But after the holidays I’ll probably trade my cute pink Motorola phone in for a Blackberry or whatever. So that means I need to look at my phone plans and make sure I’m still happy with T-Mobile. Likely, but every time I trade up I have to commit for another couple of years.
Any thoughts on T-Mobile Blackberries? I think I want one with buttons; I suspect touchpads aren’t my thing. I might spring for one with GPS built-in, depending on how much dough I have left after I get my car tuned up. It sort of depends on whether I need new brakes or not.
A lot of my phone issues have to do with 1) enhancing my web access, and 2) making it easier to reply to text messages. I don’t want to text people more than I do now, but some of my friends are true addicts, and I’d prefer to get back into QWERTY-land.
So let me know if you have any insights.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Blackberries are fine in general; just be reminded that RIM’s networks can be flaky at times, and you would like to make sure everything you do is backed up (but that should always be the case). And this is true; fat-fingered people like me are going to have some issues with the Berry’s keypad. Also, stay away from the Curve; it lacks 3G (but if you don’t care, it’s more responsive).
Also, if you can get your hands on a HTC (anything better than a Touch Pro II will do), that would be acceptable as well. It’s a touchscreen, but a good one. A very good one. And I think you can get a stylus so an on-screen keyboard is almost just as good.
Hulk avoid Curve in Earthquake country; Hulk ask for 3G, and a stylus if there’s a touch pad.
Hulk ask for T-Mobile deal unless Verison offer better.
Hulk smash.
Look, if you want to save a few bucks and not have to tie into a multi -year committment, buy an older UNLOCKED cell phone from somewhere like TigerDriect.com.
When I was living in China, I bought an unlocked Treo 650 that worked fine on the ChinaMobile and ATT system. Get both the QWERTY keyboard AND the stylus-touchscreen.
And, if you don’t like your carrier, you can change with NO hassles.
Joy,
As usual, I don’t have any applicable insights.
I’ve had a Blackberry (8310) for most of two years. I’m on AT&T, partially because I wanted a phone that would work overseas. So far I haven’t gone overseas, but I could!
Beyond that, access to my Gmail is nice; it’s come in handy a few times. I’m not one of those people who download 400 apps. nor do I listen to music on it. I’ve looked up directions on Google maps a few times when I didn’t have a GPS unit handy (that’s free); the AT&T navigator works, but you’d better have your car charger with you, and it’s expensive.
If you’re at the end of your contract, call your customer service and tell them you’re thinking of jumping to another company. They have retention specialists who will make you offers to stay, including bill credits and discounts on equipment (lower than advertised prices). Then ask the company you’re considering what they’ll offer to get you. I got $700 in bill credit and $99 off the Blackberry this way; I have a five-phone plan.
Do get a screen protector. You’ll find them much cheaper online.
Little one, be sure you check out the current issue of Consumer Reports (Jan. 2010).
It has the best and worst ratings of cell phone service and phones, plus a “First Look” at the newest Smart Phones.
Notice that Verizon ranks first in every major metropolitan area.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and John.
T-Mobile. They’ve got Catherine Zeta Jones in their commercials. You can’t go wrong there.
I’m pretty happy with my new Blackberry 8310 so far. I just don’t care about most of the high end features on the high-end models these days. My last phone kept me largely happy for five years. I’m a gadget lover but on a budget.
The big selling point on the unit was that Wal-mart paid me $100 to take it along with a two year contract on my existing carrier. The data plan ups my monthly bill a bit but my employer finds it useful for me to have email everywhere and has offered to pick upsome of the cost.
Unfortunately, the Wal-mart promotion ended last week but there are bound to be others.