Smartphones are the new "it" purchases, and you've decided you want one but don't quite know what's out there. The recent proliferation of smartphone technology and brands only adds to the confusion, so you need to compare features and prices to make sure you're getting the best deal. Your choices range from basic phones with a few advanced features to PDA smartphones with fully operating system software. Some smartphones have touch screens; others full-slide QWERTY or numeric keyboards. Still others offer Wi-Fi and GPS features.

Here's a friendly tip: If you want to make a smart purchase, don't let yourself be dazzled by features you really don't need, even if it is a Palm or BlackBerry. If what you require is just a smartphone with simple PDA features, you can find affordable ones with the basics that include an address book, a calendar and e-mail and web access. If you truly want to watch television on the go, you can find a phone with that as well. To make a smart smartphone buy, do the following:

1. Comparison shop for PDA smartphone features, cost and quality.
2. Find an affordable, quality phone carrier.
3. Seek out online deals to save money.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare prices and features to buy the best mobile smartphone for you

When comparison shopping for PDA smartphones, find consumer reviews that critique features, quality and cost. Some sites do side-by-side comparisons while consumer guides give you more detailed product reviews. Be sure to check ratings from purchasers to avoid buying problem-riddled products.

I recommend: Cnet provides onsite reviews, consumer ratings and a comparison of store pricing. You can also search by price, manufacturer or service provider. Also, SmartPhoneToday is a comprehensive web resource with reviews on the latest smartphone technology. Brighthand.com keeps an updated list of the most popular smartphones.

Choose a mobile smartphone carrier that provides affordable quality service

Smartphone providers are usually married to specific carriers, so be sure to check out the carrier service before purchasing a PDA smartphone. You don't want to invest money in the hardware, only to find you want to change your carrier but your device isn't compatible with any other service.

I recommend: The major carriers, including AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon, all offer their own smartphones with the accompanying plans. If you want to know service compatibility with some of the manufacturers, go to Technology Evangelist.

Find some great deals online to save money on a smartphone purchase

Who says you have to buy a smartphone brand new? There are plenty of sites where you can find a used pocket PC smartphone for less money. Other sites offer discount deals on PDA smartphones.

I recommend: MyStockRoom.com has used smartphones at discounted rates, and NextTag offers comparison shopping for the cheapest smartphones, including Palms and BlackBerrys.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When looking for online deals, also look for discounts on accessories for your pocket PC smartphone. You don't want to save on your smartphone, only to overspend on peripherals.