One of the most important things to do when shopping for a cell phone is not to buy into a company's advertising, and instead buy what suits your personal needs. If you're not careful the salesman across the counter will have you buying what he/she thinks is best for you, and this will usually cost you a lot more money.

Let me save you some time in your search. One of the more dependable brands available on the market right now is LG. This company produces a very durable phone. I should know, I'm always dropping mine. My phone has withstood concrete, carpet, linoleum, grass…you name it and I've probably dropped my phone on it. LG cell phones are considered by some to be more dependable than the appliances in their own homes.

LG cell phones also offer a great variety of features. This is a strong part of LG's appeal. Services such as Internet, games, pictures, music, movies, and emails are the norm amongst all cell phone companies, including LG, but through Verizon Wireless, LG also offers television. Imagine watching television from your cell phone – very cool!

Now let me really help you narrow down your search. If you want to buy an LG brand phone, the place to pick one up is Verizon Wireless. One welcome addition of shopping at Verizon is that by signing up for their cell service you often get a discount on the phone, a very welcome feature, especially because some phones can cost upwards of $400.

When buying a cell phone, service is very important. The two biggest services on the market today are Cingular and Verizon Wireless. I don't care what Cingular's commercials claim, they do not have the fewest dropped calls and they do not offer the widest area of coverage; at least, this is my opinion. Other people are going to say differently because when you get down to it, cell phones and cell phone service are really a matter of personal preference. I'm only offering my honest opinion.

If you do want to take the time to research and shop around, then by all means do so. However, if you do decide to take your business elsewhere I hope you will at least go with one of the big name carriers; stay away from the lesser known companies for their coverage will not be as adequate, nor their service. Don't be fooled into using them just because they are the cheapest. Remember, sometimes you get what you pay for. I hope that you will join the ranks of millions of other loyal LG and Verizon Wireless customers. I know I won't give my business to anyone else, and I hope you won't either.