Shopping for cell phone plans... - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

ames7 · 06-26-2005, 06:52 PM

I'm on a T-Mobile family plan right now & the contract's about to run out. I want a new phone but I need to keep my number (have like 14 million job applications floating around w/that number), so I'll probably have to switch from T-Mobile.

So question. It looks like Verizon has the best family plans outside of T-Mobile. Anyone have Verizon? How's the service/reception in Dallas area? I don't really understand what this whole "In network" thing is, does that affect their coverage?

Regarding other brands, i.e. Cingular, Nextel, etc, how does everyone like their service?

ames7 · 06-28-2005, 01:14 PM

Help, anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Nash13 · 06-28-2005, 01:33 PM

I've been recently searching for a new plan to get far, far and away from sprint. I narrowed my search to either Verizon or Alltel. My sister has Verizon, and said they have good reception.

I didn't like what Cingular and Nextel had to offer. But i want a Blackberry or Palmone. If you're looking for a regular phone, you might want to try them. Just don't go to sprint.

XERXES · 06-28-2005, 02:03 PM

This won't help, but I am pretty pleased with my AT&T plan (now cingular)...I got it during a "price war" a few years ago: $99 for unlimited calls.

Jbrjo · 06-28-2005, 03:22 PM

Ive had no problems with Verizons reception out here in Arlington and Dallas. And I do tend to get better reception than folks with Cingular and the such inside buildings. (I'm not sure if thats because my phone is better though) Do the other Verizon users have to be in the same area as you to be In? I cant remember [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

Smiles · 06-28-2005, 04:05 PM

If you want great reception nearly everywhere inside the AAC then go with Nextel. Cingular may be a good choice soon too. Sprint is okay, but I never get a good signal on the Event level.

Jbrjo · 06-28-2005, 04:08 PM

Ive gotten good reception (with verizon) literally everywhere at the aac too though. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] (even downstairs near locker rooms and etc)

vjz · 06-28-2005, 04:47 PM

I would rate the reception in Dallas as follows:

1. Cingular/ATTWireless
2. Verizon (phones suck though)
3. Nextel (phone suck, again!)
4. T-Mobile (Best phones, imho)
500. Sprint

ames7 · 06-28-2005, 10:47 PM

Thanks for the input guys. When you say the phones suck for Verizon & Nextel, what do you mean? The battery? The Verizon ones I've been looking at seem comparable to T-Mobile, but then I'm only looking online.

vjz · 06-29-2005, 07:44 AM

VZ and Nextel phones looked like cheap plastic toys when I was shopping a year ago; I guess they'e upgraded their lines now.

Battery-wise, Sony Erricson phones seem to have the best life.

Nash13 · 06-29-2005, 10:22 AM

Yeah, my sister's on her 3rd phone in one year with Verizon. I'm eventually going to go there, but that's why i want an expensive phone not made by Verizon.

Jbrjo · 06-29-2005, 12:26 PM

That's so weird..Ive had my phone a little over a year and it's been great. I have had some major problems with the charger cords though. The phone before the one I have now lasted 3 years and although it was a little dated (it was free) it got better reception than even my new one.

alby · 06-29-2005, 12:31 PM

Just don't get the Tmobile Sidekick II, i've had it for over half a year now and I regret buying it.

vjz · 06-29-2005, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: alby
Just don't get the Tmobile Sidekick II, i've had it for over half a year now and I regret buying it.

Damn, I've actually been thinking of getting a Sidekick for my next phone... can you elaborate?

alby · 06-30-2005, 02:03 AM

I've replaced the phone already because of speakerphone malfunction (didn't work)
I've replaced the phone already because of the lack of protection of the screen and it cracked (flip phones are good because of the protection)

The buttons get overused quickly, I don't know what else to say, the life of the phone isn't very long.
The microphone is not very clear, I have to use my hands free in order for the people on the other line to hear me clearly, because the mic doesn't cancel out noise very well.

I mean, it definitely looks cool with the whole swivel thing, but the coolness factor lasts about a week when you realize that you need a better "phone", not a toy =p

If you want to get a phone, with the same size as a sidekick, I would recommend a PDA, Blackberry type.