Cell phone options

[Dave G]

I need a cell phone badly. I have never had a cell phone. I can't figure out the rate plans and contracts, I've been told by a co-worker that AT&T has the best deals. But I have no basis for comparison.
Probably 1000 anytime minutes would be plenty. Rollover would be nice. I think I'd need to go with some sort of text messaging, not sure if there is a rate plan besides unlimited text, or penny text or whatnot.
Can I get one that doesn't charge for incoming?
I'd like to have at least an hour of internet, with the ability to check my gmail.
Would I have to get an iphone? The lowest monthly rate for it looked to be about 60 dollars.
Am I too needy?

[mossrose]

I pay $8.95 a month.

I get 30 free minutes a month.

I don't have internet access, or text messaging, or anything.

My phone is for emergencies.

It works great!

[Dave G]

I absolutely will need more than 30 minutes. I deliver pizzas, and if I get a cell, I'll be making quite a few calls.
But I'm glad yours is working so well for you...

[Teallaura]

Get a prepay - you can buy more minutes as you need them.

[mossrose]

I absolutely will need more than 30 minutes. I deliver pizzas, and if I get a cell, I'll be making quite a few calls.
But I'm glad yours is working so well for you...

You asked, I told you what I know.

[Dave G]

I bought a prepay once, but the plan seemed to be set up where if I went over the amount on my card, then I was charged an exorbitant rate. And the phone had internet capability, so I was hoping for a plan that would give me limited or unlimited internet access. I usually go to work about an hour or two early, and that would be a good way to pass the time. I make enough money for an intermediate rate, I think.
If I can't find anything good, I guess I'll just have to go to a prepay, but I'd rather not.

[Teallaura]

I'm in the process of switching - I've heard good things about Cingular's prepay.



Go to Starbucks like normal people!

[Dave G]

I'm in the process of switching - I've heard good things about Cingular's prepay.



Go to Starbucks like normal people!

Hah! I don't even understand. Does Starbucks have free wifi?

[Teallaura]

Talk to live people!

[Dave G]

I have free wifi where I work, can I use a cell phone with that?
(I'm still too schizo to relate to real live people.)

[QuantaFille]

I have free wifi where I work, can I use a cell phone with that?
(I'm still too schizo to relate to real live people.)

Some can, some can't. You will have to make sure that the phone you get can use wifi.

[Conductor42]

Cricket.
It's as cheap as 25$/month for unlimited minutes

[Dave G]

Cricket.
It's as cheap as 25$/month for unlimited minutes

Great deal. But it's not in my area.

[luv1another]

hmm I have no idea about american rates...I personally have a prepaid phone because over here if you use all your money up you just cant ring or text but people can still ring or text you for 3 months... I have prepaid simply because I can choose how much I pay and when I recharge it. if I dont have much money one week I can just put $5 on it if I have a lot I can recharge $50.

as for a phone my phone is 4 years old and I can still do email on it. if you dont have a camera you might think about a camera option...tho most phones these days already have a camera.

I personally have a nokia brand phone and have had it about 4 years with no problems at all. I will definately be looking for a nokia when I get a new phone.

another option is whether you want a flip phone a slide phone or one that has everything on one face... I have heard (dont know how true it is) that flip phones dont last as long because the wire runs between the middle of the two flip areas and gets worn

here are a couple links I found that compare plans in USA...
http://www.consumersearch.com/www/el...l-phone-plans/

http://myrateplan.com/

http://www.cellphones.ca/

[Teallaura]

Thanks, Luv!