Idiot's Guide To Cell Phones

[darklinensuit]

I think I'm finally going to join modern civ & get a cell, possibly as soon as tomorrow. My 3-D friends are bombarding me with advice until my head explodes. I'm counting on you folks to break it all down for this idiot as simply & clearly as possible.
I'm not a phone person, but I will be depending on the cell since I don't give out my home phone # except to close friends, they're pissed they have difficulty reaching me on it, and during the school year I don't want my classroom phone ringing with social calls, so I do need a good # of minutes on any plan I look at. I do know I want a phone that takes pics. Just 'cause. :) And free long distance seems like a given.

I'm leaning towards Verizon right now.
A friend wants to split a Cingular plan with me, but I haven't heard good thing about Cingular down here, & I don't want to be tied to a plan with a friend anyway, unless somebody can give me a very persuasive reason.
Also, I'd prefer not to deal with anything related to MCI (please don't tell me Verizon is) since I despise that company.

How many Stevie/Mac songs are available to be ringtones? :cool:

As you can see, I'm very green. Advise away. Don't leave me at the mercy of sales reps when I go in. :rolleyes:

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

I don't know about anything else, but as far as ringtones go, as far as I know, you can only get some Christine songs in ringtone form (ALAYF, Don't Stop, Love In Store, etc). However, I've noticed that what's listed as 'Songbird' is usually GDW.

Glad we're starting with the most important thing. ;)
Any Stevie or Lindsey songs?

- Jake

[skcin]

I have Cingular. No problems at all.

I've only seen Chris tunes for ringtones & I never get it right when I try to DL them, so I gave up.

[darklinensuit]

I have Cingular. No problems at all.

I've only seen Chris tunes for ringtones & I never get it right when I try to DL them, so I gave up.

Thanks. I'm told a lot of it comes down to where you live/will be using the phone.

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

Holy ****, Jake. Hell hath frozen over. First a DVD player and now a cell phone?!? What next, cable!?! ;) I have Cingular Wireless (formerly AT&T). I locked into a two year plan so I could get a cheaper rate. I pay just about $50 a month. I have free long distance but I do roam. The plan I have takes me from NYC down to DC without roaming (which is quite a spread). I have 2000 anytime minutes and free nights an weekends. Of course, i'm sure there are even better plans now and I plan on switching come December when my two years are up. Right now, I have a Motorola It does the bare essentials -- no fancy colored screens (which IMO, waste your battery), just a nice flip phone which can either ring, vibrate, ring and vibrate at the same time, or stay on silent mode. It stays charged for days, which I love. Generally, when you buy a plan of any kind, your phone is pretty much nearly free with rebates so cost of the phone won't be an issue -- make sure you check into plans and remember, the more years you buy into a contract, the less you'll pay per month.

[GypsySorcerer]

I have Cingular and have had no trouble. :wavey:

[BTFLCHLD]

i have verizon... careful on the split w/a friend...sometimes that can turn bad if you both arent clear on what that means...good luck :thumbsup:

[diamondsnake]

I was shocked when I read this. I didn't know that there was someone left on this planet that didn't have a cell phone.

My advice is... don't get one! They are annoying. I don't even asnwer mine anymore because I am sick of people calling me at all hours. I guess better advice is to be selective with who you give your cell phone number to.

[diamondsnake]

Hee. I just turn my ringer volume down a bunch. Or toss it under my pillow. I can only listen to a polyphonic Personal Jesus so much, people.

But I do regret giving my number to a few people. Namely the one who calls me ALL THE TIME. Thank God for voicemail.

:nod: :nod: :nod:
I hate phones. I only have a cell phone in case of emergency. But some people call to tell me what they had for breakfast that day and I just want to scream! There is this one girl that talks so much I can set the phone down, go to the kitchen and make a drink and when I get back she is still talking!

[GardenStateGirlie]

But I do regret giving my number to a few people. Namely the one who calls me ALL THE TIME. Thank God for voicemail.

EMO TEARS :_( I'm telling you -- block that kid.

[StevieNicksEO17]

I have Verizon and I haven't had any problems.

The only Mac tones that I have are Little Lies, Don't Stop and You Make Loving Fun.

[darklinensuit]

Holy ****, Jake. Hell hath frozen over. First a DVD player and now a cell phone?!? What next, cable!?! ;) I have Cingular Wireless (formerly AT&T). I locked into a two year plan so I could get a cheaper rate. I pay just about $50 a month. I have free long distance but I do roam. The plan I have takes me from NYC down to DC without roaming (which is quite a spread). I have 2000 anytime minutes and free nights an weekends. Of course, i'm sure there are even better plans now and I plan on switching come December when my two years are up. Right now, I have a Motorola It does the bare essentials -- no fancy colored screens (which IMO, waste your battery), just a nice flip phone which can either ring, vibrate, ring and vibrate at the same time, or stay on silent mode. It stays charged for days, which I love. Generally, when you buy a plan of any kind, your phone is pretty much nearly free with rebates so cost of the phone won't be an issue -- make sure you check into plans and remember, the more years you buy into a contract, the less you'll pay per month.

In all seriousness, how long do they go without being recharged before the battery runs out?

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

I have Cingular and have had no trouble. :wavey:

Hmmm. Maybe I'll give them another look after all.

- Jake

[DrummerDeanna]

The key to cell phones is not to be a cell-phone ass.

Anyway - I LOVE Verizon, I've had other companies - they sucked - I've been happiest with Verizon.

I don't have a flashy, fancy camera phone or anything - just a simple flip phone.

There are a fair number of Fleetwood Mac Ringtones - but I don't think they're that great.

My ringtone is the X-Files Theme :D

[darklinensuit]

i have verizon... careful on the split w/a friend...sometimes that can turn bad if you both arent clear on what that means...good luck :thumbsup:

I know, I don't even like to share dessert. Mr. Commitment-phobic here, reporting in. :wavey:

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

In all seriousness, how long do they go without being recharged before the battery runs out?

- Jake

I use mine non-stop. For me, a few days though I charge it every night before I go to sleep (and it doesn't take long to charge). Like I said, I don't have a camera phone and it doesn't have a color screen or anything. I'd imagine the more technical the phone, the shorter the battery time on it is. It honestly depends on how much you use it and what type of phone you have. Give me a sec, i'll take a picture of mine.

[darklinensuit]

I was shocked when I read this. I didn't know that there was someone left on this planet that didn't have a cell phone.

My advice is... don't get one! They are annoying. I don't even asnwer mine anymore because I am sick of people calling me at all hours. I guess better advice is to be selective with who you give your cell phone number to.

I know, I don't think I have a single student without one, let alone folks my age.

I plan to turn the ringer off as needed! Light sleeper here.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

:nod: :nod: :nod:
I hate phones. I only have a cell phone in case of emergency. But some people call to tell me what they had for breakfast that day and I just want to scream! There is this one girl that talks so much I can set the phone down, go to the kitchen and make a drink and when I get back she is still talking!

My mother's best friend is like that, and LOUD. We could put the phone down in the living room & still make out what the words were while we were in the kitchen. :rolleyes:
I can't even imagine what her calling plan is like.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

I have Verizon and I haven't had any problems.

The only Mac tones that I have are Little Lies, Don't Stop and You Make Loving Fun.

Nothing against Chris, but have the ring people never heard of the other members? :shrug:

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

The key to cell phones is not to be a cell-phone ass.

Anyway - I LOVE Verizon, I've had other companies - they sucked - I've been happiest with Verizon.

I don't have a flashy, fancy camera phone or anything - just a simple flip phone.

There are a fair number of Fleetwood Mac Ringtones - but I don't think they're that great.

My ringtone is the X-Files Theme :D

Like I said, I've heard good things about the comany here & in the Northeast. And I remember Dateline rated them at the very top last year, for what that's worth.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

I use mine non-stop. For me, a few days though I charge it every night before I go to sleep (and it doesn't take long to charge). Like I said, I don't have a camera phone and it doesn't have a color screen or anything. I'd imagine the more technical the phone, the shorter the battery time on it is. It honestly depends on how much you use it and what type of phone you have. Give me a sec, i'll take a picture of mine.

I can't make out the pics, remember?

How many hours do you get each month? I'm sitting here trying to do the math to figure out the right plan, but to be honest, I'm not sure how many will be enough. I don't talk on the phone much these days, but I think that would change if people could reach me more frequently.

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

I know, I don't think I have a single student without one, let alone folks my age.

I plan to turn the ringer off as needed! Light sleeper here.

- Jake

My parents don't have them. My mother sort of wants one but my dad thinks that along with computers and the internet, they were the worse things to have ever been invented.

You sleep? ;)

Anyway, here is my phone...simple, plain, easy.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/meadowsoprano/DSC00859.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v238/meadowsoprano/DSC00860.jpg

[darklinensuit]

Dude, if I knew how to? I totally would. Every time I see his name on my screen I go "D:. *IMS MARISSA* *KILLS SELF* *WAITS FOR VOICEMAIL*" Ringtones get REALLY annoying when you're waiting for it to go to voicemail. So if you're going to get a ringtone, get one you reeeeally like.

As for batteries, I have a Sony Ericsson T226. It was free with rebates or something so Mom bought it for my 16th birthday. The battery can last up to, like, a week I think. In my experience, the battery dies pretty fast if you're on the phone for a long time (such as with Partylines, which are a whole other story).

I know nothing about different phone brands. Just the pretty colors and nice screens. :)

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

Dude, if I knew how to? I totally would. Every time I see his name on my screen I go "D:. *IMS MARISSA* *KILLS SELF* *WAITS FOR VOICEMAIL*" Ringtones get REALLY annoying when you're waiting for it to go to voicemail. So if you're going to get a ringtone, get one you reeeeally like.

As for batteries, I have a Sony Ericsson T226. It was free with rebates or something so Mom bought it for my 16th birthday. The battery can last up to, like, a week I think. In my experience, the battery dies pretty fast if you're on the phone for a long time (such as with Partylines, which are a whole other story).


You'd have to contact the cell phone company and put him on a blocked caller list. I don't know how much they charge you for it but it just might be worth it.

Hmmm...there have been no partylines recently. We may have to have one in the future :nod:

[darklinensuit]

...simple, plain, easy.

Yes...I recognize your motto. ;) :lol: :lol:

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

I can't make out the pics, remember?

How many hours do you get each month? I'm sitting here trying to do the math to figure out the right plan, but to be honest, I'm not sure how many will be enough. I don't talk on the phone much these days, but I think that would change if people could reach me more frequently.

- Jake

I'm looking at my bill right now and here is my breakdown....

My monthly service local plan is $39.99 -- what bumps me up to $50 are state and federal tax charges, a regulatory programs fee and something called a universal service fund surcharge. I don't know what half of this crap is but I pay it anyway.

I get free call forwarding, free three way calling, free call waiting, free pcs voicemail, free caller ID, etc. This past month I used 732 unlimited night and weekend minutes, 200 additional minutes, and 205 that were included in my plan. I talk a lot. I do. And I don't go over my minutes. The only time i've ever gone over my minutes was when I was out of state (my phonebill was $300 when I went to Atlanta last year and $90 when I was in Vegas). You can pay extra per month for no roaming fees. If you travel a lot or should you move, it might be your best bet.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Yes...I recognize your motto. ;) :lol: :lol:

- Jake

See if I waste my nights and weekends on you, smartass! :laugh:

[darklinensuit]

I'm looking at my bill right now and here is my breakdown....

My monthly service local plan is $39.99 -- what bumps me up to $50 are state and federal tax charges, a regulatory programs fee and something called a universal service fund surcharge. I don't know what half of this crap is but I pay it anyway.

I get free call forwarding, free three way calling, free call waiting, free pcs voicemail, free caller ID, etc. This past month I used 732 unlimited night and weekend minutes, 200 additional minutes, and 205 that were included in my plan. I talk a lot. I do. And I don't go over my minutes. The only time i've ever gone over my minutes was when I was out of state (my phonebill was $300 when I went to Atlanta last year and $90 when I was in Vegas). You can pay extra per month for no roaming fees. If you travel a lot or should you move, it might be your best bet.

How far is it to be considered roaming?

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

How far is it to be considered roaming?

- Jake

Like I said, it all depends on the plan you buy. For me, I'm not roaming in between (and in) New York City all the way down to Washington, D.C. You could get a plan that includes most of eastern TX i'd assume. Ask them when you go -- the more area covered, the more your plan will cost.

[darklinensuit]

Like I said, it all depends on the plan you buy. For me, I'm not roaming in between (and in) New York City all the way down to Washington, D.C. You could get a plan that includes most of eastern TX i'd assume. Ask them when you go -- the more area covered, the more your plan will cost.

But then if you move, all your local calls are roaming? That would suck. If so, is there a cheaper way around it?

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

But then if you move, all your local calls are roaming? That would suck. If so, is there a cheaper way around it?

- Jake

You can buy a plan where you're free of roaming charges all together. A lot of my friends that are in college and out of state do that. I'm not sure how much extra per month it is but yes, if you moved and didn't buy that free of roaming charges plan, you would be charged for local calls.

[darklinensuit]

You can buy a plan where you're free of roaming charges all together. A lot of my friends that are in college and out of state do that. I'm not sure how much extra per month it is but yes, if you moved and didn't buy that free of roaming charges plan, you would be charged for local calls.

That's helpful. I'll have to remember to ask.

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

That's helpful. I'll have to remember to ask.

- Jake

Cingular Wireless (http://onlinestorez.cingular.com/cell-phone-service/get-started/shopping_options.jsp?returnURL=/cell-phone-service/wireless-phone-plans/cell-phone-plans.jsp&_requestid=57458)

Pop in your zip code and take a look at some of the plans :wavey:

[xxxmx]

i'm going to plug Verizon:

my plan is $50/month after annoying fees and taxes. 400 peak minutes, unlimited nights + weekends, plus free in-calling. really, you should see what your friends have. if all of your friends have the same carrier, just go along with it. someone asked me how i made it on 400 minutes a month, well, the only calls that count are to non-verizon people for me. and that's not so many. the only time i ever went over my minutes was may/june because i managed to get to NYC, vegas, key west, and tennessee within a four week chunk and all of those local calls count for peak minutes.

the only time i've ever seen my service 'roam' was in the backwoods of south carolina, and even then it was for like five minutes. you can talk on 'extended service' all you want for no extra charge, they're just letting you know that you're close to dead zone.

i don't have crap ringtones, i hate them and i would probably only change my mind for some 'rad' digital version of SOTM or Stand Back. it's so aggravating when you're having a lovely day shopping at Target and the idiot next to you is digging through some ginormous duffel bag for their phone as it's shrieking fiddy cent.

anyways, yeah. see what the people you call most have. my incalling minutes are usually way over 3000 (don't do the math, it's embarassing) but they don't count toward my bill.

and i can't help with the phone question, i hate/don't want a camera phone. they're heavy and only come in handy when at a concert IMO. plus, i don't want to have to pay extra for the picture service.

good luck, i myself held out for a cell phone until last year.

[tynan88]

Jeezuz these phones are expensive! Don't you guys have pre-paid?!?! I would assume most people would use pre-paid, as they often have good deals and it is a lot cheaper, and you aren't committed to contract.

Also I don't get the whole roaming thing? You mean that you go on roaming if you leave a certain area? We have roaming when you leave the country! LOL

[GardenStateGirlie]

Jeezuz these phones are expensive! Don't you guys have pre-paid?!?! I would assume most people would use pre-paid, as they often have good deals and it is a lot cheaper, and you aren't committed to contract.

Also I don't get the whole roaming thing? You mean that you go on roaming if you leave a certain area? We have roaming when you leave the country! LOL

It's a money-making scheme. Truly. I've never seen so many ways to nab a person for random fees. Your bill looks like a mess and when you attempt to read it, chances are you will have no idea what some of the fees are. There are a lot of negatives about owning a cell phone but several positives. You can do prepaid but I tend to look at prepaid phones like they're for emergencies only. Many people now have cell phones instead of house lines and use them for their main source of contact so they'll get a great plan, call people all over creation no matter where they are and it really does end up being cheaper than calling from land lines.

Yep, you roam when you leave a certain area. However, my phone often says i'm roaming and i'm sitting in my house. You just have to know where your plan begins and ends so you're not charged.

[tynan88]

Wow, that roaming thing seems like a huuuuge rort to me, and our technology couldn't be that different, and I mean it ain't like we don't travel far in Australia!

But I see with the pre-paid thing though, here it is extremely popular, especially with younger people, because you don't need a contract and often you will say get 500 free minutes to any cell on the same network, everytime you top-up, so it is worth it for many young people especially.

[xxxmx]

like i said, the only place i've ever been on 'roam' was on a dirt road in the back woods of south carolina. other than that, that phone has gone everywhere with no problems and no extra charges. it all depends on your plan/carrier.

and as for prepaid, i've never looked into it because i've never heard of a prepaid phone that you can rack up 4000 minutes a month on without going into debt.

[darklinensuit]

i'm going to plug Verizon:

my plan is $50/month after annoying fees and taxes. 400 peak minutes, unlimited nights + weekends, plus free in-calling. really, you should see what your friends have. if all of your friends have the same carrier, just go along with it. someone asked me how i made it on 400 minutes a month, well, the only calls that count are to non-verizon people for me. and that's not so many. the only time i ever went over my minutes was may/june because i managed to get to NYC, vegas, key west, and tennessee within a four week chunk and all of those local calls count for peak minutes.

the only time i've ever seen my service 'roam' was in the backwoods of south carolina, and even then it was for like five minutes. you can talk on 'extended service' all you want for no extra charge, they're just letting you know that you're close to dead zone.

i don't have crap ringtones, i hate them and i would probably only change my mind for some 'rad' digital version of SOTM or Stand Back. it's so aggravating when you're having a lovely day shopping at Target and the idiot next to you is digging through some ginormous duffel bag for their phone as it's shrieking fiddy cent.

anyways, yeah. see what the people you call most have. my incalling minutes are usually way over 3000 (don't do the math, it's embarassing) but they don't count toward my bill.

and i can't help with the phone question, i hate/don't want a camera phone. they're heavy and only come in handy when at a concert IMO. plus, i don't want to have to pay extra for the picture service.

good luck, i myself held out for a cell phone until last year.

Thanks for the detailed answer. So I know I'm understanding you, would you please explain "extended service" vs. "roaming?"

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

Jeezuz these phones are expensive! Don't you guys have pre-paid?!?! I would assume most people would use pre-paid, as they often have good deals and it is a lot cheaper, and you aren't committed to contract.

Also I don't get the whole roaming thing? You mean that you go on roaming if you leave a certain area? We have roaming when you leave the country! LOL

Yeah, I don't comprehend the two-year contract thing. I won't join a gym with that either. Whoever came up with that idea & made it mainstream sure wins a Suckering The People prize, IMO.
And this roaming thing is already annoying me.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

It's a money-making scheme. Truly. I've never seen so many ways to nab a person for random fees. Your bill looks like a mess and when you attempt to read it, chances are you will have no idea what some of the fees are. There are a lot of negatives about owning a cell phone but several positives. You can do prepaid but I tend to look at prepaid phones like they're for emergencies only. Many people now have cell phones instead of house lines and use them for their main source of contact so they'll get a great plan, call people all over creation no matter where they are and it really does end up being cheaper than calling from land lines.

Yep, you roam when you leave a certain area. However, my phone often says i'm roaming and i'm sitting in my house. You just have to know where your plan begins and ends so you're not charged.

I'm considering giving up the house line. I still use it for internet these days.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

like i said, the only place i've ever been on 'roam' was on a dirt road in the back woods of south carolina. other than that, that phone has gone everywhere with no problems and no extra charges. it all depends on your plan/carrier.

and as for prepaid, i've never looked into it because i've never heard of a prepaid phone that you can rack up 4000 minutes a month on without going into debt.

I hate the phone & phone companies too much to want 4,ooo minutes.

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

I'm considering giving up the house line. I still use it for internet these days.

- Jake

I pay $15 a month for my phone line at home (I have my own and it's hooked up to the internet). My call for dialup is local so that's it -- I only have my cell bill.

[darklinensuit]

I pay $15 a month for my phone line at home (I have my own and it's hooked up to the internet). My call for dialup is local so that's it -- I only have my cell bill.

My bill is much higher, even without long distance factored in, and I got a deal down here. I can't stand Southwestern Bell. I look forward to cancelling their service if I can manage it.

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

My bill is much higher, even without long distance factored in, and I got a deal down here. I can't stand Southwestern Bell. I look forward to cancelling their service if I can manage it.

- Jake

Well, of course the regular house line is waaay higher (my parents line) but I only pay to have a line -- I don't ever use it.

I'll have to explain the roaming charges to you later.

[darklinensuit]

Well, of course the regular house line is waaay higher (my parents line) but I only pay to have a line -- I don't ever use it.

I'll have to explain the roaming charges to you later.

Why later? I might be heading there later today if my back will let me.

- Jake

[macfanken]

Ask friends in your area about their service, most importantly reception and dropped calls. I had Sprint and had dropped calls all the time... even in the middle of the city! It was extremely frustrating! I switched to verizon and haven't had any problems... not one dropped call. A cheap plan is great but if you can't get good reception you're just wasting your money. If you have to pay more for better service, do it.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Why later? I might be heading there later today if my back will let me.

- Jake

Because everytime I try to type something of decent length, I get booted (thanks, work computer) or the phone rings or people annoy me. Give me a few... :D

[darklinensuit]

Ask friends in your area about their service, most importantly reception and dropped calls. I had Sprint and had dropped calls all the time... even in the middle of the city! It was extremely frustrating! I switched to verizon and haven't had any problems... not one dropped call. A cheap plan is great but if you can't get good reception you're just wasting your money. If you have to pay more for better service, do it.

Sprint is very poorly rated, from what I understand. My friends have given the best feedback on Verizon, but a few like Cingular.

I'm all about paying more for better. (No ho jokes, Marissa. :rolleyes: )

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

Because everytime I try to type something of decent length, I get booted (thanks, work computer) or the phone rings or people annoy me. Give me a few... :D

I finally got me new work computer - I sed it yesterday - but I'd trade my home one for your work one.

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

So first of all, did you check out the link to Cingular to see what plans they offer? I'd suggest doing that first because if you decide on Cingular, you should be able to come up with some questions about plans and things from that for them. I noticed that I'm getting screwed. Apparently, I can get a plan for $60 a month that pretty much includes everything I have -- no roaming charges at all. Like I said, just say I call you right now (peak hours) but i'm in -- oh, I don't know -- North Carolina. Not only am I using my peak minutes but i'm also roaming because it's out of the area that my plan covers (for example, my plan covers me travelling anywhere in NYC down to DC). As soon as I go out of that, i'm hit with long distance charges -- let's just say they're 10 cents per minute). They'll also hit you with an air time fee for going out of your area. Your bill will be high because of that. However, if you bought into a plan that included no roaming charges, you could be ANYWHERE in the US and make a phone call and not be charged (unless you've gone over your peak hours minutes that month -- then you'd be charged peak minutes and not roaming) Peak hours are from early morning (I want to say 5 or 6) and end at 9 at night, at which time, nights take over (which most cell carriers offer for free). Hope this helps a bit -- if not, well, we'll try again ;)

[GardenStateGirlie]

I finally got me new work computer - I sed it yesterday - but I'd trade my home one for your work one.

- Jake

No, this thing is a pos. You'd think since both salons, both spas and the schools run off of a computer system, they'd spring for new computers. Nope.

[darklinensuit]

So first of all, did you check out the link to Cingular to see what plans they offer? I'd suggest doing that first because if you decide on Cingular, you should be able to come up with some questions about plans and things from that for them. I noticed that I'm getting screwed. Apparently, I can get a plan for $60 a month that pretty much includes everything I have -- no roaming charges at all. Like I said, just say I call you right now (peak hours) but i'm in -- oh, I don't know -- North Carolina. Not only am I using my peak minutes but i'm also roaming because it's out of the area that my plan covers (for example, my plan covers me travelling anywhere in NYC down to DC). As soon as I go out of that, i'm hit with long distance charges -- let's just say they're 10 cents per minute). They'll also hit you with an air time fee for going out of your area. Your bill will be high because of that. However, if you bought into a plan that included no roaming charges, you could be ANYWHERE in the US and make a phone call and not be charged (unless you've gone over your peak hours minutes that month -- then you'd be charged peak minutes and not roaming) Peak hours are from early morning (I want to say 5 or 6) and end at 9 at night, at which time, nights take over (which most cell carriers offer for free). Hope this helps a bit -- if not, well, we'll try again ;)

If I understand you, if I get free roaming, that automatically implies free long distance?
Also, don't laugh, but is there a sign-up or initiation fee?

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

I'm all about paying more for better. (No ho jokes, Marissa. :rolleyes: )


He likes the classy ho's :p

[DrummerDeanna]

Do they even HAVE roaming anymore??

I have Verizon's America Choice plan or something - and pretty much the only time I'm roaming is in weird middle of nowhere places in Ohio and such - I''ve been to California, Washington DC, NYC, and now Rochester - nery a roaming fee. My phone works everywhere.

I've kept my New MExico cell phone number because it's not long distance for my mom and family to call me :D

I have been so happy with Verizon :D

[GardenStateGirlie]

If I understand you, if I get free roaming, that automatically implies free long distance?
Also, don't laugh, but is there a sign-up or initiation fee?

- Jake

That's correct. I'm not laughing (well, about that anyway ;) ), there isn't a sign-up fee. However, you HAVE to buy into a contract (and that's where they get you). Like I said, if you buy for two years, it's cheaper. Generally, if you want to get out of your contract, before that two years is up, you have to buy out of it (I think the fee is $90 or so). You can buy a one year contract but your monthly bill will be higher. Not really an initiation fee persay, but a way for them to get you.

[darklinensuit]

That's correct. I'm not laughing (well, about that anyway ;) ), there isn't a sign-up fee. However, you HAVE to buy into a contract (and that's where they get you). Like I said, if you buy for two years, it's cheaper. Generally, if you want to get out of your contract, before that two years is up, you have to buy out of it (I think the fee is $90 or so). You can buy a one year contract but your monthly bill will be higher. Not really an initiation fee persay, but a way for them to get you.

$90 isn't as bad as what I'd imagined.
So again, no roaming means no long distance, right?


- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

$90 isn't as bad as what I'd imagined.
So again, no roaming means no long distance, right?


- Jake

If you have no roaming charges, naturally, you wouldn't have long distance charges. Double check but that's what it should mean. Even I (with my roaming), have free long distance.

[darklinensuit]

Do they even HAVE roaming anymore??

I have Verizon's America Choice plan or something - and pretty much the only time I'm roaming is in weird middle of nowhere places in Ohio and such - I''ve been to California, Washington DC, NYC, and now Rochester - nery a roaming fee. My phone works everywhere.

I've kept my New MExico cell phone number because it's not long distance for my mom and family to call me :D

I have been so happy with Verizon :D

Plus you got two for one when you got one for Clancy, right? :cool:
How much is it to switch the # if you move?

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

If you have no roaming charges, naturally, you wouldn't have long distance charges. Double check but that's what it should mean. Even I (with my roaming), have free long distance.

This is all a help, but I still feel like I'm walking uinto a used car lot. Do they make a blue book for cell phones and plans? :o

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

How much is it to switch the # if you move?

- Jake

A law was passed that if you switch cell phone carriers, you can take your number with you. If you don't roam on your phone and have free long distance, who cares if you still have the same number or not? You could potentially keep that number for life. The only people that will be charged will be those calling from a landline.

[GardenStateGirlie]

This is all a help, but I still feel like I'm walking uinto a used car lot. Do they make a blue book for cell phones and plans? :o

- Jake

I promise you'll be fine. If not, feel free to ask more questions and i'll try to better explain.

[darklinensuit]

A law was passed that if you switch cell phone carriers, you can take your number with you. If you don't roam on your phone and have free long distance, who cares if you still have the same number or not? You could potentially keep that number for life. The only people that will be charged will be those calling from a landline.

My duh, I guess I was still thinking in terms of area codes. :rolleyes: I remember that law now.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

I promise you'll be fine. If not, feel free to ask more questions and i'll try to better explain.

Yeah, maybe when I get there you guys can talk me through it if I call you on my --- er, wait, never mind. ;)

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

My duh, I guess I was still thinking in terms of area codes. :rolleyes: I remember that law now.

- Jake

Ever since all of the area code splits in each state, everything is messed up. That's another thing -- they'll offer you an area code (at least they did for me 4 years ago). I chose 856 (which is the same as my home). It doesn't really make much of a difference except for those landline people.

[GardenStateGirlie]

Yeah, maybe when I get there you guys can talk me through it if I call you on my --- er, wait, never mind. ;)

- Jake

It'd be mobile to mobile so it wouldn't take from your minutes (yay cingular!) :blob2: You can call me from the new phone while still in the store, put the guy on the phone that sold you the phone and plan and i'll grill him to find out whether or not he's screwed you :laugh:

[darklinensuit]

Ever since all of the area code splits in each state, everything is messed up. That's another thing -- they'll offer you an area code (at least they did for me 4 years ago). I chose 856 (which is the same as my home). It doesn't really make much of a difference except for those landline people.

Careful, I'm still one of those landline people. :mad:

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

Careful, I'm still one of those landline people. :mad:

- Jake

Annnd how often do you call yourself? :p

[darklinensuit]

It'd be mobile to mobile so it wouldn't take from your minutes (yay cingular!) :blob2: You can call me from the new phone while still in the store, put the guy on the phone that sold you the phone and plan and i'll grill him to find out whether or not he's screwed you :laugh:

Are you sure you're not an old Cherry Hill lady? :thumbsup:

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

Are you sure you're not an old Cherry Hill lady? :thumbsup:

- Jake

:looks down at self:

Newp. But I play one on TV! :laugh:

[darklinensuit]

I went to Verizon & Cingular this afternoon. Prices are the same, minutes are the same. But Verizon will throw in a pic phone (involves a rebate. WTF is the point of a rebate. Just gimme the damned thing) and Cingular has rollover minutes. The rollover minutes are more tempting, being that I'm new to all this & am estimating how many I'll need. Still, the prices were higher than I anticipated. Everybody I know has gotten some kind of a great deal, it seems.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

:looks down at self:

Newp. But I play one on TV! :laugh:

Strong argument for not having cable, thank you. ;) :wavey:

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

I went to Verizon & Cingular this afternoon. Prices are the same, minutes are the same. But Verizon will throw in a pic phone (involves a rebate. WTF is the point of a rebate. Just gimme the damned thing) and Cingular has rollover minutes. The rollover minutes are more tempting, being that I'm new to all this & am estimating how many I'll need. Still, the prices were higher than I anticipated. Everybody I know has gotten some kind of a great deal, it seems.

- Jake

Keep researching. There are internet specials as well -- sometimes you'll end up with a free phone (and most ARE camera phones nowadays). Bon chance, mon ami!

[GardenStateGirlie]

Strong argument for not having cable, thank you. ;) :wavey:

- Jake

Why I oughta... :p

[darklinensuit]

Keep researching. There are internet specials as well -- sometimes you'll end up with a free phone (and most ARE camera phones nowadays). Bon chance, mon ami!

Find me a special. I'm getting the damned thing tomorrow or not for awhile, it seems.
Thanks in advance. ;)

- Jake

[sara1998]

I'm with Sprint, and I love it. My mom and I share an account. Our bill runs around $115 a month. We split the bill. We have free nights starting at 7pm, free weekends, free Sprint-to-Sprint calling, free roaming, free long distance, 700 shared minutes a month, and just $5 extra for every 100 minutes we go over. I have an internet package on mine. I can text (but I don't often) unlimited, and take and send pictures unlimited. I can't complain. And my service is excellent. However, I paid around $200 for my new phone when my first sprint phone took a ****. But, I bought a real nice one this time.

[xxxmx]

Thanks for the detailed answer. So I know I'm understanding you, would you please explain "extended service" vs. "roaming?"

i don't know the technical difference, but in my experience my phone shows 'extended network' when it's really trying to get service. these times would be when i'm doing laundry in the middle of my concrete and steel apartment building, kayaking in the middle of tampa bay, and sitting in a mud field in tennessee.

actual 'roaming' - i believe - is when your carrier has to utilize a different carrier's system? i may be waaaay off on that. the point it, i have taken my phone everywhere and only 'roamed' once. and even then i could talk, i just would have been charged some ridiculous fee for using the roam service.

[darklinensuit]

I'm with Sprint, and I love it. My mom and I share an account. Our bill runs around $115 a month. We split the bill. We have free nights starting at 7pm, free weekends, free Sprint-to-Sprint calling, free roaming, free long distance, 700 shared minutes a month, and just $5 extra for every 100 minutes we go over. I have an internet package on mine. I can text (but I don't often) unlimited, and take and send pictures unlimited. I can't complain. And my service is excellent. However, I paid around $200 for my new phone when my first sprint phone took a ****. But, I bought a real nice one this time.

I know, I'm hoping I decide on Verizon if for no other reason than that today the Cingular store had better displays. I couldn't take my eyes off the $400 one with all the cool buttons. Believe me, they see me coming. :)

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

i don't know the technical difference, but in my experience my phone shows 'extended network' when it's really trying to get service. these times would be when i'm doing laundry in the middle of my concrete and steel apartment building, kayaking in the middle of tampa bay, and sitting in a mud field in tennessee.

actual 'roaming' - i believe - is when your carrier has to utilize a different carrier's system? i may be waaaay off on that. the point it, i have taken my phone everywhere and only 'roamed' once. and even then i could talk, i just would have been charged some ridiculous fee for using the roam service.

The roaming thing didn't appear to be an issue when I looked around today, but I'd love to see the pics of & hear the reasons why you're sitting in a mud field. :nod:

- Jake

[Livia]

Another plug for Cingular: They will give you a free phone upgrade every couple of years if you stick w/ them...I have a Motorola camera phone w/ a zoom (no flash). It has all kinds of bells and whistles I haven't figured out yet...you may get a better deal on the phone itself if you go online - seems they have better offers than the actual stores...

As for my plan - I pay $50/month for tons of minutes, free nights/weekends, free long distance. I thought I'd have to pay roaming charges, but so far, everywhere I've used it has had Cingular service available. Cingular is the only carrier that lets you rollover your unused minutes. But I don't use it much anyway and never go over my minutes- usually frequent, short calls...I don't have a headset and the phone is so skinny that I can't hold it w/ my shoulder. However, it does have a speakerphone.

All the FM and Stevie ringtones I've heard are cheesy....so I've got Brick House, the real song, not that beepy-beep crap.

Good luck!

[darklinensuit]

Thanks for the help, folks. I went with Verizon tonight. I have a new model from Motorola that includes short video. I am learning how to use the different parts as I type this. Luddite no longer. Hello, 21st Century. (Be good to me.)

- Jake

[estranged4life]

Another plug for Cingular: They will give you a free phone upgrade every couple of years if you stick w/ them...I have a Motorola camera phone w/ a zoom (no flash). It has all kinds of bells and whistles I haven't figured out yet...you may get a better deal on the phone itself if you go online - seems they have better offers than the actual stores...

As for my plan - I pay $50/month for tons of minutes, free nights/weekends, free long distance. I thought I'd have to pay roaming charges, but so far, everywhere I've used it has had Cingular service available. Cingular is the only carrier that lets you rollover your unused minutes. But I don't use it much anyway and never go over my minutes- usually frequent, short calls...I don't have a headset and the phone is so skinny that I can't hold it w/ my shoulder. However, it does have a speakerphone.


Dobson Cellular as my carrier, And they also upgrade your phone free every 2 years...I like my Nokia phone mainly cause ya can upload all kinds of **** to it & of course I am addicted to playing the color java games.

I enjoy 'em, We have unlimited minutes on both Deb & my phones...And roaming/long distance is basically non-existant on our service, Not bad for about $80 a month (I am on the phone with older sis Lesa/older brother Geary daily...Will be even more hectic now that we have started what will be the beginning of a major medical malpractice/negligence lawsuit filed in the name of my Mother after the way MRMC Fubar'd her.)

[darklinensuit]

All the FM and Stevie ringtones I've heard are cheesy....so I've got Brick House, the real song, not that beepy-beep crap.

Good luck!

I'm thinking of Zevon's Mr. Bad Example if I can find it & I don't like any Stevie/Mac ones. :angel:
The fun begins.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

Dobson Cellular as my carrier, And they also upgrade your phone free every 2 years...I like my Nokia phone mainly cause ya can upload all kinds of **** to it & of course I am addicted to playing the color java games.

I enjoy 'em, We have unlimited minutes on both Deb & my phones...And roaming/long distance is basically non-existant on our service, Not bad for about $80 a month (I am on the phone with older sis Lesa/older brother Geary daily...Will be even more hectic now that we have started what will be the beginning of a major medical malpractice/negligence lawsuit filed in the name of my Mother after the way MRMC Fubar'd her.)

I don't believe I've heard of Dobson. I'd already made the purchase when I saw your post, but I appreciate your effort.
I haven't let myself explore the games on the phone yet, but the camera is addictive.

Good luck on the malpractice thing. My mom & her sisters & father won their suit twenty years ago after my grandmother died. I know it can be a lot of work, though my mother basically stayed out of it.

- Jake

[xxxmx]

way to go, verizon-boy... i love my V, i'm on my phone right now and have been for one hour twenty four minutes fifteen seconds.

wow, just think: we can exchange numbers and call each other all the time and every time i think about something even kind of cool i can call you and tell you and it'll never cost a cent and when stevie comes on the radio i can call and when you see a stevie bumper sticker you can call and we can be friends...

well, no. but that's actually paraphrasing a conversation between me and some random chiquita at a buffett concert (insert jimmy's name where stevie's is). i didn't give her my number.

[Dreammms]

i have verizon. seems to have the best serivce around. i have little lies and brown eyed girl has my ringtones.

[darklinensuit]

way to go, verizon-boy... i love my V, i'm on my phone right now and have been for one hour twenty four minutes fifteen seconds.

wow, just think: we can exchange numbers and call each other all the time and every time i think about something even kind of cool i can call you and tell you and it'll never cost a cent and when stevie comes on the radio i can call and when you see a stevie bumper sticker you can call and we can be friends...

well, no. but that's actually paraphrasing a conversation between me and some random chiquita at a buffett concert (insert jimmy's name where stevie's is). i didn't give her my number.

Guess I'll have to private message those bumper sticker sightings. :wavey:

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

i have verizon. seems to have the best serivce around. i have little lies and brown eyed girl has my ringtones.

That's what I've heard, though I've received mixed reports on the customer service.
I haven't explored ringtones yet ---much too busy with pressing matters. On a completely unrelated note, I think I've taken pics of my tired old face from every unflattering angle. ;)

- Jake

[Dreammms]

That's what I've heard, though I've received mixed reports on the customer service.- Jake


customer service is okay. one time my phone bill was 700 dollars for ONE month and i called them up and complained and they cut it down to 100 dollars because i threatened to cancel. i usually don't go over that much in one month. that month however my friend matt was in a motorcycle accident that left him from the waist down paralyzed. so friends and family kept calling each other about his progress. sorry to get off topic lol

I haven't explored ringtones yet ---much too busy with pressing matters. On a completely unrelated note, I think I've taken pics of my tired old face from every unflattering angle. ;)

:lol: hey post your picture we want to see!!

[darklinensuit]

customer service is okay. one time my phone bill was 700 dollars for ONE month and i called them up and complained and they cut it down to 100 dollars because i threatened to cancel. i usually don't go over that much in one month. that month however my friend matt was in a motorcycle accident that left him from the waist down paralyzed. so friends and family kept calling each other about his progress. sorry to get off topic lol



:lol: hey post your picture we want to see!!

I don't even know how to get the pics up here from the phone, and believe me, you're not missing much. Better left to the imagination. :cool:

Sorry to hear about your friend.

- Jake

[Dreammms]

I don't even know how to get the pics up here from the phone, and believe me, you're not missing much. Better left to the imagination. :cool:

Sorry to hear about your friend.

- Jake



thanks.

you send the picture to your email and download it and there it is. i am sure you are a cutie! :nod:

[Jessica Leigh]

oki'm not going to read through all seven pages but i want to throw my two cents in....

I LOVE VERIZON

i pay $99/ month (yeah i know but listen....) and i have pretty much unlimited everything and my phone always always works.... i'll be way out in the middle of nowhere seeing a stevie show or on the way to one, and i always have 6 bars whereas my friends won't have any on their phones... and i have unlimited internet and super cheap international rates (my two best friends from childhood live in London and Santiago Chile right now)

unlimited roaming, unlimited long distance, it works in any place i can imagine travelling to (and i go to some rural places... and yes, it worked up at red rocks and no one elses did), super cheap international calling, and nice people who are always willing to work with you if you have a problem (my old phone just DIED and even though i still had a month before i qualified for a new phone - oh yeah, they give you a new phone free every two years- they did a little magic and gave me a super cool flip phone with ****loads and ringtones and a color screen AND this phone stays charged for DAYS even when you talk on it a lot.) AND you can talk to all other people with verizon plans for free all of the time.

believe me, and ask livia... my phone is like, another appendage for me... i can't properly function without it and verizon has never let me down in over 4 years. (i used to have sprint... yuck)

[darklinensuit]

oki'm not going to read through all seven pages but i want to throw my two cents in....

I LOVE VERIZON

i pay $99/ month (yeah i know but listen....) and i have pretty much unlimited everything and my phone always always works.... i'll be way out in the middle of nowhere seeing a stevie show or on the way to one, and i always have 6 bars whereas my friends won't have any on their phones... and i have unlimited internet and super cheap international rates (my two best friends from childhood live in London and Santiago Chile right now)

unlimited roaming, unlimited long distance, it works in any place i can imagine travelling to (and i go to some rural places... and yes, it worked up at red rocks and no one elses did), super cheap international calling, and nice people who are always willing to work with you if you have a problem (my old phone just DIED and even though i still had a month before i qualified for a new phone - oh yeah, they give you a new phone free every two years- they did a little magic and gave me a super cool flip phone with ****loads and ringtones and a color screen AND this phone stays charged for DAYS even when you talk on it a lot.) AND you can talk to all other people with verizon plans for free all of the time.

believe me, and ask livia... my phone is like, another appendage for me... i can't properly function without it and verizon has never let me down in over 4 years. (i used to have sprint... yuck)

Thanks. A lot of my Verizon friends are gung-ho for it. But a friend in Lubbock told me has has Cingular because he couldn't get his Verizon to work there. :shrug: On the other hand my dad (near Philly) just switched from Cingular to Verizon because he could not get the former to work in his store.
I'm loving my new phone - you know, a guy with a new gadget :] - and I'm already thinking of it as a necessity.

- Jake

[darklinensuit]

thanks.

you send the picture to your email and download it and there it is. i am sure you are a cutie! :nod:

To be honest I think I might have declined (when I signed up) the thing that lets me send the pics. Maybe I still can but it will be more expensive? One more thing to check into.

- Jake

[GardenStateGirlie]

I'm loving my new phone - you know, a guy with a new gadget :] - and I'm already thinking of it as a necessity.

To think you've lived this long without it :laugh:

[darklinensuit]

To think you've lived this long without it :laugh:

Just laugh it up, wiseass.

- Jake