| With cell phone technology changing on an | | | | as somehow inferior. |
| almost daily basis you might think the | | | | |
| landfills would be loaded with the older | | | | The market for new phones will never be |
| models by now. However, a quick examination | | | | replaced by refurbished models as there are |
| of phones provided by most cell phone | | | | those who will always want only the newest |
| providers will show a rise in both the supply | | | | models available. However, refurbished cell |
| and demand for refurbished cell phones. Given | | | | phones are made up of new components that |
| a second life through upgrading the internal | | | | replace the broken or damaged parts and |
| components, the refurbished cell phones are | | | | perform just as well. Saving money is the |
| obtainable at prices much lower than new | | | | important factor in choosing to obtain a |
| models. The reworked phones are virtually | | | | reincarnated cell phone. Listed prices on |
| indistinguishable from new "fresh from the | | | | these models generally range from 30% to 70% |
| factory" models. | | | | less than the price of a comparable new |
| | | | model. As with any electronic device, be it |
| As case in point, Motorola is the most in | | | | new or rebuilt, make sure of the details of |
| demand manufacturer of refurbished phones. | | | | the manufacturer's warranties and file your |
| Their high quality instruments have proven | | | | receipt in case it is needed in the future. |
| themselves as tough and reliable long past | | | | |
| ordinary phone life expectancy. This | | | | While most refurbished phones will only have |
| manufacturer obtains these old phones through | | | | the same features as when it was originally |
| a direct purchase program as well as by | | | | produced, there is a trend toward upgrading |
| storefront trade-in. Whether a customer's | | | | the components in some of the older phones to |
| phone has been water or sun damaged or | | | | include technological abilities that did not |
| accidentally dropped hard enough to break | | | | exist when the older phone began its life. |
| connections on the circuit boards the company | | | | For cell phones that are capable of these |
| welcomes them back. A quick diagnostic test | | | | upgrades there is the aesthetic element in |
| will show what components need replacing and, | | | | ownership as well. Retro seems to be an |
| once tested for function and appearance, the | | | | enduring fashion statement and the old phone |
| old phone is returned to the market. | | | | will fit right in to that look without |
| | | | causing you to sacrifice function. |
| Increasingly, refurbished cell phones are | | | | |
| being offered for sale on eBay and other | | | | Refurbished cell phones are here to stay so |
| online outlets. Particularly popular are the | | | | be sure that the next time you upgrade your |
| older iPhones and Palm Treo's. Even | | | | communication device you do not just trash |
| refurbished, the manufacturer is confident | | | | the old one. While it fluctuates from one |
| enough to offer year long warranties on | | | | region to the other, you can usually obtain |
| operation. As this market has increased | | | | around $10 for your old phone. Giving that |
| people have become aware that even corded | | | | old phone a new chance at life is not only |
| land line phones are frequently refurbished. | | | | economically advantageous but you are |
| Economy minded customers have begun to | | | | reducing the danger to the environment by not |
| realize that this market has already proven | | | | having that old battery sitting in the |
| the quality of refurbished equipment and are | | | | landfill eventually poisoning the earth as it |
| less inclined to consider the reworked item | | | | decays. |