Help me pick a cell phone, PLEASE!

Oh, f*ck. Now that link doesn't go to the same page that it did before. You see what I mean about technology? It works one minute, then the next, it doesn't. Goddammed f*cking bullshit. Let me see if I can figure out how to get this link to work again...

Nextel seems to be crummy - in terms of reliable service. I hate it. It's always giving me fits when I'm calling Setanta.

Okay, the only way I can get the page to come up that I originally had is to go to google, type in "cell phones" and click on the first sponsored link. Oh just forget the whole stupid thing. I'm not buying a f*cking cell phone now! I RENOUNCE ALL TECHNOLOGY FROM 1995 ON! F*CKERS!!!

Nextel bad. Thanks. I guess I should have rephrased my question to "Which of these carriers sucks the least?"

I've been shopping for a cell phone, too. OK If I hang around to see what the vote is? So far my research is pointing to Verizon, but I haven't made up my mind yet.

Just for what it's worth, I recently got a TracPhone, using the Noika phone. I did not want a cell phone, and don't use it - except when traveling, at which time it is priceless. My objective was to have a useable phone when I need it, and not be saddled with monthly bills when I don't. It is working well for me, and is probably about the same as your T-Mobile option. It came with car charger and 160 minutes for a total of about $160.00. Used or not, the time expires in about a year. For my exact situation, it is exactly right.

- Nextel sucks big time.
- Alltel. One of my friends in VA has Alltel and when she calls, we get cut off constantly.
- Cingular doesn't cut you off, but fades in and out a lot.
- Sprint. Haven't heard anything positive/negative
- T-Mobile dto.
- Verizon, seems to be the most reliable service.

Pick a decent phone; get one too tiny and it won't work no matter which carrier you have.

$39.99 will probably end up around $47-48 after they add all the surcharges.

How much do you spend on long distance? You can move a bunch of that over to the cell. In fact, I know several folks who've gotten rid of their land-line.

Drewdad, yes, I want to get rid of my landline too. That is sort of why I'm doing this. If it costs the same, it's worth it to have one of these stupid cell phones...I think. I don't spend much on long distance. My total monthly phone bill now, including long distance, is usually around $45.

My only thing is that I don't want to be going "can you hear me now?" every five minutes with everyone I talk to. I am very impatient with **** that doesn't work like it is supposed to.

So I guess Verizon is looking good so far. Hmmm.

Another thing that concerns me. The mandatory time that you have to sign up for. I mean, what happens if you sign up for your mandatory one full year of service, and then two weeks into it, you realize that the service blows? How hard is it to break that contract?

I guess, like anything else, you should be able to get a refund and get out of it if you aren't satisfied, right? Has anyone tried to break an agreement with a cell phone carrier? Is it possible?

Yes it is, but you have to pay a penalty. The penalty
amount is written into your contract up front and of
course - like everything else - negotiable.

Verizon is nationwide though and has the most airwaves,
as far as I know, but read this FCC guideline and
you'll know more....

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/cellcoverage.html

We had 30 days to change our minds. Ask.

They also had a coverage map, showed what kind of service we could expect at the house. That's why we changed her service; my work phone worked fine, but her's bit wind.

Okay, well, if I have some time to check it out, then I don't feel so trapped. Maybe I'll go to the wireless joint tomorrow and see what the hell is going on with this stuff. Thanks guys.

Kicky, I don't know how it is in NYC, for sure... but when I was there my cell phone went kerflooey in certain places.. in the lobby of the Foster Bldg, for example. (I think it was the phone and not me).
There tend to be areas where reception is poor..
when we here in north north drive through the redwoods to San Francisco and beyond, we lose contact in certain mountain areas.

My ex calls me about once a week, usually from his cell phone, and it's one damn hello? hello? after another. He's in LA, usually on the freeway.

osso!
You are well behind what is commonly known as the "Redwood Curtain!" I could Never get reception up in your area no matter what. A colleague of mine and I were in Fortuna and Eureka not that long ago and had different cell plans and neither of us got service until we jumped over into Redding. Big jump I know! I'm surprised you get anything up there at all! It's like no man's land for cell phones.

Kicky,
If it helps, I know that ALL of FedEx employees are switching to Blackberry's with Sprint as their cell carrier. And these folks call a LOT! Just my

Personally, I have had Verizon before and was very satisfied.

Not much help, am I?

You were HERE? (kidding, it's ok. But if you're around any time soon, call me...




irresponsible..)

I was there! But it was before my A2K days and I didn't know you yet.

Trust me, had I known you then, I'd a been standing in the middle of the shopping center hollerin "where the heck is ossobuco?!"

I'm just gonna have to wait until Albuquerque now methinks. Tis only a days drive for me to there!

OK, then!


Blackberries, hmmm. I don't know much about those. Will google..

(I will be getting a new cell phone and company one of these days..)