Finding the Right Cell Phone Plan for Us

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and preferences regarding different cell phone plans and devices, particularly focusing on BlackBerry models like the Curve and Storm, as well as other options like the Samsung Rant and iPhone.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses a desire for a phone with a visible keyboard and is considering the BlackBerry Storm or Curve.
  • Another participant shares their love for the Samsung Rant, highlighting its affordability and features like email and unlimited texting.
  • One user mentions the cost differences in data plans for BlackBerry versus other phones, noting that BlackBerry plans can be more expensive.
  • A participant who owns the BlackBerry Storm appreciates its features but notes the adjustment required for typing on the touch screen.
  • Several users express strong preferences for the BlackBerry Curve, citing its full keyboard, reliability, and features like email and camera capabilities.
  • One participant discusses the advantages of having a data plan with T-Mobile, including the ability to use Wi-Fi for calls without affecting their plan minutes.
  • Another participant shares their experience with the BlackBerry Storm, mentioning frustrations with typing and the lack of tactile keys.
  • Some participants discuss the availability of special promotions for the BlackBerry Curve around holidays.
  • Several users express their satisfaction with the iPhone, noting its functionality and user experience.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the best phone choice, with some favoring the BlackBerry Curve for its keyboard and reliability, while others prefer the Storm for its features. There is no clear consensus on which phone is superior.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences with their devices and plans, reflecting a range of preferences based on individual needs and usage patterns.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering new cell phone options or plans may find the shared experiences and comparisons helpful in making their decisions.

pamperedlinda
Gold Member
Messages
10,156
DH and I are looking at new cell plans - which means a new phone :thumbup:

We are going to be entering the word of 'texting' and I need a keyboard that I can actually see! I know I want a blackberry too. Do you recommend the Storm or the Curve? Why?
 
I'm going to go completely away from all those and just say I LOVE :love: my samsung rant. It's the adult version of the LG Rumor. Of course we got a data plan and use the email, internet and unlimited text, so I'm sure it all depends upon what you want. It's a lot cheaper than the blackberry also.

I also have quick links to myspace and facebook if that means anythign to you.

Sorry for the hijack on something you didn't ask.
 
one thing to think about if you are a data user. blackberrys are all or none and it is an extra 30 per line on other non blackberry phones they have data plans as low as 10 or 15 per line.
I have the curve and the pearl (personal and office) I have not played with the storm since it is so new. I like the tried and true of the curve never a problem and full keyboard unlike the pearl where you have 2 letters per key
 
I love my blackberry storm. It takes a little while to get used to typing on it, but I really like all the features. I think it has the biggest "keys" of all the blackberries.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Symara said:
I'm going to go completely away from all those and just say I LOVE :love: my samsung rant. It's the adult version of the LG Rumor. Of course we got a data plan and use the email, internet and unlimited text, so I'm sure it all depends upon what you want. It's a lot cheaper than the blackberry also.

I also have quick links to myspace and facebook if that means anythign to you.

Sorry for the hijack on something you didn't ask.

do you have full internet capability?
 
I love my curve. And depending on what plan you get I have seen them free with new contracts. I have Tmobile (if you sign though them you can use me as a reference) and they are one of the few or maybe the only that has wi-fi. So, I can tap into my home wireless connection and make as many calls on it without having those minutes come out of my plan.
I was hesitant about the $30 extra a month. I was able to cut out some features I had when I added it though, so for me it really only ended up being $15 more than what I was paying. I'm amazed how often I use it! Facebook, myspace, directions, phone numbers, email! It's just handy.
 
I have the Curve and I LOVE it!!!!

With Cingular, I do not have to get the PDA plan to be able to text, that is just if I want internet access. There is a texting plan for $4.99 per phone for 200 text, $30 for unlimited text for all our phones including picture and IM text and then the PDA plan whichis unlimited everything is $50 per phone. I have the "pay per text" plan b/c I do not text that often. It is .20 per text and I do not even spend $5 a month, so, I have never added a plan to it. Although I am thinking of adding the $4.99 plan but I would have to add it to mine and Russell.

I got mine for FREE by adding the $30 plan for one month and then I canceled it after the first month.
 
I'm not sure what you mean by full internet. If you mean show every page, no... it won't show pages if they are too large, and sometimes doesn't show the whole page, but usually works if I'm just trying to find something real quick. If there is a mobile site for the place you are going to, it automatically connects to that sight, like ticket master, circuit city, and ebay all have that type.
 
I love my curve. By the way, I love my curve. Oh, did I tell you how much I love my curve? Oh yeah, I love my curve.
 
I absolutely love my curve!! It is the best thing!! I have AT&T (formerly Cingular) and have the data plan... I cannot tell you how many time the email feature comes in handy... I have been on my way to shows and something important comes through like when my host had an emergency and had to postpone her show a couple of hours... I was already on my way and she contacted me through email... whew, saved me much hassle! And the best thing ever is the "Blackberry messenger" it comes with the data plan and it is similar to Yahoo Msgr, in the way you can text message and it doesn't cost you any text charges... I had over 10,000 BB messages last cycle because my husband, whole family and a bunch of friends have Blackberry's. Not to mention that the Curve has a camera and video camera too!! can you imagine what my text bill would be...

I would look into the costs of signing with a data plan vs the normal fee and how many texts you send...

Curve Pros::thumbup: full qwerty keyboard, actual keys, camera, video, memory card capable, able to receive photos from other cell users regardless if text or other BB, fun colors, easy to use. very sturdy phone (dropped out of pocket onto cement when hanging c'mas lights, nothing happened)

Curve Cons::thumbdown: not all websites accessible

Storm Pros::thumbup: New touch screen, similar to iphone. G3, camera, video, switch screen from tall to long...

Storm Cons::thumbdown: the touch screen is very hard to type on, if you have nails, it is even worse as it only works with a finger pad. (like iphone), since it is new there are many bugs to work out and many system errors. (friend on 5th Storm since they came out, as the errors fry the phone and numerous hours spent on the phone with them for fixes)
very delicate,(drop it an you are a buying a new one).


FYI: around Valentine's day AT&T puts the red and pink curve on sale... it might be beneficial for you to wait a week or so...


Good luck, whatever you get, I m sure you will love it!!
 
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love MY I-PHONE
 
My BF got the Storm right when it was first released. He loves it. Right now w/ his wriste broken he has a tough time "typing" but he really likes everything about it. He had a Motorola Q before this and really liked that as well, but when he got the manager spot at work they wanted all managers to have a Blackberry. He has the full internet package and uses it all the time. It is great when I am driving and we weren't sure where we were supposed to go..I wanted to stop for directions...he looked everything up on his phone.

I don't know much about the Curve...but the Storm is excellent.
 
Are they both 3g capable? I hate it when my Iphone switches back when 3g isnt available.
And yes out in the boondocks of WV we do have areas of 3g. :)
 
I got a Storm in December and wound up taking it back. I found it to be more frustrating than anything. I've heard they've put some patches through to fix some of the latency problems. The hardest thing about not having tactile keys is trying to drive and dial. LOL.

I have a Motorola Q now and love it. Very simple and user friendly. It might not play video like the Storm does, but I can make a phone call and check my email.
 
pampermejolene said:
I love my curve. And depending on what plan you get I have seen them free with new contracts.

I have Tmobile (if you sign though them you can use me as a reference) and they are one of the few or maybe the only that has wi-fi. So, I can tap into my home wireless connection and make as many calls on it without having those minutes come out of my plan.
I was hesitant about the $30 extra a month. I was able to cut out some features I had when I added it though, so for me it really only ended up being $15 more than what I was paying. I'm amazed how often I use it! Facebook, myspace, directions, phone numbers, email! It's just handy.

Jolene,
Help me understand this b/c I have TMbobile as well but didn't know about this feature. IF I am at home, I can tap into my WiFi (I do this sometimes when TM Edge is not working) and then my calls made are not take out of my minutes??
 
So Linda what did you get?

I just got the Storm today - haven't used it much yet. I have 30 days to exchange it if I don't like it. Couldn't decide between it and the Curve. The salesmen said the screen was the plus on the Storm w/browsing internet and sending emails. I'll have to see.

I got mine for free since I'm a VIP of Verizon. I got a $100 credit toward any phone. They were buy one get one free so my daughter got one. I'm making her pay 1/2 which is $100. I got the better deal, but I've been paying her cell phone bill for 4 years!
 
Last edited:
  • Thread starter
  • #18
I got the curve.
 
I really wanted the storm but verizon couldn't transfer my number so I am not going to swtich to them so I ended up getting the curve and I AM TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH IT !!!!!
 
Funny, I just got my first blackberry through Sprint. I got the Curve and still trying to figure out all the capabilities.

With Sprint, we get a corporate discount of 17% off our bill. :) Yay!
 
My Wonderful Hubby bought me my storm when they first came out. It was a Christmas gift. I fell hardcore in LuV with it. She's all decked out with a hardcase I bought off Amazon.com . White with cute little pink flowers. I love being able to be online ALL THE TIME!!! I get all my emails . Myspace and Facebook are wonderful to keep up with my loved ones. Loads of goodies on this phone.
~HolLy
 
I got the Storm and I too was so frustrated with it. I took it back and I'm getting the Curve. I'm hoping it will be better than the Storm. My friend has one and she loves it. It's my new every 2 so I'm getting it for free with verizon and I get the 18% discount through my employer even though I'm on job attached lay off status.

Judy
 
pamperedlinda said:
DH and I are looking at new cell plans - which means a new phone :thumbup:

We are going to be entering the word of 'texting' and I need a keyboard that I can actually see! I know I want a blackberry too. Do you recommend the Storm or the Curve? Why?

I own a Curve and a Pearl... LOVE the keyboard on the Curve- is the Storm the next grade up from a curve? If so, get that one- if it is the phone I think it is, it is amazing!
 
I'm loving my Storm, of course I haven't tried the Curve though! I like the larger screen on the Storm. The keyboard is a little hard to get the hang of, but I'm getting better. If you have long nails you won't want the Storm because you have to use your fingers.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should we consider when choosing a cell phone plan?

When selecting a cell phone plan, consider factors such as your budget, data usage, the number of lines needed, coverage in your area, and whether you prefer a prepaid or postpaid plan. Additionally, think about any additional features you might want, like international calling or mobile hotspot capabilities.

How do we determine our data usage?

To determine your data usage, review your current phone bills or usage statistics on your devices. Look for patterns in how much data you use monthly, including streaming, browsing, and app usage. Many carriers also offer tools to help you estimate your data needs based on your habits.

Are family plans worth it?

Family plans can often provide significant savings compared to individual plans, especially if multiple lines are added. They typically offer shared data allowances and discounts per line, making them a cost-effective option for families or groups. However, ensure that the plan meets everyone's needs to maximize value.

What is the difference between prepaid and postpaid plans?

Prepaid plans require you to pay for your service upfront, allowing for more control over your spending and no long-term contracts. Postpaid plans, on the other hand, bill you monthly after usage and may include contracts with potential penalties for early cancellation. Choose based on your financial preferences and commitment level.

How can we find the best coverage in our area?

To find the best coverage, check coverage maps provided by different carriers, read customer reviews, and ask friends or family about their experiences with specific providers in your area. Additionally, consider using online tools or apps that compare network performance based on user data.

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