phone

I am new to the world of smart phones but the Windows 8.1 caught my eye.
Could you please help me get started ?
Should I get the 600$ phone with a contract for zero or no contract and pay by the month?
I also notice there is a veteran discount too.
This is very confusing even in the store.
Is unlimited better than per GB or the other way around. I am retired on a fixed income so would like the easiest financial way.
Any ideas appreciated.
Tank you
Peter

In the long run buying the phone outright up front is much cheaper than buying it on contract. Imagine you want to keep the phone for 2 years. In France for Galaxy S5 with unlimited internet the total cost of ownership would be between:

1. Phone EUR 600 + 24 months * 20 = 1180
2. Phone EUR 1 + 24 months * 89 = 2137

You would save even more if you keep the phone longer or buy one second hand to begin with. You also are not tied to a contract so if you lose or smash your phone and can't afford another you are not tied in.

I don't know comparative prices in the states but the idea must be the same - you'll always be better off buying the phone outright if you can. I have also found here that you get better monthly rates via internet not in store (presumably as they don't have to pay rent and staff costs) even for the same provider.

As for unlimited vs per GB personally I went for unlimited as I then do not have to worry - I know how much I will pay per month (EUR 20). It depends how much you will use it but my guess is you will use more than you expect. If you go over your allowance the excess can be very expensive.

phone/data

Hello
I am getting some good ideas.
As far as software goes, I am quite proficient with my machines running Win 8.1.
I have always had a problem with Android devices -my brother had an Android phone and it confuse the both of us. I thought if I stayed close to Windows it would be easier for me as I never used a real smartphone.
I have n entry lever T-Mobile Prism with pay as you go talk and text but no data. I play with the data at home on my network or at hot spots. It is a virtual toy.
As far as money goes, I am on a pension as I said and think I threw you off with the $600 figure. One company said the $600 phone was free with a 2 year contract then I found it was $99 with a 2 year contract
The reason for considering the contract was to get a high end phone for free.
I know my brother pays $160 a month for unlimited with taxes and insurance but he is better off financially and he is trying to change the phone to an easier one with a lower plan.
I cannot do that so although I know I need more than 1 or 2 GB I cannot really afford it. I am trying to read the "menu", as in a restraint, from the right to the left.

So far 2 GHz sounds good, about 10+ MP is fair, and at least 16 GB storage is good. Hopefully I can get an expandable disc or have access to the cloud for storage. I would like to get Cortana with 8.1 but it is not available although all the reading says it is. They indicate an upgrade but it is not in writing and when I push them they tell me to call Nokia who is invisible.
Personally, given age, health and confinement this is my last hurrah and I am going to get what I cannot afford but you live once. Pcs + devices are my only things.
I will work on the variables but the marketers are very clever and the vendors lack integrity, on the whole.
Thank you for your help.
Peter