Need cellphone advice

[+ Charlie]

Here's the situation: my cellphone is so old it says "Welcome to Cingular" when I turn it on, only now it often doesn't say anything, just a lighted blank screen. I am trying to decide whether to simply replace the phone, with the same old AT&Tcontract at the lowball "senior" rate; upgrade to a smart phone; or switch to Go Phone, and if so, should it be a smart phone or a regular one.

 

I only use my cellphone when I am traveling or need to make a call while away from the house; sometimes I go for weeks without ever turning it on. I think it would be nice to be able to go online for email, to check flight status, and do some websurfing when I am traveling, but I would hardly ever use it for that purpose at any other time. I usually make one trip abroad per year, and several domestic trips of two to ten days. I don't use social networking sites like Facebook, and don't use a phone for socializing with friends or family. Because I am retired and at home most of the time, I use a regular landline phone for most business needs.

 

And I am frugal: I don't like to waste a lot of money on anything I don't expect to use, except for insurance. However, I have no idea how much something like usage of a smart phone under these circumstances would actually cost (I know what the ads say, but I wasn't born yesterday).

 

So, I am hoping for info and advice from all you sophisticated users here.

[corndog]

I think you might be surprised by how much you end up using an iPhone. For the most part, everything is so simple and intuitive that you spend your time just "using it," not "figuring it out."

 

There is are major iPhone announcements coming tomorrow. That means two things: there will be something new that may tempt you, but also, and perhaps more importantly in your case, current iPhone models will drop in price.

[josephga]

In your case id suggest just the basic phone.

[+ deej]

I agree you might surprise yourself how much you use a smartphone. I sure did surprise myself.

 

I ordered the iPhone 3GS the day it was announced because it finally had GPS with a driving directions app. I'd been considering buying a GPS unit for the car, and having it bundled into the phone is one less device to carry (or drop/break, or have stolen). I upgraded to an iPhone 4 just before last Christmas, but only because Radio Shack had an absurdly good deal.

 

You can actually get the 3GS from AT&T for $49. It's an older model, but may be all you need. (And we don't yet know what will come out of tomorrow's announcement.)

 

Where the costs add up is the data plan. I've been grandfathered in the unlimited plan I had before it was discontinued and will stay with AT&T (even though I want to change) so long as I can keep the unlimited plan. That said, even during heavy use I don't come close to the limits on the lower of their current plans.

 

When I travel, I'll typically download a couple of movies in advance so they're ready to watch on a flight. Of course, it acts as an iPod as well so I have that collection to listen to. There's a Kindle app for iPhone (and Android) that syncs with all of your Kindle books. You can start reading from where you left off on another device. And it's a capable still/video camera.

 

When I'm meeting someone and waiting for them I can flip through news via NYT, WaPo, Bloomberg, CNN, LA Times, NPR, etc. I receive daily recipes from Martha Stewart. I can check movie times and buy tickets. I can stream movies from Netlix and listen to Pandora streaming music as well as find local NPR stations while on the road. During the Egyptian uprising I watched Al Jazeera's coverage live from Tahreer Square. And, of course, I can pass time by flinging angry birds at pigs.

 

Oh, and it's a phone too. ;-) The phone features are a little underwhelming because there's so much ELSE it does but it's still a fully capable phone.

[jjkrkwood]

Wow, am I missing alot..... I am still using 2 tin soupcans and a Very long string..... Who knew I was missing all this other Fun stuff ?

[+ Charlie]

I agree you might surprise yourself how much you use a smartphone. I sure did surprise myself.

 

I ordered the iPhone 3GS the day it was announced because it finally had GPS with a driving directions app. I'd been considering buying a GPS unit for the car, and having it bundled into the phone is one less device to carry (or drop/break, or have stolen). I upgraded to an iPhone 4 just before last Christmas, but only because Radio Shack had an absurdly good deal.

 

You can actually get the 3GS from AT&T for $49. It's an older model, but may be all you need. (And we don't yet know what will come out of tomorrow's announcement.)

 

Where the costs add up is the data plan. I've been grandfathered in the unlimited plan I had before it was discontinued and will stay with AT&T (even though I want to change) so long as I can keep the unlimited plan. That said, even during heavy use I don't come close to the limits on the lower of their current plans.

 

When I travel, I'll typically download a couple of movies in advance so they're ready to watch on a flight. Of course, it acts as an iPod as well so I have that collection to listen to. There's a Kindle app for iPhone (and Android) that syncs with all of your Kindle books. You can start reading from where you left off on another device. And it's a capable still/video camera.

 

When I'm meeting someone and waiting for them I can flip through news via NYT, WaPo, Bloomberg, CNN, LA Times, NPR, etc. I receive daily recipes from Martha Stewart. I can check movie times and buy tickets. I can stream movies from Netlix and listen to Pandora streaming music as well as find local NPR stations while on the road. During the Egyptian uprising I watched Al Jazeera's coverage live from Tahreer Square. And, of course, I can pass time by flinging angry birds at pigs.

 

Oh, and it's a phone too. ;-) The phone features are a little underwhelming because there's so much ELSE it does but it's still a fully capable phone.

I was sure you would come through with some interesting advice. However, from your description, it is obvious that you use your phone much more than I ever would. I don't use a GPS, because I love to read maps. The entertainment value doesn't appeal to me, because I don't read electronic books, I don't watch movies (not even on my tv), I rarely take pictures, and I only listen to music at home. And it's those data plan charges that concern me--I currently pay $35/mo for my phone contract, and I probably don't get my money's worth from that. Yet I am still lured by the possibility of being able to access the web while stuck in an airport or a hotel room, even if it's only a dozen times a year.

[Diverdan]

I have Verizon service which has been fantastic all over the country, and I travel a lot. When I go overseas, I simply switch to the international coverage for the weeks I will be gone and switch back again. Last year I was in Australia and the coverage was fantastic and cheap. I have a Motorola Droid which has a lot of apps, but I don't use many of them. Check out a verizon store and see what meets your needs.

[Lookin]

I'm planning to get an iPhone5 in the near future.

 

The data plan has been the real puzzler for me. AT&T has a data plan calculator that will give you a place to start. The best advice I've heard is to start with a smaller plan, watch it carefully for a month or two, then upgrade if you need to. Upgrading is much less of a hassle than downgrading.

 

Recently stayed with friends who used WiFi and Facetime (no charge for either) to sing along with the grandkids and chat as they got ready for bed.

 

Hope to have that experience myself one day. http://www.maleescortreview.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif

 

http://www.aussiegayguy.com/fetish/boys.jpg

[+ LIguy]

I love my Iphone.I bought it when Verizon started selling it.The only thing I hate is that the battery charge doesn't last long especially if I go into the city (New York) for the day and I am running Grindr and other gay cruising apps.Would anyone know if there are places where you can pay to get a quick charge in Manhattan?

[+ Charlie]

I love my Iphone.I bought it when Verizon started selling it.The only thing I hate is that the battery charge doesn't last long especially if I go into the city (New York) for the day and I am running Grindr and other gay cruising apps.Would anyone know if there are places where you can pay to get a quick charge in Manhattan?

 

The battery charge doesn't even last a day?! I had no idea. I'm used to charging my phone only every couple of weeks.

[+ Charlie]

Thanks for that cool calculator. I seem to use a lot less than 200MB.

[+ deej]

I was sure you would come through with some interesting advice. However, from your description, it is obvious that you use your phone much more than I ever would. I don't use a GPS, because I love to read maps. The entertainment value doesn't appeal to me, because I don't read electronic books, I don't watch movies (not even on my tv), I rarely take pictures, and I only listen to music at home. And it's those data plan charges that concern me--I currently pay $35/mo for my phone contract, and I probably don't get my money's worth from that. Yet I am still lured by the possibility of being able to access the web while stuck in an airport or a hotel room, even if it's only a dozen times a year.

 

Actually, I use the phone the least of it. I keep asking for cheaper phone plans with fewer minutes because I have the maximum number of rollover minutes and roll over the maximum unused each month.

 

You might find phones somewhere between "full" smartphone and "just" a phone that are of the prepaid variety. Rather than a monthly fee, you just keep minutes (i.e. money) on deposit and only add more as you use it. Pay attention, though, because a lot of them sell time that expires. It's not a big deal having $35 that expires after a year when it's the only $35 you pay all year, but there are some that have a shorter fuse.

 

Also, if you're an AARP member there are OFTEN discounts and cheap offers in their magazine and on their website. You could save more than enough to pay for the membership, actually.

 

If I were in your shoes I'd pop into the local phone stores. AT&T, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, Sprint, among others, all have storefronts within a few miles of where I live. Befriend the cute salesman and see what he has on offer. (I mean phones, of course, but nothing ventured nothing gained. )

[+ deej]

The battery charge doesn't even last a day?! I had no idea. I'm used to charging my phone only every couple of weeks.

 

That's something that's common to all smartphones. They do a LOT but it means they eat a lot of power.

 

There's a robust aftermarket for cases that add extra battery capacity for all smartphones. The downside is they're specific to the phone model so once you change phones your accessories are useless to you. (You can sell them on E-bay.)

[corndog]

Charlie, I'll add three points to what's been said here:

 

1. When you list all the stuff you don't need, I think you'll be surprised once you have an iPhone in your hands what you end up using. I won't predict specifically what you'll find and get attached to, but I think you'll be surprised.

 

2. Except for the most intensive users, the iPhone's charge easily lasts a full day. You'll need to make it a habit to plug it in when you set it down at night, but it'll usually have plenty of juice for a busy day.

 

3. This might start some heated religious arguments, but there's a world of difference between any ol' smartphone and an iPhone. In my opinion, an iPhone is a joy to use and "just works" vs. other smartphones, such as Android-based phones, that can be frustrating learning adventures.

[+ deej]

3. This might start some heated religious arguments, but there's a world of difference between any ol' smartphone and an iPhone. In my opinion, an iPhone is a joy to use and "just works" vs. other smartphones, such as Android-based phones, that can be frustrating learning adventures.

 

You probably will set off a firestorm, but that's been my observation as well. I know really competent technical people who bought Android phones (because, you know, that's the cool thing to do) and they're constantly looking for better ways to do this or that, or cursing their phones.

 

The only phones that come close in terms of ease of use are Blackberry phones but they're WAY behind in almost every respect and RIM is losing market share so rapidly that many wonder how long they'll stay in it at all.

[+ Charlie]

Actually, I use the phone the least of it. I keep asking for cheaper phone plans with fewer minutes because I have the maximum number of rollover minutes and roll over the maximum unused each month.

 

You might find phones somewhere between "full" smartphone and "just" a phone that are of the prepaid variety. Rather than a monthly fee, you just keep minutes (i.e. money) on deposit and only add more as you use it. Pay attention, though, because a lot of them sell time that expires. It's not a big deal having $35 that expires after a year when it's the only $35 you pay all year, but there are some that have a shorter fuse.

 

Also, if you're an AARP member there are OFTEN discounts and cheap offers in their magazine and on their website. You could save more than enough to pay for the membership, actually.

 

If I were in your shoes I'd pop into the local phone stores. AT&T, Verizon, U.S. Cellular, Sprint, among others, all have storefronts within a few miles of where I live. Befriend the cute salesman and see what he has on offer. (I mean phones, of course, but nothing ventured nothing gained. )

 

I was enamored of the Go Phone idea--$2/day only on the days that you use it, nothing on days that you don't--until I read the fine print and realized that you "refill" them with a flat fee, say $15, but it expires after 30 days, so if you don't use the phone that month, you have lost your $15. It still would be cheaper than my current monthly bill, but having to go in to refill every month would probably irritate me more than getting a bill in the mail every month, especially when I forgot to do it and found myself broken down on the highway.

 

I did go into the AT&T store yesterday, which prompted this whole thread, but there was no danger of being misled by a cute salesman there. I started there, since I already have had that old contract for years. Now maybe I should try some of the others.

[vabballfan]

You should look at Virgin Mobile

 

I decided I wanted a very inexpensive cell phone plan that would let me check email, etc.

 

I ended up with the LG Rumor 2 (for $49) with a prepaid plan that includes 300 minutes per month, unlimited web and unlimited messaging. I've only come close to the 300 minutes in one month. When I purchased the phone a little over a year ago the monthly charge for the 300 minutes/unlimited web and message plan was $25 per month. Since I'm under that plan, I was able to purchase an Android phone (with a nice 4.3" screen) and keep the $25 per month plan. The reason I upgraded the phone was I wanted the larger screen for GPS and Internet. It has Wi-Fi built in for when I'm in the office or at home and other times it uses the Sprint 3G network for data.

 

The same plan has gone to $35 per month but I consider it still a great value for the money.

 

They have a three different Android based phones starting at $129.00. The $129.00 Android phone and the $149.00 Android phone both have 3.2" screens.

[+ deej]

I was enamored of the Go Phone idea--$2/day only on the days that you use it, nothing on days that you don't--until I read the fine print and realized that you "refill" them with a flat fee, say $15, but it expires after 30 days, so if you don't use the phone that month, you have lost your $15. It still would be cheaper than my current monthly bill, but having to go in to refill every month would probably irritate me more than getting a bill in the mail every month, especially when I forgot to do it and found myself broken down on the highway.

 

Yeah, there are still "pay as you go" phones out there, but the telcos make most of their money from subscriptions that keep you paying some kind of fee every month so they'll try their damndest to get you into one of those. Somehow. Anyhow.

 

While you're out looking around, stop into 7-11. (Really!) They're selling really cheap phones that supposedly use the pay-as-you-go approach much like the long distance cards they've traditionally sold. You never know until you look!

[Steven_Draker]

I was enamored of the Go Phone idea--$2/day only on the days that you use it, nothing on days that you don't--until I read the fine print and realized that you "refill" them with a flat fee, say $15, but it expires after 30 days, so if you don't use the phone that month, you have lost your $15. It still would be cheaper than my current monthly bill, but having to go in to refill every month would probably irritate me more than getting a bill in the mail every month, especially when I forgot to do it and found myself broken down on the highway.

 

Charlie, I have an AT&T Go Phone. I wouldn't pay monthly fees for the limited use you have. You're right about the $15 refill, however a $100 refill is valid for one full year and will keep your number and service alive for a year. I found the $100 refill a good return for the investment. And somehow I think that if you're not a tech person you'll end up using the smart phone very little. You may be just fine with a simple phone.

 

Cheers, Steven ~

[+ newatthis]

Charlie, I have an AT&T Go Phone. I wouldn't pay monthly fees for the limited use you have. You're right about the $15 refill, however a $100 refill is valid for one full year and will keep your number and service alive for a year. I found the $100 refill a good return for the investment. ...

 

...I only use my cellphone when I am traveling or need to make a call while away from the house; sometimes I go for weeks without ever turning it on. I think it would be nice to be able to go online for email, to check flight status, and do some websurfing when I am traveling, but I would hardly ever use it for that purpose at any other time. I usually make one trip abroad per year, and several domestic trips of two to ten days...And I am frugal: I don't like to waste a lot of money on anything I don't expect to use...

Charlie --

 

My cell phone usage is almost exactly like yours, as is my penchant for frugality. For a long time I got along with a deal like Steven's GO phone ($100 refill good for a year). Mine was a prepaid from T-Mobile. A nice thing about T-Mobile is that they will unlock your phone for you after a period of time (90 days if you have a contract; maybe more for prepaid). Why is that good? Because if you have need of a phone on those foreign trips, you can buy a local SIM for your phone and pay local rates.

 

I did eventually opt for a contract and a smartphone (couldn't get the latter from T-Mobile without the former, although vabballfan's deal is worth looking into). It's a waste of money for the reasons you enumerated. But it's worth the cost to me because when I do travel, everything is at my fingertips in one small package -- no need to lug around maps, guidebooks, bus schedules, lists of restaurants,... (not to mention books and movies). And I can check email or rentboy or daddy's wherever I am. I wouldn't go so far as to say I can't live without it, but I'm very happy with my decision. I guess the moral is that even if you go prepaid to start, choose a carrier where a smartphone upgrade is possible.

[justaguy]

Charlie,

I know what you're saying. I held on to my Motorola until it could barely hold a charge. I finally went with a smartphone (droid) and love it, but the cost is high in comparison. Now I wouldn't do without it.

At one point I did do the GO phone, but found I needed a little more. Based on my experience I would suggest going with a Trackphone (buy at 7-11) to see what kind of use you would get out of it. A friend of mine really likes that option.

[+ Charlie]

Thanks to all who offered advice. I decided to follow the most conservative suggestions, and simply bought a new voice phone and continued my old cheap contract. As the salesman was converting my old phone to the new one, he asked if I had any contacts on it I needed to save. I said no, but didn't explain that I could never figure out how to use the address book on the old phone. I figured that the instructions on the new phone would be clearer and more obvious. Wrong! The only instructions that come with it are on a CD, and they are so complicated that I am lost, as usual. So once again, I will turn it on and off, make phone calls, and hope that I don't accidently push some button that plunges me into some dark communication hole from which I can't escape. It already says I have a (text?) message which I can't figure out how to retrieve, but it probably isn't important. By the way, does one have to pay for ringtones? My old phone had a wide possibility programmed into it.

 

I'm glad I didn't commit to an expensive smart phone, because I would probably never figure out how to use it.

[bigvalboy]

I gotta agree with Steven on this one..I to have a go phone and do the 100 dollar refill. It suits my needs perfectly. I am not a tech guy and use my phone for only the basics. I gotta laugh when I sometimes ask my friends to show me some of the fancy features they have on there phones and they have no idea what it can do, but if you are into that sorta of thing then the go phone is not for you.