Best cell phone and cell service

[RyuRobD]

I'm about to go off to college, and I want to pick up a cell phone and a plan before I get there. There are a lot of options, and I'm wondering if anyone has any opinions on the matter of what phone and/or service I should get. I'd like to get something that I could connect to my pc, something that could read e-mail, that sort of thing.

Also, I was wondering, is there a phone that could use mp3s I upload as ringtones? I don't want to convert to a different type of file or anything like that. I just want to be able to connect it, transfer some file, and set it to ring whenever some person calls me.

What phones do you recommend? Advanced features would be nice, too. I'm a techie freak, so anything cool just for the sake of being cool is fine by me.

 

[kindest]

save the tumor and dont get one.

 

[psiu]

For the phones themselves, check out the thread by Fis in Hot Deals, just search for cell.

For service it depend's on where you will be using it, Verizon seems to be regarded as having the largest network, especially getting out into rural areas. Bust out the googling stick and get to work, if you want to get good information prepare to spend some time doing your research, might want to talk to people in the area(s) you will be using your phone in.

 

[dr150]

Cingular has the most phone choices.

T-Mobile has the most generous plans.

Virgin mobile has the best plans for students (i.e cheap!).

 

[nageov3t]

Originally posted by: dr150
Cingular has the most phone choices.

T-Mobile has the most generous plans.

Virgin mobile has the best plans for students (i.e cheap!).

throw in Verizon with the best actual service, and I'd agree 100%.

I used virgin mobile all through college. after graduation, I got a Verizon phone. with free in-network calling, I never come close to using all my minutes since all my friends also have Verizon.

their phone selection isn't the greatest, but it was good enough for me

 

[Baked]

Sign up w/ boost mobile and get a G-G-G-G-G-Unit cell phone.

 

[LS20]

i like everything about tmobile, and hate everything about att.. sprint is alright.. but sprint does not use GSM network and the mega versatile SIM cards

 

[Rumpltzer]

Originally posted by: LS20
i like everything about tmobile, and hate everything about att.. sprint is alright.. but sprint does not use GSM network and the mega versatile SIM cards

I've had TMobile and now have Sprint. TMobile has some generous plans, and I tend to use all of my minutes (about 800 non-nights/weekends per month). I miss the less expensive aspect of TMobile.

I had to switch because my last apartment had no coverage when I moved into it. Verizon is definitely the best for service and coverage, but I went with Sprint because it's a little less expensive with similar coverage. Sprint is also non-GSM. I find that GSM signals tend not to penetrate well into big buildings, and I like having an operational phone while I'm at work.

I do use my old GSM phone overseas, and I like that. Sprint seems to try to nickel and dime me a lot, and I'm not impressed. I think I might try out Verizon or maybe I'll risk TMobile again now that I live in Los Angeles.


My advice would be to buy the phone after you get to school. You'll get an area code local to where you're going to school, and you can ask others what works well in your dorm and on campus and stuff like that before you buy into a plan.

 

[erikiksaz]

Why not wait until you get there to ask your hallmates? You'll be able to actually judge which service would be the best for your area.

 

[Merlyn3D]

In terms of cell service, since everyone on these forms concerns themselves with technology, you should know Sprint and Verizon use CDMA, which is vastly superior (technologically speaking) to GSM, which is used by Cingular and T-Mobile. CDMA provides better data rates, better upgradability, and better reception in a low signal area than GSM.

That said, where are you going to college? Different carriers have stronger coverage areas in different cities. It all depends. I would personally recommend you let us know where you want coverage, and also to take advantage of the 14-day (30 in CA) trial period so you can actually see if you like the coverage. Your own use is the best test, not anyone elses.

 

[BaboonGuy]

verizon coverage > cingular coverage
cingular phone selection > verizon phone selection

MAKE TIME NOW YOU

 

[calyco]

Best reception: Verizon
Best plans: T-Mobile

 

[Merlyn3D]

Again, I reiterate, don't be so quick to think Verizon's coverage is the best everywhere, that's not true, it's dependent on area. For instance, Verizon is the only carrier that has to roam in the Lake Tahoe area (on the California side) because until recently they weren't licensed for that area. If you want a better understanding of cell phones and services, go to www.howardforums.com and www.wirelessadvisor.com

 

[HiTek21]

I would get Cingular with rollover plan and a Treo 650 phone from amazon. Its $300 after Mail in rebate.

 

[necine]

I have verizon... Phone selection sucks, but the service is the best ur gonna find. It's also the most expensive.