Gearing up for 3G
Q: What exactly is Sprint's 3G network? And what cell phones will take full advantage of it?
--Tim

A: Sprint's 3G network is going to be based on 1xRTT (sometimes referred to as CDMA2000). The first phase will allow for greater network capacity (more users, fewer dropped calls) and, in theory, better battery life for phones. The network also promises ISDN-like data speeds of up to 144Kbps. However, don't expect to get such fast rates initially; 56Kbps is more realistic. Still, that's a big improvement over the 14.4Kbps that Sprint offers now (on a good day). You can find out more about next-generation networks from our carrier technology chart.

As far as the phones go, new 3G-compatible models, such as the LG TP5250, are just starting to trickle into stores. However, we've yet to see one that's designed to take full advantage of the network's data capabilities. Those models should begin to appear in the next few months, with even more to debut by mid-2002.

Where to buy
Q: I like the features the TP5200 offers. The only drawback is that the phone's silver and teal color scheme makes it look like a toy. Is this phone a better deal than the black Motorola StarTAC 7868? Also, at the Sprint store, the LG phone cost $199, but on the LG Web site, the price is $99. Am I better off purchasing the phone from the site or in the store?
--jc_linson727

A: Let's start with the easy question: the StarTAC 7868 is an older phone, but it's still a good one. It's also not cheap; it'll run you anywhere between $200 and $250. So if price is an issue, that model might not work out for you.

As for the TP5200, the price has come down at least $50 since it was first introduced, and if you can live with the toylike casing, it's actually a really good phone. Where you should buy it gets tricky, however. If you buy the phone from Sprint PCS, chances are there may be another discount available at the time of purchase. But if you buy it from another source without service, you are going to have to pay activation fees, which could be hefty. I'd look around for a deal that would include some kind of rebate and a deal for service. Many third-party resellers such as Amazon.com often have good deals at this time of year.

How to buy
Q: Can I buy a cell phone that has no carrier? Do I need to consider specific configurations?
--Faisal

A: Technically, yes, you can buy a cell phone without service. Should you? Well, it's not the best idea because getting new phones activated with service can take some time. If you do decide to take this shopping approach, the first thing you need to do is decide upon a service provider. Once you do that, you need to make sure that the phone you purchase will work on that carrier's network (CDMA, GSM, or TDMA).