09-10-2003, 07:04 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,056
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I Don't Want Much in a Cell Phone - WHY IS IT SO D*** HARD?!
I'm going to vent and see if anyone feels the same way. I can't help wondering why cell-phone makers can't figure out what many user would like to see in a cell-phone (personally I still think the style of the star-tac has yet to be matched. But I digress).
All I want in a cell phone is v-e-r-y limited (i.e. basic) PIM capabilities, lightweight flip design (I know many people hate the flip, but many love it as well), the ability to connect wirelessly (since I am a Sprint customer, all phones come with this basic functionality), and an SD slot for MP3 playback. Camera's seem to be all the rage, but I have no interest in one built into my phone. I don't need or want my phone to act as my PDA because size is important to me. Besides, that's what my Axim is for and I don't mind carrying two devices.
I saw the initial pictures of the Samung i500 and began to drool. Then it comes out and no SD. WTF! Then I heard the Treo 600 was going to be much smaller than the 300 (I used to own the 300 and it is a great device). It has SD, but no flip and still is to large for my taste (as are all the PPC phone devices).
I guess the purpose of this post is two-fold. One, just needed to vent. Two, does anyone know of any phones that sound like what I described. My contract with Sprint expires in November (just in time for telephone number portability). I would be willing to consider switching carriers for the right phone.
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Shawn - HP 4150, Sandisk 1G SD Card, Dell Latitude X1
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09-10-2003, 07:08 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,183
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I know they have cables that allow you to use the Motorola V60 as a modem for a PDA or laptop. It can access WAP sites - although it doesn't have a color screen or anything.
It has a basic calendar.
With respect to SD slot - it doesn't have that, but you can buy a MP3 player for it that does.
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09-10-2003, 07:32 PM
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Contributing Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 14,942
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The SGH-i500 and the SCH-i600 are the two to look at, very closely. Rumor has it that Verizon is just about ready to release the i600 smartphone. The SGH-i500 looks very cool, but I don't have any news on when it will be available.
--janak |
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09-10-2003, 07:42 PM
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Magi
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,137
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Well, the only Sprint phone that you can use to connect your Axim to the internet is the LG 5350. Which I have....battery life could be better, but other then that it's a nice little phone. I don't know if it's still available from Sprint though, might have to go to Ebay for it.
Why would you want an SD slot on your phone? Can't you just use your Axim for Mp3s? That's what I do, the battery can take it a lot better too!
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09-10-2003, 10:03 PM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,220
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What I want in a phone is... a phone. I don't want a camera, MP3 player, calendar, moving screen savers, damn annoying musical ringers, or even a color display. I want a phone I can use to make and receive voice calls. It should have a crisp, easy to read display with a bright backlight, good battery life, and an easy-to-use interface.
I still have my old black StarTAC on Sprint's network, and everytime I go into the store the manager offers me a $100 trade-in on any of their current phones. I don't know if it's because the want the old phone off their network or what. The StarTAC has a flaky antenna and "reboots" itself randomly about once a day when I open the flip, so the time is coming when I'll have to replace it. The problem is I don't want any of their current phones even with a $100 discount. My biggest problem is that if I get a Vision-enabled phone they claim they "are required" to switch me to a Vision plan, as well. I like my current plan and am afraid they'll screw me somehow if I switch plans.
Is just an ordinary mobile phone too much to ask for? I wouldn't think so.
--Dave
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Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary.
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09-11-2003, 12:42 AM
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Magi
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,137
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Dave, how about this one
It's the only non-vision phone I saw on there, sounds like what you want. Though just because you have a Vision capable phone doesn't mean you have to get a vision plan; you can get voice only for $15 less on all the plans under $100(over $100 they are the same price with or without vision; 2000 or 2500 minutes). Order online and avoid salespeople hassle. But you shouldn't be required to switch plans just because you get a new phone. Don't be afraid of the new  Color screens are cool! |
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09-11-2003, 01:12 AM
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Pontificator
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,220
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by PetiteFlower
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Yeah, I saw that one online, too, but none of the local Sprint PCS stores carry it anymore. Everything in the stores is color with cameras and other fluff. The $100 credit is an in-store thing offered by the manager, and can't be done online. Also, the manager said that if the phone is Vision-enabled, they are required to change the service plan to a Vision plan. I think that's a load of BS to force people to try their new services, personally.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by PetiteFlower
... Don't be afraid of the new Color screens are cool! |
Well, I have two reasons for shying away from the color screens. It's not fear of new stuff -- I wouldn't be here if I were in the habit of fleeing new technology! :lol: - Color = Less battery life. Period.
- Most of the good phones with color displays cost quite a bit more than $100. Since I'm unemployed and only doing part-time contract work when I can get it, as long as my current phone works, I just can't justify spending money on unnecessary stuff like a fancy new phone.
Thanks for taking the time to research the phone, though; I appreciate it!
-- Dave
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Parenthetical remarks (however relevant) are (usually) unnecessary.
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09-11-2003, 01:30 AM
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Contributing Editor
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 14,942
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Quote:
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Originally Posted by Dave Beauvais
Color = Less battery life. Period.
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Not entirely period.  First off, B&W phones are going away. This means the only B&W phone you'll be able to keep is your current one. Its battery is going to deteriorate. Second, battery technology has improved.
FWIW, I got my dad a Sanyo 4900 about 6 months ago. It has much better battery life than his old StarTAC 7867W did, even back in its early days. Plus, the non-flex antenna doesn't break nearly as easily.
And last: they are not required to switch you to a Vision plan, AFAICT. My dad uses his 4900 on a non-Vision plan right now. If you go online and choose a non-Vision plan, you still see all the phones. The salesmen are just trying to rope you into something new.
--janak |
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09-11-2003, 03:10 AM
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Moderator
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,999
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I just went to Verizon Wireless two weeks ago and bought another Motorola V.120C (about as basic a phone you can get)... Cost me $50.00 (And I keep my existing plan which is now month to month...)
Steve
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"My eyes are rolling back in my head so far I can see my grey matter bubbling and frothing from reading this thread....bleh." JD
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09-11-2003, 04:45 AM
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Magi
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,047
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