thinking about a new phone

[Limited-Time]

Re: thinking about a new phone

Thanks for the responses. As for my usage. The standard phone and text, along with work and personal e-mail. Web surfing when I do not have access to my lap top, or am away from work. I gave up on having a home computer several years ago. But retained the DSL service along with the wireless setup I installed originally. This allows me access to the web through my phone using a wireless connection. Thus saving on "plan" data usage.

Reliability is another concern as the cell phone is my only phone. I discontinued my home phone service several years ago. My web research shows a higher rate of customer issues with the android based phones. But they are also used more than the apple by a 55 to 38 % rate. Also the apple software does not support "flash player" which is utilized by many web sites. What type of issue does this pose in real life usage??

 

[bruceb58]

Re: thinking about a new phone

Not having flash is such a non-issue that it shouldn't need to be even worried about. For those that do think its an issue, they should post a site that they use all the time that has flash that doesn't have a mobile version without it.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: thinking about a new phone

Biggest difference between the iphone 5 and all others is it is the only phone that transmits data securely.

That's actually not true. They all use encryption. The iphone just has apps that are more controlled so the chance of getting an app with a trojan in it is less likely.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: thinking about a new phone

And get this WIMUSKY - it's actually cheaper than the flip phone I just got rid of!

I paid .99. I think all the phones were that price. I did have to renew the contract with the carrier for another 2 years which was fine.....

I pay $29/month. My phone stays in the truck. That's the only time I use it.

My thoughts too. I have had the same phone for at least 7 years complete with clear packing tape over the front display to keep the cracked glass from falling out. A drop of about 15' onto concrete but outside of the glass it still works. I had my carrier lock out my ability to send or receive texts because soon after I got it someone kept trying to message and kept getting my number.

What really gets me when the kids are all home for a holiday dinner and they keep answering their texts and returning them all day.

I had to lock out the messaging/texting too. Was getting charged for receiving advertising messages from whomever. I wasn't about to pay for them.....

My daughter rarely texts. In fact, I've never seen her do it. She will check facebook every now and then.....

 

[rivermouse]

Re: thinking about a new phone

Just dont sign a contract,,Why would a person want to make such a serious obligation set by rules they have no control over just to have a cell phone? Cell phones aren't worthy of contracts

 

[DirtyOldBoat]

Re: thinking about a new phone

Web surfing when I do not have access to my lap top, or am away from work.

If you're going to do any amount of web surfing you want a phone with a big screen. Like the Galaxy Note or Note II. Apple gives you absolutely no choice here. Having 1280x800 resolution means much less scrolling from side to side to see a "desktop" website. The fact that I no longer have to use any "mobile" website is a HUGE advantage - they all suck.

The Galaxy Note is a good deal right now, about $200, since the Note II came out. Mostly the only difference between the two is a dual or quad core processor. I got my Note from a friend when he had to have the Note II (at full price) and I'm still not sure what his phone can do that mine can't?

Just dont sign a contract,,Why would a person want to make such a serious obligation set by rules they have no control over just to have a cell phone? Cell phones aren't worthy of contracts

Because some of us don't want to pay upwards of a thousand bucks for a phone that needs to be replaced in 2-3 years. The truth is, paying full price to a company like AT&T without getting a free phone is quite ridiculous.

My dad recently got a new flip phone with AT&T, but there is no need to sign a contract with an old phone like that. I signed him up for a contract with a Galaxy Note II, which cost $299, and then sold it on ebay for $1,400. Yes, $1,400. Thanks AT&T.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: thinking about a new phone

You can get the factory unlocked Note II for less than $600...no Contract!!!!

Personally, The Note to me is too big. Whenever I see someone using it as a phone, it always seems like the person using it has an awfully small head!

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: thinking about a new phone

The Galaxy Note is a clown phone.

They had to pay LeBron James to be in their commercial and make it look somewhat normal sized.

 

[DirtyOldBoat]

Re: thinking about a new phone

Unlike people who buy Iphones, I don't care what my phone looks like. It just means I get more done. It may be big but it's also thinner and lighter than an Iphone. I forget it's in my pocket, much easier to carry than my old "candybar" phone. I have a big ugly truck too, I get alot more done with it than people who drive fancy cars.

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: thinking about a new phone

I use my iPhone as a thin client to control my PC at home. I can program in MATLAB, work on Excel, email myself forgotten documents, draft in AutoCAD, etc. I think you get the picture.

Is this your preferred writing utensil?



Think about how much you can get done with all that lead...

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: thinking about a new phone

It may be big but it's also thinner and lighter than an Iphone.

Galaxy Note: 178 grams, 9.65 mm thickness

iPhone 4: 137 grams, 9.3 mm thickness


Meh, facts. They're so annoying.

 

[DirtyOldBoat]

Re: thinking about a new phone

I use my iPhone as a thin client to control my PC at home. I can program in MATLAB, work on Excel, email myself forgotten documents, draft in AutoCAD, etc.

What's your point? You can do all that a hell of a lot better with a bigger screen and better resolution. I also have a big computer monitor, because the 13" black and white IBM CRT sucked. (though it would work to do all those things) They make Android watches with tiny little screens that will do all that too. It might make you blind. I also have a built in stylus, try that with an Iphone.

Here's what's great about Android: If you want a small phone with a small screen you can have one. If you want a big phone with a big screen you can have one. Apple gives you no choice whatsoever. Surely the same phone is not appropriate for everybody.

 

[smclear]

Re: thinking about a new phone

This thread is almost as entertaining as the I/O v Outboard v Inboard threads.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: thinking about a new phone

I have a Samsung Reverb on Virgin Mobile. The Reverb has similar features and looks as the wildly popular Galaxy S4 just lesser performance. I got it on Amazon for $150. I've been happy with Virgin Mobile for the price ($35 a month for 300 minutes and "unlimited" text and data) and the service has only improved in the time I've had it. Sprint's network. VM has a new Samsung model, the Victory, that has pretty impressive specs for $250.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: thinking about a new phone

Just dont sign a contract,,Why would a person want to make such a serious obligation set by rules they have no control over just to have a cell phone? Cell phones aren't worthy of contracts

What DOB said.

Even with the flip phone I think the full cost w/o a contract was more than I wanted to pay. I like the carrier I have, have no intentions of changing, so why not sign up for another 2 years to get a phone for $1? A 2 year contract with a carrier is not what I call a "serious obligation".

 

[bruceb58]

Re: thinking about a new phone

A 2 year contract with a carrier is not what I call a "serious obligation".

It is if you get a smartphone though. A smartphone bill is going to be over $100/month with a carrier plan. 2 years of that is $2400.

You can get an unlocked GSM flip phone for $50-$80 and use one of the following plans for way less than the $30 you are paying:

http://www.net10wireless.com/#/plans

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: thinking about a new phone

What's your point?

My point is you're the typical rabid anti-Apple zealot. I left a response as bait and your reaction was pretty predictable.

Here's what's great about Android: If you want a small phone with a small screen you can have one. If you want a big phone with a big screen you can have one. Apple gives you no choice whatsoever.

Here's what's great about the free market: Multiple companies can produce products that the consumer can choose from. If you want a phone with an Apple on it you can have one. If you want a phone with a little robot on it, you can have that too. If you don't like Apple you don't have to buy their products, and you certainly don't need to mindlessly rant against them on the internet.

Surely the same phone is not appropriate for everybody.

That's right! Different people have different needs. So what's the point of your anti-iPhone rant? The iPhone is great for a lot of people, while the Note has many features that make it more suitable for the circus market.

Official phone of the Ringling Bros.

 

[Nickypoo]

Re: thinking about a new phone

Sorry to the OP. I was compelled by the gods of internet arguments to restore balance to this thread.

 

[rivermouse]

Re: thinking about a new phone

We use consumer cellular . No contracts , phone cost only about 30 bucks and it can text, take pictures and do everything we could ever need in a cell phone and more. We have no need for a contract .

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: thinking about a new phone

It is if you get a smartphone though. A smartphone bill is going to be over $100/month with a carrier plan. 2 years of that is $2400.

You can get an unlocked GSM flip phone for $50-$80 and use one of the following plans for way less than the $30 you are paying:

NET10 Wireless

How T-Mobile's new service plans could change the industry | Mobile - CNET News

The knee-jerk reaction to this news is to immediately bemoan the fact that consumers are now expected to pay full price for devices. That's unfortunate. Even though most consumers may only pay $200 up front for a high-end smartphone with a two-year service contract (plus the $35 upgrade fee), they still pay full price for that phone through the monthly service fee. The only difference is that under such carrier contracts, consumers have no idea how much of their monthly bill is being used to subsidize the cost of that phone or when that phone is ultimately paid off. /