Where should I get a new cellphone?

[radhak]

So after months of sitting on the fence, have got to (ie, SWMBO is now pissed ) move on changing from Cingular to Verizon.

Have yet to decide which phone : have done some research, and the shortlist is the usual suspects - the Razr / Krzr, the Chocolate, the nV, the 8300, etc (most seen on this page ).

The real question is, where should I buy it? On the internet, most of these phones seem free or close to it, as I will need the contract too. But saw yesterday that BJs has some nice deals too - the Razr for $9.99 (after m-i-r); of course the others at higher, around $60-$80 for the phone.

We will need two phones - so the $ savings is a real temptation. But how are the internet options for returns for lemons, etc? BJs offers a 45 day no-questions asked return (and contract cancellation too). And I dunno if I can get one of those 'insurance/warantee' on the phone on the 'net either. (always thought it'd be cool to get that, seeing phones are not that sturdy these days).


Any comments?

[BigguyZ]

I haven't looked for Verizon, but when doing my research for a new Sprint phone, I found that most B&M stores had instand rebates available. To me, that's the biggest issue. I've had $200 rebates that I haven't sent in...

[radhak]

I haven't looked for Verizon, but when doing my research for a new Sprint phone, I found that most B&M stores had instand rebates available. To me, that's the biggest issue. I've had $200 rebates that I haven't sent in...

And that's the other thing - internet 'free' also means 'after mail-in-rebates'. how good are they - particularly for cell phones?

[ironhat]

I haven't looked for Verizon, but when doing my research for a new Sprint phone, I found that most B&M stores had instand rebates available. To me, that's the biggest issue. I've had $200 rebates that I haven't sent in...

I know that I'm going to feel stupid when you answer this but what are B&M stores?

[scorrpio]

Brick & Mortar - as in an actual building you can walk into.

Whichever you get, be sure it supports VZ Navigator - a REAL nifty feature.

[radhak]

VZ Navigator - is that like a GPS?

[Tequila]

Whichever you get, be sure it supports VZ Navigator - a REAL nifty feature.

VZ Navigator - is that like a GPS?

Yep. $10/month or $4/daily use. I haven't tried it yet because The $5 wireless web package works just fine with Google maps, provided you know where you are.

I'm lucky enough to work for a big company that has negotiated corporate discounts with wireless carriers. You should look around and see if any organization you belong to (work, school, military, etc) offers discounts on the monthly plan. In the long run, that can save you even more money than shopping around for a good phone rebate.

LOML and I switched from Cingular to Verizon earlier this year. She got the Samsung Sch-u740, because she does a lot of texting. She loves it, but I can't stand the tiny keyboard. I got the LG VX8700. I'm pleased with it, but find that the volume can be a little too quiet in some situations.

Consider whether you want a 2 year or 1 year contract. If you're planning to sick with Verizon for a while, you'll save $$ by signing up for 2 years. I personally prefer the 1 year contract because, even though it's a little more money up front, I can jump to another carrier next year and get a brand new phone.

[JTimmons]

The real question is, where should I buy it? On the internet, most of these phones seem free or close to it, as I will need the contract too. But saw yesterday that BJs has some nice deals too - the Razr for $9.99 (after m-i-r); of course the others at higher, around $60-$80 for the phone.

We will need two phones - so the $ savings is a real temptation. But how are the internet options for returns for lemons, etc? BJs offers a 45 day no-questions asked return (and contract cancellation too). And I dunno if I can get one of those 'insurance/warantee' on the phone on the 'net either. (always thought it'd be cool to get that, seeing phones are not that sturdy these days).


Any comments?

I used to work for a cell phone company for a few years. The better deals are often found at authorized dealers, I assume BJs is one. They often get the equipment at cheaper prices than the providers do and can go lower. As far as returns go, neither the dealers or providers are really good about taking them back if they should go bad. Providers often want to send them back for repairs.
I think most of the providers offer insurance on them, I think I pay an extra $2 a month for mine, something happens to it, I pay a $50 deductible and get another one. I figure if something goes wrong I'll call the insurance company and I say I dropped it in the turlet and get another one. (they ain't gonna ask me to take it in for repairs).

[scorrpio]

VZ Navigator is a GPS with full voice directions as you drive. $3 for a 24 hour subscription is perfect for those who need it rather occasionally. Google maps is nice, but can't hold a candle to VZN. Especially (!) when you are lost and have not the slightest idea where you are. You just fire it up, punch in an address, and it guides you. Need a nearest gas station? Or a restaurant? Just say so.
My phone is an LG VX9800 (the V). I know one thing: I'll never go back to a phone without a full keyboard.

[cabinetman]

I've been with the same service since 1988 when my first cellphone was the brick. It used to be BellSouth Mobility, then Cingular. We are still with AT&T on a package deal with our landline and Direct TV. We deal with the providers' store and have had good luck with prices and service. We have a family plan of the second and third phone for $10 each. So we have three separate accounts with three numbers.