Replacing Cell Phones

[rockthecasbah]

Okay i hate to start another thread, but i just couldn't find another one with this situation (from google, the MR search doesn't work for me). So I appologize if this was discussed before...

Over the past few weeks i have been playing with the idea to replace my cell phone, the Nokia 3120. The problem with this is that my current phone is not very old (got it November '04 or so), gets good battery life, and it's not broken. It works fine... but im tired of it.

It doesn't do enough anymore. I don't have a camera, not just on the phone but in general, and it's now starting to get to me, and im looking a sexy device that can add that. Im not looking for a great camera, just something... also the screen is pretty small and low res. Other than that i can't really find many faults with the phone, and it's not even like i feel like i got ripped off because it was free with a $30 rebate with a 2 yr agreement. I'm just looking at something that's more fun and sexy, like a RAZR (really want a V3i but i can't find them available in the USA, so maybe just the plain V3 but still deciding...)

So i pose the following questions:

1. How long do you keep your cell phones before replacing them?

2. Do you replace them even if they are not broken, like my situation?

3. Do you know of upgrade prices that you can extend your contract and get a phone discounted?

4. Am I being an ass and should i just keep my phone and suck it up? o )

 

[xy14]

Okay i hate to start another thread, but i just couldn't find another one with this situation (from google, the MR search doesn't work for me). So I appologize if this was discussed before...

Over the past few weeks i have been playing with the idea to replace my cell phone, the Nokia 3120. The problem with this is that my current phone is not very old (got it November '04 or so), gets good battery life, and it's not broken. It works fine... but im tired of it.

It doesn't do enough anymore. I don't have a camera, not just on the phone but in general, and it's now starting to get to me, and im looking a sexy device that can add that. Im not looking for a great camera, just something... also the screen is pretty small and low res. Other than that i can't really find many faults with the phone, and it's not even like i feel like i got ripped off because it was free with a $30 rebate with a 2 yr agreement. I'm just looking at something that's more fun and sexy, like a RAZR (really want a V3i but i can't find them available in the USA, so maybe just the plain V3 but still deciding...)

So i pose the following questions:

1. How long do you keep your cell phones before replacing them?

2. Do you replace them even if they are not broken, like my situation?

3. Do you know of upgrade prices that you can extend your contract and get a phone discounted?

4. Am I being an ass and should i just keep my phone and suck it up? o )

1. I am a freak and get a new phone every 2-3 months. I HATE routines. I don't like having the same thing for a long time. I am 16 and have had about 10 phones. If you want a new phone, I recommend you get a phone from either T-Mobile or Verizon, because you sound like you like to switch phones. Both of those have only 1-yr contracts and you can get a new phone every 12 months for the 'new plan' price.
2. Yes. I have replaced a phone for the reason of not liking the look of the menu, bad coverage, slow camera, no zoom, etc
3. When you get T-Mobile, they only have 1-yr contracts and they give you the option of upgrading your phone every 12 months as long as you renew your contract, and as a bonus you don't have to keep paying the activation fee (i don't think).
4. You definitely are an ass. jk lol

 

[xy14]

Oh ya, I would recommend the Nokia 6101 if you will mainly use it for voice. (free)

If you will be browsing the internet, get a T-Mobile MDA. ($259)
or the blackberry 7290 ($25)

Also, finally, you get a killer discount on phones when you order thru:

t-mobile.com/mcdonalds.

 

[igucl]

I get the itch about every 6 months, but I usually hold off until about a full year passes. I like new gadgetry.

 

[iGary]

I usually keep them two years, but I hate this Treo so much, it may "accidently" fly out of the plane next time I am on a shoot. Worst. Phone. Ever.

 

[ITASOR]

Ahh it kills me to keep them for 2 years, but I'm not about to spend $300-400 just for a new phone. My thing is up in June to get a new one! YAY!

 

[Electro Funk]

1 year max! just got rid of my treo 650... (so many problems) and into a sprint ppc 6700

 

[kretzy]

Well I've only ever had the one phone (Samsung e700), but it's on it's last legs after about 2.3 years.

The contract it's on expires at the end of May, so I've pretty much decide on a new phone and contract. I'm going with a $29 cap on 3, plus an extra $14 per month to get a Nokia 6280, on a two year contract. This way the phone works out cheaper at only $336, as opposed to $489 outright.

 

[iGary]

I just can't decide if I should get a RAZR V3C, or a Treo 700 with Winblows Mobile when i accidently lose my Treo 650.

 

[kretzy]

Don't get a Moto. They're ok looking generally, but using them is crap. I played with my dad's RAZR for a few minutes and it was so frustrating and awkward to actually do anything. Plus EVERYONE'S got a RAZR these days...now that wouldn't be thinking different now would it?

 

[r6girl]

i am guilty of frequent cell replacement as well. i try to hold out for a year with each phone, but haven't always made it. in fact, i just got a motorola slvr a couple of months ago and am now itching to get a new phone with a full keyboard (i'm eyeing the sony ericsson p990 that should come out in the next few months - it will have wifi, bluetooth, push email, a decent camera, and the symbian operating system). my motorola looks nice and is easy to slip into my pocket, but the menu system is crap. i should have been forewarned from using my husband's razr, but i thought they *might* have made some improvements in the menu system (no such luck) and i was seduced by its looks. i don't think i'll ever get a motorola phone again unless they make some significant changes to the menu sytem.

anyway, happy phone hunting. and no, you are not the only cell phone tramp here.

 

[rockthecasbah]

thanks for your imput so far guys and dolls. It's really like i just don't know at this point. This is my first cell phone, and i have Cingular, but i'm still going to be in there plan for a few months so i can't switch to T-mobile like you suggested xy14, and im 16 too )). The problem with switching also is i share a plan with my dad because we both don't need a ton of minutes, so we both would have to switch if we did that. Do you pay for your own phones? I probably would have to if i were to switch them even if i stayed with Cingular, unless it wasn't that much money.

As far as the RAZR is concerned, max_altitude you mentioned that the RAZR was frustrating. I have only used it on Verizon (the V3c) today in fact because my brother needed a new phone, his broke. I agree it was very difficult to use, but then i looked on the other phones and saw all of the other phones had that same crappy OS, even ones that weren't Moto. I love the RAZR's look and stuff (no experience outside of the Verizon booth brief usage), and really am dying for a V3i, which don't appear to be available in the USA for contract. The only way i've seen that i could do that was by buying the phone from amazon or ebay or whatever unlocked and then have them activate it with my service, but taht would be far too much money. Not getting the V3i has really held me off, since im not sure about the plain V3 being it for me.

It's sorta like the RAZR is it right now, and if i am not getting that then im fine with staying with my 3120. I mean its a good phone, it's easy to use, but i don't get enough fun from it anymore. I'm going to call Cingular and see what the device upgrade price would be, and if they have any info about the V3i, since on their website they have the ability to price check upgrades, if you have your account info (which i don't).

Please continue your phone conversations, related to me or not..

 

[wako]

If I were you I would DEFINATELY beg your father to switch to Tmobile. I have Tmobile and I must say it is by far the best cellular company ever. My family has been through many of the cell phone companies and we been with Tmobile ever since they started (use to known as voicestream) and we havent switched. I think we have been with them for a total of almost 8 years now.

But in any case the reason is because of their customer service. Their contracts are only 1 year and every year I get a new phone. Their upgrade policy is decent, however their retention center is awesome. Basically every year when my contract is expiring I tell them I will be canceling my contract. They will try to add as many benefits or even a new phone to keep me. For example last year I told them I was going to cancel (this was when the RAZR was still considered new and a must have by everyone) and to keep me they gave me a new RAZR and only had to pay 100 for it. Pretty good considering at the time you were expected to 300. Now I can get another RAZR if I wanted for free from them. Im going for the PEBL this year

Go check out howardforums.com if you want to read similar stories of why Tmobile is so damn good.

 

[rockthecasbah]

If I were you I would DEFINATELY beg your father to switch to Tmobile. I have Tmobile and I must say it is by far the best cellular company ever. My family has been through many of the cell phone companies and we been with Tmobile ever since they started (use to known as voicestream) and we havent switched. I think we have been with them for a total of almost 8 years now.

But in any case the reason is because of their customer service. Their contracts are only 1 year and every year I get a new phone. Their upgrade policy is decent, however their retention center is awesome. Basically every year when my contract is expiring I tell them I will be canceling my contract. They will try to add as many benefits or even a new phone to keep me. For example last year I told them I was going to cancel (this was when the RAZR was still considered new and a must have by everyone) and to keep me they gave me a new RAZR and only had to pay 100 for it. Pretty good considering at the time you were expected to 300. Now I can get another RAZR if I wanted for free from them. Im going for the PEBL this year

Go check out howardforums.com if you want to read similar stories of why Tmobile is so damn good.

That sounds pretty good, but the 2 yr agreement cancellation fee is very steep. Furthermore, we really get amazing service from Cingular. There are no reception problems at all and the price fits our not-very-expendable budget. That being said, TMobile's reception map (from their website) seems ok for our location and the bill would probably be about the same. Until November this year tho, im kinda tied to Cingular. I guess i can wait, or maybe see about upgrading discounts for extension of contract, which we wouldn't mind (if the price was right for the new phone of course ) So hopefully that may work out... Or i can convince my dad to get a phone for me as an early B-Day present!

 

[Eniregnat]

So i pose the following questions:
1. How long do you keep your cell phones before replacing them?

Until they no longer work.

2. Do you replace them even if they are not broken, like my situation?

No my my friends have. Your phone is worth cash to non-profits. Contact a non-profit you like and ask them if they take cell phone donations. If not search Goggle or Wireless recycling - I think this is legit. It's good for the environment and good for your karma.

3. Do you know of upgrade prices that you can extend your contract and get a phone discounted?

If you have been a long term customer, and you complain to you carrer about service and the like, they might offer you a better price. Generally any upgrades, free or not, require a one year plan extension.[/QUOTE]

4. Am I being an ass and should i just keep my phone and suck it up? o )

No. If it's a want, it's ok to indulge from time to time. Cell Phone Waste is not great for the environment. If you spend a good chunk of your day on the phone, then I'd upgrade and not feel guilty.

T-mobile has treated me well. I was once hit by a car and left on the road (I was in the bycycle lane and it was likely a DUI- but I have no memory of what happend). Somebody picked up my phone and dialed 911, and the battery crapped out. It was weeks before I could deal with my bill, and they were very lenient, they didn't penalize me for paying really late. They didn't question my clame, perhaps because of the call. They gave me extra minutes for free, and gave me a better plan for the same price, and reset my billing date, and gave me an extension to pay. Perhaps I even worked out a payment plan. I can't say that is the kind of treatment is offered to everybody, but wow. My girlfriend moved to T-mobile, and we are both very happy with it. You can also offer T-zones for 19.95 a month wich allows you access to Borders books and Starbucks Hotspots.

 

[Whotheheck]

Don't switch providers unless people IN YOUR AREA tell you that they get great coverage. While one company might have great coverage at acertain location, they might suck somewhere else.

If you have Cingular and you have and you pay $70+ a month, you can upgrade after 1 year, even if you signed a 2yr contract. Even then, you will probably qualify to upgrade way earlier. They usually send letters to their good custumers (the ones who pay their bills on time) way before their 2 years are up to upgrade, with some perks too (no upgrade fee, discounted phones, sometimes even a bill credit). Oh, and 2yr contracts are not required. Ask for a 1yr contract and they will give you one. The phone usually costs around $50 more with a 1 year than with a 2yr. If the rep says 1yr contracts are not available, go speak to another rep. They are available but not all reps like them because the area managers want all reps to meet certain numbers.

btw: I have a 3yr phone even though I could get and have gotten newer phones for free. Just because they are newer doesn't mean they are better. My phone is small, has a keyboard and bluetooth. Oh yeah, and the reception is great. I could even select what network I want to be on (not what band, all phones let you do that). btw: the 3120 rules in one area: reception. Any new Moto sucks in reception compared to that phone. The 3120 is a loud one too.

 

[rockthecasbah]

I didn't know of that donation service, that may be a plausible possibility. And as for the extension, that's what i meant by the upgrading, like if you can get a new phone discounted and extend your commitment to them. We've had AT&T and then switched to Cingular (then Cingular bought them out not too long after that haha) so we've stayed within the company. But thank you for pointing those recycling ideas in my direction.

 

[GfPQqmcRKUvP]

pfff...the environment?...

 

[Whotheheck]

oh yeah, recycle your phones please!!! I'm sure you can easily find a place that recycles them if you look online. All Cingular phones come with a postage-paid bag thingy where you can mail your phones to be recycled.

 

[rockthecasbah]

oh yeah, recycle your phones please!!! I'm sure you can easily find a place that recycles them if you look online. All Cingular phones come with a postage-paid bag thingy where you can mail your phones to be recycled.

cool, i can recycle with ease...

As for my personal cell phone deliberation:

I don't know how reliable the source is, but i found a comment from an individual on this page who claimed that he contacted Cingular and they didn't expect to acquire the V3i until later April or May. Once i figure out my account #s (my dad has it and i don't live with him) i will email Cingular (you need to log in to actually contact them, LAME!) and see if i get that response. If that's the case, i will hold off for a while maybe even until June before i do anything. The V3i is THE phone i want, and am not urgently in need of a replacement.

 

[flyfish29]

oh yeah, recycle your phones please!!! I'm sure you can easily find a place that recycles them if you look online. All Cingular phones come with a postage-paid bag thingy where you can mail your phones to be recycled.

Forgive me if this was said already and I missed it-but instead of recycling your phone...if your phone still works there are many organizations that take donations to provide phones for people who really need them such as battered women for emergency purposes, families that have children in the hospital, etc.

 

[ipacmm]

1. How long do you keep your cell phones before replacing them?

1-2 months or weeks depending on the phone.

2. Do you replace them even if they are not broken, like my situation?

Yes, I usually just sell them on ebay.

3. Do you know of upgrade prices that you can extend your contract and get a phone discounted?

Yes, but I usually don't do it because I like being out of contract.

4. Am I being an ass and should i just keep my phone and suck it up? o )

I would check out unlocked phones, you can buy them from places like mobilebee.com, the nice part is that you don't have to extend your contract, just take the sim card and put it into your new phone.

Also if you really want the V3i right now, you can buy it at mobilebee.com for $288 shipped.

 

[webcookie]

I just upgraded to a Nokia 6101 from a Nokia 3220. I had a Motorola v190 for a few days but I hated it. I might be purchasing a magenta Razr in a few weeks. I'm becoming a bit of a cell phone whore.

My boyfriend just got an LG VX8100 from Verizon and it's pretty cool. Verizon has great coverage out here in the sticks, too. Cellular One doesn't work too well out here.

 

[Electro Funk]

I just can't decide if I should get a RAZR V3C, or a Treo 700 with Winblows Mobile when i accidently lose my Treo 650.

iGary... check out the PPC-6700 through sprint... if you dont like sprint i think verizon is picking up the same model soon but in black...

It has Winblows Mobile 5 on it but it is by far the BEST cell i have ever owned... syncs with Exchange server 2003 remotely for email, cal, cont... (as well as pop...etc) has Terminal Svcs so i can log in to work desktop pc, high speed EVDO service.... and i recently hooked up a slingbox and am streaming my DVR @ home to my phone and all my computers.... It is by far the best phone around.... (in my opinion of course)

check it...

http://www.sprint.com/business/prod...ri&rls=en&q=sprint+ppc+6700&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8

http://www.slingmedia.com/

 

[rockthecasbah]

I would check out unlocked phones, you can buy them from places like mobilebee.com, the nice part is that you don't have to extend your contract, just take the sim card and put it into your new phone.

Also if you really want the V3i right now, you can buy it at mobilebee.com for $288 shipped.

I'm not a fan of buying unlocked phones. They are just so expensive! I'm personally not willing to spend almost $300 on a phone, i mean let's get real! Sure i want this phone really badly, but i will wait until it comes available in the US by Cingular, which is apparently supposed to be around May *prays*.

thanks though for the thought!