Cellphone Suggestions

[Fresh Tendrils]

So, I've basically warded off cellphones as long as I possibly can. I think its about time I get one though, so I figured I would ask for some suggestions on providers, plans, phones, etc. I'm sure I won't need a ton of minutes, but I would probably text a lot, and a little music would be nice.

[p2xgamers]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

It really depends on what you are willing to pay, what features, how much you would use it, how much you travel, etc.

I'm getting my first cellphone this week with Cricket. $50/month and I get unlimited everything with no contract. The drawback being the phone is nearly full price (though I got a phone $50 off) and the coverage area is "ok", but I don't travel.

Most of the cellphone users I know use Cingular, it's not cheap but you can get incredibly great deals ($100 off+), best coverage area and such.

Others could probably give you better info.

[Altimus]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

T-Mobile around here has the best service. Over the last couple years I've gone from US Cellular to Sprint, T-Mobile, ESPN Mobile, and back to T-Mobile. IMO T-Mobile has given me the best service around.

Currently I'm on the $39.99 plan with $19.99 for unlimited Blackberry use. Need the Blackberry for work.

Phone wise I've went through several phones and currently I am really satisfied with the Blackberry Pearl. Got it for free around December with $50 rebate online. Great deal compared to the $250 T-Mobile deal with a two year deal. Overall excellent phone. Amazing battery life, quick charging, excellent screen, highly recommend this phone.

[Jimplication]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

I recommend Verizon Wireless, primarily because they're the only cell phone provider I've had, and I have zero complaints. Their customer service is superb, and in PA, their coverage is fantastic.

I'd also recommend a one year contract. This will ultimately result in you paying a bit more for a phone initially, but you will have the benefit of not being tied into a contract for longer than necessary. Most providers offer one year contracts, but they're often not advertised.

Furthermore, don't base your decision on the various advertising campaigns of the major cellular providers. They all blow a lot of smoke and make false, or heavily skewed, claims about coverage, dropped calls, and performance ratings. Talk to those in your area, and ask online to find out which provider is really best for you.

Lastly, I recommend checking out Howard Forums, as they are dedicated to cell phone discussion and will be a great resource for determing what provider and phone is best for you. Also, make sure you get updated and accurate coverage maps so that you can see how the coverage is in the area where you intend to use the phone.

[SoMiss2000]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

Well, I finally dumped Sprint last week after many years of service. I went with T-Mobile. I did a little research before going with them. In terms of the service rankings, they always came in 2nd behind Verizon Wireless. I was surprised, then again, not really as the major carriers couldn't give a **** about its customers. I also went with T-Mobile on a co-worker's recommendation as he's had them for 5 years and loves the service. I also liked the fact that you can go to their website and check the coverage. http://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/. I went to a t-mobile store last monday to look, saw the phone I wanted but didn't get it at the time. Had to sleep on it, and do a bit of research. Went back last Thursday at lunch and was in/out in 15 minutes.

I ended up with the 3rd Gen Motorola Razr V3t. Features, that I didn't think i'd use include, MP3 player (plugged the usb cable that comes with it into my laptop and transferred a couple songs over, it's pretty cool), 1.3 megapixel camera of course. The camera captures video. Comes with 128 mb card for video, music. also has another card for storage. So far so good, love my new phone. I've wanted the razr for a while.

Here's the one I have. I got the 600 whenever minutes (which i'll never use all of it) and unlimited nights/weekends with the myfavs. No, you canNOT be in my 5. I looked at the Sidekick but passed.

[jpup]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

I have Cingular and a Treo 650, I am pleased. It all depends on where you are at and what you are going to use the phone for.

[TimmeH]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

I'd recommend you get some recommendations from people living in your area as well.

My Mom had Cingular, but it would never work where she lived. I have Cingular and it also never worked when I was by her place. Now she has US Cellular and it works great around her apartment.

My grandpa on the other hand has US Cellular and it only gets reception like half the time where he lives, whereas my Cingular works fine there.

I used to have Verizon, but it never worked where I currently live, even though it had worked fine in the last three places I lived. Cingular, on the other hand, always gives me great reception here

And all of this is within a 60 mile radius

Long story short, every area seems to have different carriers that work best there, so I'd see what people around you are using and how well it's working for them.

[SoMiss2000]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

I have Cingular and a Treo 650, I am pleased. It all depends on where you are at and what you are going to use the phone for.

i thought about a treo but didn't want to pay extra for the data plan. without the data plan, what's the point so I passed.

[bergie56]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

I'd recommend you get some recommendations from people living in your area as well.

My Mom had Cingular, but it would never work where she lived. I have Cingular and it also never worked when I was by her place. Now she has US Cellular and it works great around her apartment.

My grandpa on the other hand has US Cellular and it only gets reception like half the time where he lives, whereas my Cingular works fine there.

I used to have Verizon, but it never worked where I currently live, even though it had worked fine in the last three places I lived. Cingular, on the other hand, always gives me great reception here

And all of this is within a 60 mile radius

Long story short, every area seems to have different carriers that work best there, so I'd see what people around you are using and how well it's working for them.

I would agree with this.

With that said, and if you go with Verizon, I would recommend the LG VX8600. It is similar to the Razr looks wise but it has exceptional reception and has plenty of great features. It is a flip version of the Chocolate so it would also work well music-wise for you. Although you have to buy a data cable and memory card which, together, cost about $70 for me.

[jpup]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

i thought about a treo but didn't want to pay extra for the data plan. without the data plan, what's the point so I passed.

I use mine for work as well.

[Snigitty James]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

DO NOT GET VERIZON!! They will screw you! I had TWO phone bills over 400 DOLLARS last year. I just barely cancelled both my lines (they charge you $175 dollars per line to cancel early) with them. I will forever hate verizon wireless. You're better off with T-Mobile or even Sprint.

[jpup]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

DO NOT GET VERIZON!! They will screw you! I had TWO phone bills over 400 DOLLARS last year. I just barely cancelled both my lines (they charge you $175 dollars per line to cancel early) with them. I will forever hate verizon wireless. You're better off with T-Mobile or even Sprint.

everyone does that. follow the rules and you won't have any problems. I hear, all the time, about cell phone companies screwing people over. It usually comes down to people not knowing or following the rules of their plan. It's all in black and white so their is no confusion of whether you made the calls or not.

[Snigitty James]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

everyone does that. follow the rules and you won't have any problems. I hear, all the time, about cell phone companies screwing people over. It usually comes down to people not knowing or following the rules of their plan. It's all in black and white so their is no confusion of whether you made the calls or not.

Technically it was my fault, but I still can't believe how much they hit you with over-charges. There are better carriers than Verizon (they do have the biggest network, yes, but they screw you with their plans and everything else too).

[jpup]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

Technically it was my fault, but I still can't believe how much they hit you with over-charges. There are better carriers than Verizon (they do have the biggest network, yes, but they screw you with their plans and everything else too).

but you knew that when you signed up, right? I like Cingular, but they are about all the same.

[Snigitty James]

Re: Cellphone Suggestions

I was a customer since 2002! They change plans constantly. The thing that screwed me was text messages. I get A TON of texts from people and then of course I send them back........ I'm talking about A LOT of texts!............ like over a thousand a month. Man, I've had pre-marital text with so many girls, I know I'm going to hell!