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If you're planning on buying a cell phone as a gift there are a few things you need to know. Most importantly, if this is an upgrade to their current phone, you need to know what provider they are using. You'll also need to know how they'll use the phone and what functions they'll need. Once you have this information, everything else is easy!

It's important to know who the recipient's provider is because of the network involved. Different networks utilize different technologies. Currently, there are three mobile phone technologies in play. Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) is used by carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile while Sprint and Verizon use Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM). Nextel uses Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN), but this network is rapidly shrinking and I recommend avoiding it. None of these networks are compatible with any of the others. This means your AT&T phone simply won't work on Nextel's network and vice-versa. Of course, if this is their first cell phone none of this is terribly important. What will be important is coverage and signal quality. The CDMA network covers a great deal of the U.S. and has strong signals. GSM on the other hand has a larger global presence and uses SIM cards. These are little chips that allow a user to access the network of a host country, which is very handy for travelers. Mind you, not all GSM phones will work overseas, so be careful. There is a fourth choice, however. Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNO) buy chunks of time from the bigger networks and re-work them into custom packages for users with particular needs, such as Virgin Mobile or Amp'd.

Now that you have the providers and networks all figured out, its time to take stock of how they'll use the phone. Will they need a sturdy, hardworking phone or something a little more elegant? Are they an experienced user or is this their very first phone? Knowing these things will help you to decide what kind of cell phone would best fit that special someone's needs.

There are several styles of phones that will fit certain lifestyles better than others. A candy-bar style phone for example, has not flip cover or swiveling parts and can take more punishment than other types of phones. This makes them a great choice for someone who works or plays in a harsher-than-average environment or someone that doesn't treat things too gently. Flip phones have a cover that opens up to reveal the phone face and act as the receiver. These are good at preventing

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