire month.
Yet despite the high prices of these phones they are in high demand.

Options
For those of us not fortunate enough to have anyone send us a phone for overseas and have it unlocked, how will we be able to afford a smart phone?

Well there are several options available. The first option is to settle for a cheaper phone.  There are other ways to get on the Internet and share content that do not involve killing your budget.

However if you are sure that the only way that you will be happy is with the latest phone then why not try buying one second hand? Of course it’s important to ensure that the phone which you are purchasing is one in which has been legally obtained.

After you have done due diligence and you are satisfied that the phone is legitimate the next thing to check is that it is functioning properly.

Once you are satisfied with the specifications of the phone, ensure that you pay a fair price. Since it is second hand then you have room to negotiate with the seller.

If second hand phones don’t appeal to you there are some lay away plans you can access so that you can gradually pay off the phone.

So before you make any decision, count the cost and ensure that it is something that you need and can afford on your budget!

What’s your take on the issue? Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online writer

Tags: budget, consumer, Phone, prices, technology