I Don't Want Much in a Cell Phone - WHY IS IT SO D*** HARD?!

[shawnc]

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.

[Jacob]

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.

[Janak Parekh]

The SGH-i500 (http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?id=299) and the SCH-i600 (http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?id=186) 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

[PetiteFlower]

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!

[Dave Beauvais]

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

[PetiteFlower]

Dave, how about this one (http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/PhonesAccessories/PhoneDetails.jsp;jsessionid=1f0A2fJwYL3saNXC61tF0CmBzlkA2Ju12C5J1FQZzxpHQ14cfvSO!-204024911!182751442!7005!7002?selectSkuId=samsunga460&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2421&CURRENT_USER%3C%3EATR_SCID=ECOMM&CURRENT_USER%3C%3EATR_PCode=None&CURRENT_USER%3C%3EATR_cartState=group&bmUID=1063236800434)

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!

[Dave Beauvais]

Dave, how about this one (http://www1.sprintpcs.com/explore/PhonesAccessories/PhoneDetails.jsp;jsessionid=1f0A2fJwYL3saNXC61tF0CmBzlkA2Ju12C5J1FQZzxpHQ14cfvSO!-204024911!182751442!7005!7002?selectSkuId=samsunga460&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2421&CURRENT_USER%3C%3EATR_SCID=ECOMM&CURRENT_USER%3C%3EATR_PCode=None&CURRENT_USER%3C%3EATR_cartState=group&bmUID=1063236800434)
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.

... 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

[Janak Parekh]

Color = Less battery life. Period.
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

[Steven Cedrone]

I just went to Verizon Wireless two weeks ago and bought another Motorola V.120C (http://reviews.cnet.com/Motorola_V120c/4505-6454_7-20646625.html?tag=pdtl-list)(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

[maximus]

Ah ... mitac mio 8380.

http://65.115.69.88/mio/products_mio8380.asp

[hollis_f]

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. Forget the camera (stick one in your Axim) and look for the Ericsson T39. You'll probably have to but second hand as they replaced it with the T68 - but it's small, light, and it's got BT, GPRS etc.

[shawnc]

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!

It's probably going to seem insignificant to many, but a flip phone would be slightly more compact, thus making it a little better to use while on a jog. This size and shape of the Axim (or any PPC) doesn't make it practical to use while running.

The SGH-i500 (http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?id=299) and the SCH-i600 (http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?id=186) 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

The SGH-i500 is EXACTLY what I had in mind. I will keep an eye out for it. Wonder how long before I have to wait.

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

I hear ya Dave. Though I would disagree on a couple of points. I too resisted the color screen, but now that I have one, I could NEVER go back. I had an after-market antenna for my star-tac that I paid about $10 for on ebay. It was one of those stubs that didn't extend. It worked flawlessly without any reduction in coverage. Lastly, as great as the star tac looks, navigating through the menus was the worst. Also, I can't believe it doesn't have voice-activiated dailing. But for simplicity and looks, I think it's a great phone.

Ah ... mitac mio 8380.

http://65.115.69.88/mio/products_mio8380.asp

Maximus, this one looks like a winner as well. I'll keep an eye out for when it's released.

Forget the camera (stick one in your Axim) and look for the Ericsson T39. You'll probably have to but second hand as they replaced it with the T68 - but it's small, light, and it's got BT, GPRS etc.

Hollis, I agree about the camera. I could do without it, but the manufactures seem to think EVERYONE wants one.


Thanx to all for the posts.

[hollis_f]

Hollis, I agree about the camera. I could do without it, but the manufactures seem to think EVERYONE wants one.
They could find that there's a pretty big market for cameraless phones. My workplace recently announced that they're going to ban phones with inbuilt cameras, much to the annoyance of many people. So they'll all be looking for replacements. (What's really strange is that cameras themselves aren't banned :?: ).

[maximus]

Shawnc,

Another option for you ..... here (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=32367&sid=c7ba832b23f1a0c841e4e86d4c77cc1e)

No camera.[/url]

[shawnc]

Shawnc,

Another option for you ..... here (http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=32367&sid=c7ba832b23f1a0c841e4e86d4c77cc1e)

No camera.[/url]

Nice catch Maximus. This is perfect. It looks as though there will be a few options for me by the end of the year (right around xmas time :D ). Maybe I was just slightly ahead of my time.....

[Janak Parekh]

Right - that's why I was referring to the i600, which will be a CDMA-equivalent. The Smartphones certainly sound like a choice for you. :D

--janak

[Prevost]

What I see in this current tendency of Cell phone manufacturers is just the desire to take away PDA market.