Smartphones

[PigletsMommy]

I'm usually the type of person who stays at least 1 step behind technology. Main reason being the expense when it 1st comes out.

DH has been on me to upgrade our phones to some sort of smartphone for almost a year now. I just don't see the point. He wants a Droid. Can some explain to me what all the hype is? I mean... I've seen some of the apps & they look cool...but I've yet to see why I HAVE to have this.

A friend of ours came in the other day & showed DH her new Droid. So now he's REALLY wanting one. She told us there were only 3 phones at verizon that don't require a data package...and that they looked like the old style flip phones. Not very stylish. But the price of data packages seems ridiculous. She said the cheapest package is $10 but that you use it up very quickly. Her package is $30. Thats in addition to her regular phone bill! Per Phone! WHAT?!

So if we upgraded to a smartphone, my bill would go up a minimum of $20... but mostly likely $60 (so that we wouldn't go over the allowed usage). IMO, thats insane!

I told DH the only way I could see us doing that is if we cancelled our internet at home. We don't need internet on phones & home.....right?

Can someone please explain to me how others do this. At 31, I guess I'm becoming that old fuddy duddy.

 

[descovy]

I'm in the same boat as you...

Dh and I have been living with pay as you go phones for YEARS. It has worked out well until recently when we realize that we now use enough minutes to share a plan.

We're looking at ATT 550 min family plan because it has roll over minutes. It would be $50 for the two of us.

data is $15/mo per phone...

One reason we are looking toward smartphones is to have an all in one in our pocket... camera, GPS, internet. We also want wifi so that we can surf the net in hotspots (free) without using the data.

Along the way someone has suggested a "quick messaging phone" They appear to do many of the same things as a smartphone but the equipment is often free with plans... they require messaging, but do not require data. I think one plan I saw was 200 mssgs and unlimeted data for $20/mo. At least some models for us have wifi. I'm not sure they're for us as we don't text much, but maybe for you???

 

[PigletsMommy]

Right now we are stuck with Verizon because it is the only one DH gets service with at work.

I think DH just wants a Droid cause it looks "cool" & lots of people we know are getting them. Plus he is one of those people that always wants the latest in technology.

I am one of those people that holds out until I have to have it. It took me forever to get a DVD player... we could still rent movies in VHS so why by a DVD player. I didn't text a lot until 2 years ago when almost every phone was a qwerty (sp?) keyboard. Now I text more than talk.

I just think the cost of data packages is outrages. If what this friend says is true & we have to have a $30 package to each phone... that will put our cell bill over $150...and thats crazy to me.

 

[memy26]

Right now we are stuck with Verizon because it is the only one DH gets service with at work.

I think DH just wants a Droid cause it looks "cool" & lots of people we know are getting them. Plus he is one of those people that always wants the latest in technology.

I am one of those people that holds out until I have to have it. It took me forever to get a DVD player... we could still rent movies in VHS so why by a DVD player. I didn't text a lot until 2 years ago when almost every phone was a qwerty (sp?) keyboard. Now I text more than talk.

I just think the cost of data packages is outrages. If what this friend says is true & we have to have a $30 package to each phone... that will put our cell bill over $150...and thats crazy to me.

I'm not sure about Verizon, because we are with At&T but you should be able to get cheaper plans.

We have 5 phones on our plan, 2 with data plans, unlimited family messaging, 700 anytime minutes, rollover minutes, free nights/weekends, unlimited mobile to mobile and our bill is less than $150 a month

I was like you, I never thought that I would want/need a high tech phone, I mean after all its for calling people right? Well in July I finally broke down and bought myself the iphone for my birthday and I must say I'm in love with it

Good luck with what you decide. I do think though that if you upgrade you will fall in love with it.

 

[crazelion]

I'm in the same boat as you...

Dh and I have been living with pay as you go phones for YEARS. It has worked out well until recently when we realize that we now use enough minutes to share a plan.

We're looking at ATT 550 min family plan because it has roll over minutes. It would be $50 for the two of us.

data is $15/mo per phone...

One reason we are looking toward smartphones is to have an all in one in our pocket... camera, GPS, internet. We also want wifi so that we can surf the net in hotspots (free) without using the data.

Along the way someone has suggested a "quick messaging phone" They appear to do many of the same things as a smartphone but the equipment is often free with plans... they require messaging, but do not require data. I think one plan I saw was 200 mssgs and unlimeted data for $20/mo. At least some models for us have wifi. I'm not sure they're for us as we don't text much, but maybe for you???

You can get unlocked Nokia that has wi-fi for the same price as quick - messaging phone. I one has not desire for smartphone. I can get by with a quick-messging phone or unlocke Nokia has wi-fi for the same price.

Here my reason not get smartphone is not for me:
I don't text
I don't text
I don't text.
Refuse get a data plan for 30.00 That I don't need.

Reason for quickmessaging phone
Mp3 player
can get the internet for cheaper use medianet
GPS aka Att navigator These two together all cost me 20.00 a month
I can get applications
I can accept text when I need too.
Plus it does what I need it to do.

 

[WheelCEO]

I run a business and text/email/go on the web via my phone constantly, so for me a smartphone is needed. I had been working off of an old school "sidekick" and finally upgraded to a new blackberry 9700 yesterday.

For someone that doesnt NEED to text/email/surf the web via their phone, smartphones are a waste. The majority of people with an iphone are fanboys that just want to say they have it and don't even use the phone to it's full potential. I'm paying $99/month with taxes for unlimited everything with tmobile and now sprint has the $69.99 + taxes plan.

There are more and more options opening everyday like mysimplemobile (use your iphone/smartphone) for $60/month unlimited, metro pcs, boost mobile etc. The gimmick with these companies is that you pay an absurd amount for the phone because you are not signing a contract.

 

[JB2K]

... we could still rent movies in VHS so why by a DVD player.

You "could" rent VHS movies at the time, but can you rent 'em now?

I know you can't buy them in mainstream retail stores (with the exception of Big Lots, perhaps). Or maybe at a Flea Market, if that's your thing.

Don't blink - Blu-ray is the next big thing in home entertainment, while it doesn't make the DVD obsolete (yet), it will certainly bury what's left of VHS.

I just think the cost of data packages is outrages. If what this friend says is true & we have to have a $30 package to each phone... that will put our cell bill over $150...and thats crazy to me

Yes, but over time, those prices will drop -- to put it in persepctive, I had my first cell phone in the early 90's - $29.99 plus tax got me a whopping 20 (local) anytime minutes (the carrier was GTE Mobilnet which eventually became today's Verizon Wireless). Things can and will evolve.

But in the meantime, why not make only one of your lines a smartphone with a data plan (and keep the rest of the lines "traditional")? That way if one of you needs the smartphone, you can trade it off (since you're not talking all that much, to begin with).

 

[PigletsMommy]

You "could" rent VHS movies at the time, but can you rent 'em now?

I know you can't buy them in mainstream retail stores (with the exception of Big Lots, perhaps). Or maybe at a Flea Market, if that's your thing.

Don't blink - Blu-ray is the next big thing in home entertainment, while it doesn't make the DVD obsolete (yet), it will certainly bury what's left of VHS.



Yes, but over time, those prices will drop -- to put it in persepctive, I had my first cell phone in the early 90's - $29.99 plus tax got me a whopping 20 (local) anytime minutes (the carrier was GTE Mobilnet which eventually became today's Verizon Wireless). Things can and will evolve.

But in the meantime, why not make only one of your lines a smartphone with a data plan (and keep the rest of the lines "traditional")? That way if one of you needs the smartphone, you can trade it off (since you're not talking all that much, to begin with).

That was my point about VHS vs DVD. I think it was what...the 90's...you could get by with both.. and I did until I had to switch. Now I get by with my DVD's...and eventually I will have to switch to blueray. I don't now...because I don't have to yet. That was the point I was trying to make I guess. I'm not the type of person who jumps on the new technology just because. I wait until I have to, and for the price to come down.

I don't think smartphones have come down enough... and the data packages that you are "required" to purchase are, IMO, ridiculous.

 

[minnie1928]

My husband got a Droid a month ago and I got a Droid2 2 days ago. For me to join his plan it cost me about $32/month (before tax). Because of the phone plan we have, we can easily drop the house phone. While evaluating the need for the house phone, we also realized that we really don't watch cable TV anymore. So, by canceling the land line and the cable we've pretty much covered most of the cost of both our phones.

I must say, I do like it much more than I thought I would. I used prepaid for YEARS and it was very difficult for me to tell my husband to go ahead and get this for me.

 

[PigletsMommy]

My husband got a Droid a month ago and I got a Droid2 2 days ago. For me to join his plan it cost me about $32/month (before tax). Because of the phone plan we have, we can easily drop the house phone. While evaluating the need for the house phone, we also realized that we really don't watch cable TV anymore. So, by canceling the land line and the cable we've pretty much covered most of the cost of both our phones.

I must say, I do like it much more than I thought I would. I used prepaid for YEARS and it was very difficult for me to tell my husband to go ahead and get this for me.

The only thing I could justify it is getting rid of our home internet...since the phones have it. But DH threw a fit at that idea. I don't see the point in having internet on our phones & at home.

We don't have a house phone...and I have to have cable. I think I would die without Yo Gabba Gabba for DD. Its the only time I get 25 minutes to do dishes, laudry, shower, etc...

 

[minnie1928]

The only thing I could justify it is getting rid of our home internet...since the phones have it. But DH threw a fit at that idea. I don't see the point in having internet on our phones & at home.

We don't have a house phone...and I have to have cable. I think I would die without Yo Gabba Gabba for DD. Its the only time I get 25 minutes to do dishes, laudry, shower, etc...

I can't part with internet at home...we use it for streaming Netflix, ichat, etc. Have you looked into whether YGG is streamable at all? We found that virtually everything we watch is streamable via Hulu, Netflix or the individual channel websites.

 

[PigletsMommy]

I can't part with internet at home...we use it for streaming Netflix, ichat, etc. Have you looked into whether YGG is streamable at all? We found that virtually everything we watch is streamable via Hulu, Netflix or the individual channel websites.

Honestly never even thought about it... I'll look into it..thanks for the suggestion!

 

[r&kmommy]

I have the $30 data plan on my phone (samsung rogue) and could never get rid of my 'net at home because my dh needs it for work. But even if he did the internet browser on the phone is VERY limited. I can't do any banking really from it, and lots of sites don't open up on it.

IF you do get a data plan you are correct that you do need the $30 one. I started out with the smaller data package and was going to keep an eye on my usage - so I checked my data usage after having the phone for 5 days - and mind you I only checked facebook 2x day (didn't even post, just read friends updates) - and I was THREE TIMES OVER the allowance monthly allowance!!

My friend is very old school. She doesn't text, she doesn't do smart phone etc (her phone is OLD!!) and she's just fine with that. Some people are just like that. No biggie... you're not a fuddy duddy, you're just not into technology

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

She told us there were only 3 phones at verizon that don't require a data package...and that they looked like the old style flip phones. Not very stylish.
.

Just so you know .. Verizon offers 5 phones that don't require data packages. 3 are flips phones, but 2 are sliders with full qwerty keyboards. They are the LG Cosmos and Samsung Intensity 2. I really like the Intensity!

For all smart phones, you do have to have a data package for $29.99 a month. This covers unlimited internet and unlimited email for up to 10 addresses. This is needed cause the phones are on line 24/7 pulling your mail. No one wants to pay for minutes 24/7!

Many employers offer a discount on cell phone service to their employees. For example, one nat'l firm's employees get 26% off the primary service plan and 25% off data package. Have your husband check this out.

and yes, I work for Verizon .. sorry for the commercial!

 

[Tink-aholic]

Just so you know .. Verizon offers 5 phones that don't require data packages. 3 are flips phones, but 2 are sliders with full qwerty keyboards. They are the LG Cosmos and Samsung Intensity 2. I really like the Intensity!

For all smart phones, you do have to have a data package for $29.99 a month. This covers unlimited internet and unlimited email for up to 10 addresses. This is needed cause the phones are on line 24/7 pulling your mail. No one wants to pay for minutes 24/7!

Many employers offer a discount on cell phone service to their employees. For example, one nat'l firm's employees get 26% off the primary service plan and 25% off data package. Have your husband check this out.

and yes, I work for Verizon .. sorry for the commercial!

I just wanted to let the OP know that this was still discussing only Verizon phones. T Mobile has plans for smartphones that do not require data plans.

OP, have you looked at billshrink.com lately? They can help you find the best phone/plan for your needs and usage.

Good luck.

 

[PigletsMommy]

I just wanted to let the OP know that this was still discussing only Verizon phones. T Mobile has plans for smartphones that do not require data plans.

OP, have you looked at billshrink.com lately? They can help you find the best phone/plan for your needs and usage.

Good luck.

Thanks I'll look into it for phones but Verizon is the only service we can get. DH is an EMT and Verizon is the only one that services the areas he works in. We used to have TMobile when I was pregnant with DD but he never had service so we switched to Verizon. I had one scare & it was extremely difficult to get a hold of him going thru his dispatch/supervisors.

We do get a 19% discount thru his employer, but even with the discount I think the price is outrageous. I think $30/ month is insane....especially per phone. We don't even pay that for our home internet...and from what a previous poster said it doesn't even work the same. And now its a "requirement" for all but 5 phones.

 

[vsimeone]

Yes, but over time, those prices will drop -- to put it in persepctive, I had my first cell phone in the early 90's - $29.99 plus tax got me a whopping 20 (local) anytime minutes (the carrier was GTE Mobilnet which eventually became today's Verizon Wireless). Things can and will evolve.

My first phone was 1995 and I had this SAME plan with GTE Mobilnet! I'm on Verizon now but if the iPhone isn't available on Verizon by the first of the year - I'm jumping ship!

 

[CloveLeaf]

Just so you know .. Verizon offers 5 phones that don't require data packages. 3 are flips phones, but 2 are sliders with full qwerty keyboards. They are the LG Cosmos and Samsung Intensity 2. I really like the Intensity!

For all smart phones, you do have to have a data package for $29.99 a month. This covers unlimited internet and unlimited email for up to 10 addresses. This is needed cause the phones are on line 24/7 pulling your mail. No one wants to pay for minutes 24/7!

Many employers offer a discount on cell phone service to their employees. For example, one nat'l firm's employees get 26% off the primary service plan and 25% off data package. Have your husband check this out.

and yes, I work for Verizon .. sorry for the commercial!

That is just plain wrong. Verizon's brain wash. For example, the moto Droid, with the new 2.2 upgrade, you will have an option to turn off 3G data at any time. You can just use wifi without incurring any 3G data charge. And Verizon still would charge you $30 just for having the Droid. And you can change the settings to never check emails automatically.

 

[dfchelbay]

I'm usually the type of person who stays at least 1 step behind technology. Main reason being the expense when it 1st comes out.

DH has been on me to upgrade our phones to some sort of smartphone for almost a year now. I just don't see the point. He wants a Droid. Can some explain to me what all the hype is? I mean... I've seen some of the apps & they look cool...but I've yet to see why I HAVE to have this.

A friend of ours came in the other day & showed DH her new Droid. So now he's REALLY wanting one. She told us there were only 3 phones at verizon that don't require a data package...and that they looked like the old style flip phones. Not very stylish. But the price of data packages seems ridiculous. She said the cheapest package is $10 but that you use it up very quickly. Her package is $30. Thats in addition to her regular phone bill! Per Phone! WHAT?!

So if we upgraded to a smartphone, my bill would go up a minimum of $20... but mostly likely $60 (so that we wouldn't go over the allowed usage). IMO, thats insane!

I told DH the only way I could see us doing that is if we cancelled our internet at home. We don't need internet on phones & home.....right?

Can someone please explain to me how others do this. At 31, I guess I'm becoming that old fuddy duddy.

If your husband thinks the Droid is a must have, have him check into the EVO. It's even better than all that is the Droid...he'll simply freak!

 

[WheelCEO]

^^ my biz partner just got an evo, amazing phone