UnSmart Phone Qs

[Ah Pook]

My base model Nokia cell phone took a bath. I have bought all my cell phones at the same local ATT store. I go to the ATT store and leave feeling like I just left the DMV. There were two base model phones. End up with a POS LG phone. Unacceptable in pretty much every way. Take it back an get a song and dance. Replacement LG phone is just as bad. $35 restocking fee to get the other option that doesn't look any better.

I'm done with the ATT stores!

My cell needs are pretty basic. No web surfing. Not texting. Just a phone.

Looking online at "unlocked" phones. All my info is on the SIM card.

Questions;

• Do I just plug in the SIM card and everything works perfectly?
• Can I access voicemail with an unlocked phone?
• Will an unlocked phone just make me feel like I just left the DMV again?

TIA!

[SideShow Bob]

I do not have an answer to your question, but if that is the case, I've got motorola razor from T-mobile I'd sell cheap or trade to you.

[soldier-of-the-apocalypse]

Just get a iPhone and learn to use it. It makes my life much easier that's for sure

[sniper7]

unless you text it to me or type it out on a touch screen I just don't understand!

I wish I could help, not an ATT guy, so I don't even understand the sim card crap...verizon doesn't have them.

[Gunner]

As long as it is unlocked you will be fine. Every thing should work the same

[Dr_Fwd]

Unlocked phone will work the same. I bought a basic Nokia made of titanium off ebay for about $80 works just fine.

[Ah Pook]

Thanks for the help! I pulled the trigger on a Nokia last night.

Thanks for the offer, SSB. I may have to take you up on it.

[BPTactical]

Thanks for the offer, SSB. I may have to take you up on it.

Careful what you wish for Pookie, SSB's technology consists of soupcans and string.

[BigBear]

...

• Do I just plug in the SIM card and everything works perfectly?
• Can I access voicemail with an unlocked phone?
• Will an unlocked phone just make me feel like I just left the DMV again?

TIA!

I've used ATT for the last 10+ years... never a prob when you immediately ask for the managers. The lower level folks don't know crap. I was also one of the guys who "Just wanted a phone to be a phone". But I did bite the bullet and get an iphone. With the calendar, notes, etc it is truly a lifesaver for my busy life. Let's me put the big bulky daily planner in the trash. But anyways....

Anyways, answers:
1. If all your information is backed up on the SIM card then yes, it is simply "plug n play". Make sure your new phone uses SIM's though. There are several new technologies out.

2. An unlocked phone generally just means that it is available to use on all the different networks (ATT, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, etc). In other words x phone can be used on y network. Voicemail and other standard features should be the same as always.

3. I've always stayed clear of second hand unlocks as sometimes there are software issues and you don't really have a recourse. To be honest, a lot of third party dealers (Best Buy, Car Toys, etc) usually have some decent phones with some decent deals (non contract, pay as you go, etc).

I'm not a phone person, lawyer, ad nausem, etc. Use at your own risk, YMMV, and those other disclaimers.

Bear

[Ah Pook]

Careful what you wish for Pookie, SSB's technology consists of soupcans and string.

He did say it was a Razor. Maybe it's a Van Gogh phone?

Thanks BB. I've been with ATT/Cingular for over seven years. It's the only game in town up here. The quality of their base model phone selection was just ridiculous. Battery life of 1.5 days and most all of that was at idle. The ear speaker is barely audible and crackles. 4-5 attempts to make a call with five bars showing.

The kicker was all the crap ATT sticks on the phones now that can't be removed. They put five different ATT contact numbers in the phone address book that can not be deleted, so when the addy book is opened those are all you see. Same thing with the main, go to menus.

Guess I'm just not feeling it.