Smartphones?
Smartphones?
#1Smartphones?
Posted: 3/29/12 at 11:22pm
Finally going into the 21st century...what should I get? I don't need a lot of "stuff", just a bill no more than 50.00/month..and I don't want to spend more than 100.00 on the phone. I don't text or anything. Usually use about 400 minutes/mo.(old pre paid Tracfone)
What phone and plan would be basic? i Phone, Droid, other?
Thanks for any advice.
#2Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:05am
I love my iphone! I know hardcore techies will tell you the Droid has better specs, faster processor, or whatever else but I don't really care for all of that (and from your post, I don't think you do either!) I like the look and size of the I Phone far better than the Droid which is bulky and difficult to fit in some pockets. Everyone who I know with a Droid constantly complains about the battery life, saying that they never get through the day. I've never had that issue with the I Phone.
You can get an I Phone for a relatively inexpensive price these days especially if you sign up for a new 2 year contract with a carrier. It's even cheaper if you're willing to buy the 4 instead of the 4S (which is largely the same as the 4 with a few updates and Siri, the mobile assistant thing that I've found to be entirely useless.)
Plans vary so greatly by carrier, data usage, and minutes that it's impossible to say how much you'd be paying. However, on a pretty bare bones plan, it'll definitely be less than $50/month.
#2Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:07amJust remembered - stay away from a Blackberry at all costs. Not only is the company struggling as its products are far beyond other smartphones and its customer service and reviews have been terrible, but the phones are also poorly made. My Blackberry worked well for a few months, conveniently long enough for the warranty to expire, before it would start restating on its own and sending blank messages to people. I know many others who have had similar problems.
#3Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:10amThanks for the info. Where do you think I should buy it? BestBuy, other? I don't need bells and whistles, just phone, camera, a few apps, no text, etc. The only thing is, my eyes are really bad. A friend has an older HTC EVO, which has a huge screen, I think over 4". Could you possibly provide a link to an iPhone with a good/cheap plan? Thanks.
#4Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 8:35amI would say avoid the iPhone at all cost. Battery life sucks, apps freeze all the time, it's slow, and iTunes is the worst. There are cheaper options that do more and run better.
#5Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 8:51am
I just got the Droid RAZR MAXX which has a 21 hour battery as opposed to a 12 hour battery found in other devices. The screen is roughly 2-1/2" x 5". It came with a bunch of apps that I don't use (NFL, Blockbuster, Kindle, etc) but that's not a huge deal. I only download free apps (IMDB, Broadwaybox, Pandora, NJ Transit). I do text but you can choose to have texting turned off - my mom did that on her phone. It has two cameras - one in the front and one in the back - one's for taking pictures and the other's for video chat.
RAZR MAXX
#6Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 11:24am
I currently have a Motorola Flipout and it's the worst phone I've ever owned. Constantly dropping calls, dropping texts, the battery lasts maybe 24 hours only in standby and maybe 1 hour if you use it for calls or internet. Replaced the SIM card and the battery and still no better. I know it's not the service because the Blackberry Torch I had for work was the exact same provider in the exact same area. The "3G" seems to be nothing more than an icon on the screen. The Blackberry Torch worked like a DREAM. Never had an issue. Now, I have to move on to step 2 and take the phone back to AT&T where they said they will have to replace it with the same model first before they can do anything else. Why on earth would I want the same model again? But I'm stuck with a 2-year contract tied to the equipment, so if I want to change phones, I'd have to pay full price. Ugh.
Has the reception improved for the iPhone? I remember that being the biggest issue with them when they rolled out the last model.
#7Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 11:42am
Eris, I also have the MAXX, and I love it, but it's A.) too loaded and 2.) too expensive for the criteria laid out by the OP.
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#8Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 12:40pmI just don't understand why anyone needs that crap. My phone makes and receives calls and it costs me $35 a month for unlimited service.
morosco
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/10/04
#9Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 1:53pm
T-Mobile is worth checking out. I have a no contract month-to-month agreement that costs me $60.00 for unlimited 4G talk, text, and web. Data is capped at 2gb but that's plenty unless you stream a lot (and if you do go over 2gb it doesn't cost you more...they just throttle your speed down to 3G). They have smart phone specials starting at around $99.00.
Never had a problem with signal or service. Happy with it.
T-Mobile Monthly 4G
#10Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 7:16pm
Now I'm more confused than ever.
KEVVY - what do you have and recommend?
ERIK972 hates the iPhone,
BROADWAYDEVIL likes it!?
Like I stated, I need simple and cheap, no frills. Larger screen, if possible. I'm not tech saavy, and don't really care about texting, or downloading anything Unlimited minutes would be nice. I also do NOT want any surprise taxes and/or fees/activation fees, etc. on a bill. Actually I prefer pre-paid.. Just need a replacement for my Tracfone. I ONLY need phone, camera, a few free APPS.
#11Smartphones?
Posted: 3/30/12 at 8:14pm
If you are not tech saavy the iPhone is the best bet for smartphone. Blackberry is awful, and Droids are way to confusing, the battery life sucks, and they are way too bulky for the most part.
The iPhone is very simple and easy to use. It may have been easier for me because I've had Apple computers and an IPod and IPad by the time I switched from Blackberry to iPhone. With any smart phone I had previously I had to read the manuel and basically lock my self in my room while I figured out how to use everything. The iPhone doesn't need any explanation. You turn it on and just know how to navigate through it.
I'm not sure if T-mobil has the Iphone yet. Sprints perk is the unlimited Data, Verizon has the best overall service, and AT+T has the cheapest options for all the plans.
#12Smartphones?
Posted: 3/31/12 at 3:22am
I had a blackberry then a Droid on Verizon until they got the iPhone in February. I switched over right away. By far the best phone I have ever had. 
#13Smartphones?
Posted: 3/31/12 at 7:03amI was a Blackberry girl for years. I have been on my iPhone for two years in May. I have never had a better, easier to use phone. I don't know HOW I stood having a Blackberry before. There's just no comparison. I haven't had a moment's trouble in two years with the iPhone. We're upgrading in June just because a different carrier has better coverage where we live and who wouldn't want an upgraded phone? A Droid is a good option, too. Most people are either a fan of one or the other, though. I like the simplicity of the iPhone and I like that there's just one phone. If there is an issue, it's easy to find the solution and accessories are everywhere.
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