Cell Phone

[AJ]

I am in market for a new phone. What type of phone do you carry while you travel in your bus? Black Barry, Palm, PDA?? And are you happy with your phone? I would like be able to do; voice, e-mail, web and applications.

[Kristinsgrandpa]

My thoughts on cell phones is, the fewer the buttons, the better I like it. Mine is a Motorola V262 and it doesn't have bluetooth capabilities but will do the rest.

I bought a larger battery and new back for the extended talk time.

It is kinda "old school", basic.

Ed

[belfert]

I have a fairly plain jane cell phone that has a camera only because I had no choice.  For Internet and email I have a laptop with wireless internet (EVDO) card.  I have no desire for a smart phone like a Blackberry.

[John Z]

Yep,,, wireless mobile broadband for computing with any pc you choose, and just my regular old cell phone works great! The keys on the laptop are small enough,,, i sure as hell don't want to be pickin away at a phone trying to do my computing. I do get a big chuckle and grin out of people who have the bluetooth gadgets!!!

[Dallas]

I have a LG CU575 that I use for cell calls and for connecting to the laptop with a USB data cable or with Bluetooth. AT&T unlimited data service is $50/month along with the 2 cell phones, (mine and my wifes), total is about 150/month.

Some better deals out there, but this will work just about everywhere we go.

Dallas

[JackConrad]

     We use wireless mobile broadband for computer access. We have ours through Millenicom. The neccessary driver is in the mobile broadband thingy that plugs into the USB port, so it can be used on any computer. For cell phones, we use a basic model.  We just talk on ours, we don't text or send photos (although the phone does have a camera in it) Just our way, YMMV  Jack

[Dreamscape]

We use just a regular cell phone, as others have said, not texting or picture taking. Have a ATT wireless card for the puter when traveling. I like to keep it simple.

Paul

[DavidInWilmNC]

I have a Motorola Razr V3 that's almost 2½ years old.  It's been the best phone I've had.  It can text and to some sort of web browsing, but I don't have those features on my account.  The camera is so-so, but better than nothing.  I believe the new model has a better camera.  The battery life is great, except when in extreme boonies - it'll last a day or so then.  Normally, it'll go several days without charging.  It's time for me to get a new phone; I'll probably get the new version of what I have.  On a side note, I played with an i-phone the other day.  It's very cool... web browsing, mp3's, etc.  I don't know that I'll get one, but I can appreciate how integrated it all is.

David

[zimtok]

I had a very simple phone with Cingular for many years....

When I decided to get texting added to my plan I went with one of the phones that has more of a keyboard to make texting easier. I chose the Pantech Duo. It has standard phone buttons when slid open longways and has the keyboard buttons when slid open sideways. It also has a bit of stuff I don't use.

Here is a link:

http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=Pantech+Duo&q_sku=sku1080007


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[jok]

I got an iPhone a few months ago and I love it. I am sitting on the Gulf in Key West without Wi-Fi service. It is a little slow, but works where ever I get cell service. I have a Mac computer so it is a good fit for me. It is also easy to use. It's good for instant messaging, taking and emailing pictures, google maps (works like mapquest), a note pad and a phone. I love it.

John

[Lin]

Since I used a PDA and carried a cell phone, I've been using smart phones since they came out.  The phones have always been bulkier than a plain phone but was better than carrying two devices.  I currently have a Treo 700p and like it.  The Palm software is much better than the windows version.  I use some add-on programs like a voice dialer that dials any name in the whole address database without needing to be trained--very convenient while driving.  Also, I have a GPS program on it.  This is not as convenient as a dedicated GPS since you have to drop out of the program to use the phone, but is the same otherwise and very portable.  The camera function on your phone may go unused normally, but it is useful to have.  Being able to take pictures after an accident is one thing that comes to mind.  I did the email/internet on it for a while but stopped since I generally didn't use internet that much while moving around, and found I could wait till I got home to learn new ways to enlarge my gentiles.

[RJ]

AJ -

For my use at the present time, my cell phone is just that - a phone.  I don't need internet access while I'm out and about making my normal rounds, so I've stuck with a simple, older Nokia 6310i.  This model has Bluetooth capabilities, and I do use a Nokia Bluetooth headset with it for hands-free operation, which I really like.  The headset is a Nokia BH-200, which I got off eBay for under $25.  It will also link up to other Bluetooth phones, btw.

I didn't want a phone with a camera - BTDT, and didn't like them.

Most of my computer and internet usage is after hours when I'm home, and again, at this point, is sufficient for my use.

IMHO, just like choosing a shell for a conversion, you really need to think about what you want to DO with your cell phone, and then make a decision/purchase based on use, not gadgetry.

FWIW & HTH. . .

[tekebird]

raz V3 here.....

best phone I have had (out of 6) may get a blackberry pearl...I like my buddies alot...ti does a bunch of cool stuff.....only drawback are the tiny buttons for my gigantic fingers

[jjrbus]

I lhave a samsung N400, you will have to go to an antique store to buy one. I used it with a data cable for internet but have changed to an aircard. There is also an external camera available for it (back to the antique store). Text messaging is a talent, my wife can walk, hold a conversation and text at the same time!!!!
The reason I hate to part with this phone is it has a port for an external antenna, not available on many new phones.
                   HTH Jim

[BusMom]

I have a Blackberry Pearl and have really enjoyed it.  We got texting (almost mandatory with a 14 year old daughter) and haven't had any problems with it.  Our service is through AT & T and runs us about $120.00 a month for a family plan with 4 phones and unlimited texting.  Depending on your use that might be a good idea.  In the first two weeks we had texting our daughter had 10,000 texts.  (I wonder if she ever slept during that time? )  Hope that helps.