When buying a phone, opinions differ as to whether you should choose your phone first or your carrier first. Each carrier offers different service plans, and each offers different phones. Today, you can almost always find a carrier and a phone that suit your needs.

If you're buying a traditional land-line phone (corded or cordless), your job will be a lot easier, since those devices will be plug-and-play regardless of who's providing your service. Land-line phones make sense if you do a lot of conference-calling and/or if you prefer a speaker-phone. (Cell phones offer conferencing and hands-free operation too, but usually don't work as well for those purposes.)

Whatever type of phone you're buying, its configuration will be important. Does it feel right in your hand? Is it easy to use, easy to turn on and off? If it's a cell phone, is it the right shape to fit into your pocket or purse? For example, a flip phone is probably preferable to prevent accidental dialing when you're carrying the phone in a trouser pocket. A "candy bar" phone might be more durable and easier to use. Ultra-thin, ultra-light phones provide a coolness factor, but their touch pads might be less user-friendly.

Choose a phone that's easy to operate. Many multi-featured cell phones seem to work against you when you're trying to use them. Test all the main features thoroughly before you buy. Look at the text: Is it easy for you to read?

Get a phone with all the features you need or want, but don't pay extra for features you'll never use. Get a phone with good reception. Your friends, and online reviewers, can help guide you toward models that are good to consider.