Yet Another Cell Phone Thread.....

[Prudence]

So, it's time for me to get a "real" cell phone. And I have no idea what I want or need. Or how to figure that out.

I had considered getting a new number here so that when I move south I'll still be a local call for my folks, who will never move away from their landlines. Is this a good idea? A horrible idea? Will I run into problems or additional charges using my phone mostly in LA when it has a Redmond, WA, area code? Does it depend on the plan? And, if so, what should I be on alert for?

I think I for sure want the ability to email through the phone. My mom and I communicate primarily through email during the day, and I suspect that the Air Force will not be as keen as me checking my personal email on their computers as my current employer is. So, I was thinking I might have to rely on the phone for that. Which means I was considering Verizon's "middle" plan with unlimited text/email and maybe a phone like the LG enV2 (because it was on sale some place).

But, do I want internet? Would I use internet? Is internet on the phone super cool -- or really hard to use? I mean, should I hold out for the new iPhone coming out in a week? Or is AT&T's service in LA so abysmal that I should stick with a Verizon plan?

I'm so confused.

[BarTopDancer]

I love my BB. Internet is slow, but it's on a cell phone network. I think with any phone but an iPhone the internet is fairly limited. I can get to mobile MySpace, mobile Facebook and other critical websites (NHL.com, Ducks, etc..) but LoT doesn't work (it's just how vB talks to the cell phone internet).

Verizon is the best company out there. I have T-Mobile and am happy with them. I only have 2 dead areas, one in Tortilla Jo's and one at TGIFridays. It's very odd.

I don't see an issue with having an out of state area code as long as your plan covers it. I think I have a nation wide plan but they still offer basic local plans with roaming charges.

I also hate my BB, hate being attached all the time. I don't generally reply to emails when I am out, or check MySpcae, Facebook and stuff. But it sure comes in handy when you're bored waiting somewhere and have nothing to read.

[Not Afraid]

I am an excessive phone and email user. I need to be attached to it pretty much 95% of my waking hours. I currently have a BlackBerry using T-Mobil. While I love parts of the BB's functionality (email push is a MUST for me) I really hate the limited internet access. I also end up with LOTS of dead zones with T-Mobil which is VERY frustrating.

I will be switching to an iPhone through At&t at the end of this month. The functionality is improved for my use requirements, AT&T has coverage superior to T-Mobil and having fast internet access has become more of a necessity.

[katiesue]

Our area code here changed 9 years ago and I never changed my cell. So my home and cell are different area codes and it's never been an issue. Just remember when you call your cell cause you've lost it in your house it's a long distance call.

[alphabassettgrrl]

I love my BlackBerry, too. My hubby has the full internet on his, and I've used it sometimes. It can be a little wierd if the website doesn't recognize that it's a cellphone; it tries to send images that are too big. Most sites do know, however, and send text only. Or thumbnail pictures. The map feature has been handy sometimes.

My BB has only the text-messaging and I adore having a real keyboard. The Pearl has a half-keyboard, but everything is in the right places, with two letters per key or so. The Curve has a full keyboard. I haven't found the half-size thing to be problematic at all and it's smaller.

Can't tell you about the area code thing. The only issue I see is the WA office may not like billing you in LA. Depending how secure your office is at work, they may forbid cell phones. I know one guy who works in a military base and he is incommunicado while at work. You may not be in such a secure space, though, and have no problems.

[katiesue]

Oh almost forgot - my boss has a NY area code cell and he's been living here in CA for the last 7 years. No issues.

[Brigitte]

Along these lines also, we are switching from Sprint to Verizon in September when our contract is up. I have a Samsung A900 that I love and have Opera Mini downloaded to it for internet usage since Sprint's browser absolutely sucks. What I want to know before I switch is whether Verizon's browser sucks as much as Sprint's does and if it does, can you download applications from outside of their Get It Now option? Will I be happy with the internet access I'd have from say, and enV2 (since that's what we're looking at too) or would I be better off with a BB? I use the net a lot on my phone now, but not for email, usually just for googling stuff while out, or sometimes checking email when we're on vacation.

[NirvanaMan]

For all of you who don't like your mobile browser, have you considered downloading Opera? Gives you a proper browsing experience.

Now that iPhone has GPS and supports 3g I would like to get one. Only problem is their coverage and their prices. I tried out every phone and provider and recommend you do the same. They all have 30 day trials. For me, sprint provided the best coverage and had by far the lowest rates for all the stuff I wanted. Verizon and ATT provided 0 bars of coverage at my office which nixed them instantly. Add in their higher prices, ATT's lack of proper 3g coverage (at the time at least) and Verizon's cap on it's so-called "unlimited" internet usage and the choice was a no-brainer. Things change quickly in this space though.

T-mobile had the phone I liked best, but lack of high-speed internet was a deal breaker.

[Not Afraid]

Our area code here changed 9 years ago and I never changed my cell. So my home and cell are different area codes and it's never been an issue. Just remember when you call your cell cause you've lost it in your house it's a long distance call.

Our phone numbers are in the following area codes:

562
714
818
626

[Prudence]

Part of the problem coverage-wise is that I need a new phone now, but I'm not going to be down there to test out coverage for a few more months. :(

[€uroMeinke]

Coverage is usually the biggest issue and the only way to find that out is to test - and sometimes test on different devices. The company's all claim to have coverage, but you never know what that means. Right now in one temporary office I work in, i get coverage from one cube and practicly none from another 20 feet away.

As for devices, I love internet on my phone, especially now that I'm commuting by train. I write email and live journal posts on my phone as well as surf the usual places. It seems all the social network sites (and Google) have decent mobile interfaces. But current T-Mobile data speeds are frustration if you're looking for heavy duty use (i.e. I browse LoT on my phone but never sign in for fear of timing out on the new posts).

If most internet is email, Blackberries seem to have that market cornered - at the moment anyway. I'm hopefull about the iPhone but the lack of "cut & paste" has me concerned about doing my usual compose on mobile word and past into web interface/browser.

So maybe you should get a cheap phone and a limited contract till you move out? You can always port the phone number over.

[BarTopDancer]

Part of the problem coverage-wise is that I need a new phone now, but I'm not going to be down there to test out coverage for a few more months. :(

What about getting a prepaid phone for a few months.

[Prudence]

What about getting a prepaid phone for a few months.

But a want a new shiny now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BarTopDancer]

Then you'll have to take your chances with coverage and be prepared to fork over the money to buy out your contract if it doesn't meet your needs.

[€uroMeinke]

But a want a new shiny now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AT&T iPhone then

[wendybeth]

At&T has an incredibly abysmal sales record up here- they have very spotty coverage and a really bad, bad CS rep. Maybe they're better behaved in SoCal, but up here it's Verizon all the way. Total coverage, and in a crisis they are one of the few equipped with ****loads of COWS (portable cell towers) and are usually the phone of choice by first responders for that reason. I know I'm biased in that Eric works for them, but they really do rock. I have a Blackberry Pearl and Verizon internet access, and no complaints. I've yet to ever have a dropped call or internet snafu.

[swanie]

OK - I'm resurrecting this thread for a little advice...

I have T-Mobile and don't plan to switch providers, but I'm looking at upgrading my phone. I'd love to get a smart phone.

I've looked at the Blackberry Pearl, the Sidekick, the Wing and the Dash.
I'm going to be doing a fair amount of traveling over the next 6 months, so I'd like to have a decent amount of features available to me.

I would rather not have a "huge" phone. I think the old Sidekick is a little on the big side but I haven't seen the new one that was released last week. The larger Blackberries would be too big too.

Here's T-Mobile's Phone Listings (http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/)

Any suggestions?

[BarTopDancer]

Love my BB Pearl.

I have their BB minutes and more plan for is $60 for 1,000 anytime minutes, unlimited text, unlimited data. Does not include picture messages though - but since I rarely send them I don't care.

[swanie]

We have the old family plan rate of $49.99 for 2 lines, 1000 mins, and unlimited T-mobile to T-mobile minutes. I don't want to give that up. :) I haven't found anything that even compares to that anymore.

To add on the Blackberry email and web access it'll be $19.99 a month. It doesn't include text messaging, but I can have that added for only $4.99 for 400 messages/mo.

The Sidekick plan is only $19.99/mo and it includes unlimited email, web and text but I don't know that I'm crazy about the phone. I worry about the durability of the flip around screen.

Have you noticed any improvement in your coverage? T-Mobile has been advertising improved service, but maybe that's just here in AZ. Also, did you try the opera download that NM suggested? Will it allow for LoT access?

[BarTopDancer]

We have the old family plan rate of $49.99 for 2 lines, 1000 mins, and unlimited T-mobile to T-mobile minutes. I don't want to give that up. :) I haven't found anything that even compares to that anymore.

To add on the Blackberry email and web access it'll be $19.99 a month. It doesn't include text messaging, but I can have that added for only $4.99 for 400 messages/mo.

I don't have BB email and I don't use the BB email application to access my email. I use the Google suite (http://www.google.com/mobile/blackberry/) to access my gMail accounts and manage my calendar.

I forgot about the Opera download NM mentioned. I'm downloading it now.

I mainly use mobile NHL, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter on the phone.

Haven't noticed any coverage changes, but my coverage is pretty good. There are 3 places I don't get coverage - at the inside bar at Tortilla Joe's, at the inside bar at TGIFriday's at the Block and in certain rooms of my friends house.

EDIT: I downloaded Opera and am exploring. It loads LoT better then the BB browser but it's still cumbersome. The Pearl screen is small and not meant for message board viewing.

[Brigitte]

I use Opera on my Samsung A900 and love it. We're switching from Sprint next month probably to Verizon and I'm a little worried about my internet from the phone being as easy as it has been.

[Kevy Baby]

I absolutely ADORE my Motorola DynaTAC 8000X!

http://www.motorola.com/mot/image/7/7474_MotImage.jpg

[swanie]

I absolutely ADORE my Motorola DynaTAC 8000X!

http://www.motorola.com/mot/image/7/7474_MotImage.jpg

Kevy,

I have to say THANK YOU for making me laugh each and every day. :D

swanie

[katiesue]

Kevy reminds me - anyone know how to dispose of really really old cell phones. We've got 4-5 old analog startac's here in the office. And about 4 other random models.

[BarTopDancer]

Post offices have recycle bags available. If yours doesn't let me know and I can swing by mine and pick some up for you.

Cell phone stores should also have recycle boxes.


****Public Service Reminder******

Do not throw away your old cell phones or batteries, or electronics in general.

[Kevy Baby]

You can also take the cell phones and batteries to Best Buy, Circuit City, etc.

And I was surprised to see drop boxes at my local (just refurbished) Von's.

[belleh5]

OK - I'm resurrecting this thread for a little advice...


Thanks for resurrecting this thread Swanie!!


I need a new cell phone too!! I let Taylor play with my phone way too much. It won't stay open anymore :( Because we have Metro PCS, there are not alot of phone's to choose from. I only like Metro because it's on $50 a month for unlimited calls (anywhere) & unlimited texting. Since my B-day is next week, maybe I will buy myself a new phone.....:evil:

[BarTopDancer]

If you get a new phone and give Taylor your old phone be sure to take out the battery. Deactivated phones can still call 911.

[belleh5]

. Deactivated phones can still call 911.


She has already called 911 twice.:blush: She has a bunch of "play" phones that I bought at target or the Disney store. I think she knows they aren't real phones. Oh well....