iphone 5Before pulling the trigger and purchasing the new iPhone 5 I did some research. Here are a few of the articles I thought others might find useful to help you decide if this Apple smartphone is for you.

Finally, The iPhone We’ve Always Wanted

http://www.cnet.com/iphone-5/

I have always found CNET to be a valuable and reliable resource when it comes to even and balanced tech reviews. I read several different reviews with this one being the most authoritative. If you learn visually, you will love the video tutorial that takes you through some of the best advantages of owning an iPhone 5 including new features.

How to Set Up Your New iPhone 5 The Right Way

http://gizmodo.com/5945200/how-to-set-up-your-new-iphone-5-the-right-way

Because I can be a little anal when it comes to how I treat my digital equipment, I also found this article from Gizmodo writer Kyle Wagner on how to get started the right way with your new iPhone 5 that is extremely helpful to new users. This review has extensive graphics that help explain the features of the latest release from Apple, as well as compare it to older models with helpful tips on how to sync your existing data with your new operating system.

Trade In Your iPhone 4 / 4S At Gamestop

http://www.gamestop.com/recommerce/web/

Once I decided to buy the phone I did the second thing most iPhone owners do, I started looking for a place to unload my old smart phone to offset the costs of the new iPhone 5. After looking at a variety of auction and buy-back Web sites I settled on GameStop. I like the fact that I could walk in to my local store, show them the phone, and get a value instantly. Cash value on my iPhone 4, white 16 Gig, is roughly $130 cash or about $170 store credit.

What Else Should I Know About The iPhone 5?

Purchase decision made. Financing established. What’s next? Well protection for my device, of course. I haven’t made up my mind, but my next post covers all the options I’ve narrowed down and am considering. There are three excellent smartphone cases on the market that I am considering, and you should too. Protecting your smartphone from damage is a no brainer, but you need to be aware that there are options and they aren’t the same for everyone.