 | With a 2-year contract: $100-$200 |
|
 | Without a 2-year contract: $450-$600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
| Windows Mobile phones are made by a variety of manufacturers including Samsung, HTC and Nokia. The phones are sold through several major mobile carriers including AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Windows phones use an operating system that is similar to Windows 8, including touch-screen functionality and access to other Microsoft platforms including Xbox gaming. Pre-paid Windows phones are not available. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The selection of phones with Windows operating systems varies by provider. AT&T sells a Nokia Lumia 920 for $100 with a two-year contract; without the contract, the phone costs $450.
- Verizon sells the Windows Phone 8X by HTC for $100 with a two-year contract; without the contract, the phone costs $550.
- At T-Mobile, the Windows Phone 8X by HTC costs $200 with a two-year contract; without the contract it costs $580.
What should be included: | - Features vary depending on the phone, but most have a touch-screen interface. Some also include a slide-out, QWERTY keyboard. Most have at least a 3.5" widescreen that can be viewed either vertically or horizontally.
- Most phones will come with a web browser, 3G or 4G support, Wi-fi and Bluetooth capabilities.
- Windows Mobile phones offer full integration with Xbox Live, so gamers can take their games with them.
- Windows phones generally come with a charging cord that can separate from the wall mount and change through a USB cable connected to a computer.
Additional costs: | - Windows phone accessories include protective covers ($10 -$50), screen shields ($2 -$20), headphones ($10 -$200) and Bluetooth headsets ($20 -$200).
- Service plans for Windows phone are similar to most smartphones: For full access plans with talk, text and data are necessary. Typically smartphone plans start at $50 -$75 per month. For more information, read How Much Does a Cell Phone Plan Cost. Depending on the provider, data plans are sometimes billed separately from talk and text plans.
- Insurance coverage on smartphones is typically $10 per month and generally covers lost, stolen or damages phones. Payment of a deductible may be required to replace a phone, but it's usually less expensive than paying retail price for a phone.
Discounts: | |
Shopping for a windows mobile phone: | - Microsoft list current popular models and which provider makes the model available.
|
| |
Article updated April 2013 |
|
|
|