Which cheap used Droid phone for playing with?

[mikeford]

I'm a ultra cheap prepaid Tmobile user with zero plan or plans to use a phone to surf or even make phone calls (I might pop my simm in to try it out), mostly I want a palm sized android device to play around with and use via wifi around the house etc.

As long as I can shut off the "cell" use and go strictly wifi, I think even non unlocked is ok.

Cheap and droid functions, with maybe enough smarts to read 2d bar code things.

Target price $50 to $75 unless something is really nice close to the range.

Suggestions? Thanks.

 

[Puddle Jumper]

One of the GSM Samsung Galaxy S variants would probably be you best bet (Captivate, Vibrant, Galaxy S 4g). I know the Captivate still has great support for developers and can easily be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich but I'm not sure if the other two are as well supported or not.

 

[Mopetar]

Unless there's some particular reason you wanted/needed a phone, you could look at getting a Samsung Galaxy Player or a similar device from some other company (I know Archos has made several for a long while now) that makes Android PMPs. Basically they're to Android phones what the iPod Touch is to the iPhone. Would be perfect for your needs and might be cheaper than getting a phone.

 

[AstroManLuca]

One of the GSM Samsung Galaxy S variants would probably be you best bet (Captivate, Vibrant, Galaxy S 4g). I know the Captivate still has great support for developers and can easily be upgraded to Ice Cream Sandwich but I'm not sure if the other two are as well supported or not.

It shouldn't even matter whether he gets GSM or CDMA if he won't be using it for cell service or anything. In that case I would look at used Sprint phones - they tend to be cheaper since you can't bring them to any other prepaid service.

 

[shortylickens]

50-75 dollars wont get you much, even used. I got a used Atrix 2 from Amazon for about 150 and am quite happy with it.

 

[mikeford]

WIFI connectivity and if its possible DLNA.

We still have and actively use an Archos recorder 20 running jukebox with an upgraded 80 GB drive, so kind of have a soft spot for the brand. Not many devices still working as intended that many years later.

I will check out the suggestions, thanks.

 

[AstroManLuca]

50-75 dollars wont get you much, even used. I got a used Atrix 2 from Amazon for about 150 and am quite happy with it.

Yeah I was going to say, a while ago I was looking at super cheap T-Mobile phones to put on their $30 prepaid plans and the only one in the $50 range was the G1. Which is ancient and underpowered, although it is kinda cool.

Honestly the Player is a really good deal; it's only $220 brand new and can be found for around $160 on eBay. And it's better than any phone you can get for the same price.

 

[mikeford]

Yup, I looked and nothing that isn't broken in a Samsung Captivate for less than $150+.

Actual huge cost of most plans drives the price up like crazy for used unlocked phones.

OTOH I am in no hurry, got a load to do this summer, so I can wait for deal later on.

 

[aswedc]

Lots of 2010/early 2011 phones can be had for that price. All you have to do is type phone name + "bad esn" and watch the prices go down. Should be able to grab the Verizon version of the Captivate (the Fascinate) for $70 in good condition.

 

[wirednuts]

droid x's go for about $100 and the x2's for $150 in like new condition

 

[QueBert]

Lots of 2010/early 2011 phones can be had for that price. All you have to do is type phone name + "bad esn" and watch the prices go down. Should be able to grab the Verizon version of the Captivate (the Fascinate) for $70 in good condition.

Not as true as in the past since bad esn's can be easily flashed to work on MetroPCS or Cricket. There's almost no price difference around where I live on CL for most phones regardless of bad ESN or not. I'd recommend an EVO.