need cheap cell phone as replacement

[rh71]

My grandfather lost his cell phone that came with a contract with MCI. Now he just needs any $50-$100 digital-capable phone to use as a replacement. I've looked in a ton of places and most only sell with a contract. Where can I get a phone without a contract?! Thanks!

[Ed_S]

Have you checked with MCI? Most of those contracts include insurance. Maybe they'll supply one.

[Richard_Cranium72]

Truck stops sell them with pre-paid time.

Then you contract or buy more spot time.

[RobRich]

Is the original contract term still in effect? If so, then I would recommend going through MCI to obtain a new phone. Most services use a specifically encoded PROM inside of their phones, meaning their will only work with their service. Several forms of digital are also available. You will need to verify through MCI the type fo standard being utilized in your area.

I the contract time has expired but he has continued with MCI service, then a change in service providers may prove viable. For a new service, I generally recommend Sprint PCS. PCS requires no contract, any deposists are waived assuming one has decent credit, and you can obtain PCS service through any Radio Shack. Sprint commonly specials the Qualcomm 2760 dual-band digital phone for $80-100. I've been carrying this model phone for several months and have no major complaints to note.

Good Luck,
Robert Richmond

[rh71]

thanx for the advice guys. I'll have to re-check with MCI about obtaining a new phone thru them. The 1-yr contract is up May 2001. We asked and they said any digital-capable phone will work on their network. I have SprintPCS as my provider and they're great for me as well. But he went ahead with MCI for some odd reason... can't get out of it till May. Until then, I am stuck looking for a solution for him.

I'll have to look at BestBuy when I have the time as well.

[socalgal]

Also, check his MCI contract to be sure your grandfather didn't contract for insurance or a damage/loss/replacement warrantee. He may have a free replacement coming.

[Mark@TheZone]

AT&T Wireless stores are selling a small (4") flip=phone for $59. I have a pre-paid plan where I just purchase in advance the # of minutes I'll need.No long distance fees,roaming charges,contracts,monthly bills, or credit checks.You actually don't even have to give them your name to activate the phone,just purchase a minutes card. I use this deal and like it. Mark.

[rh71]

called back MCI and bargained for the same Nokia 5185 phone for $125, no tax/shipping.

Was the best available deal.
Thanks for all your help guys.

[Techie Dude]

I think there`s still a lesson to be learned here!

If you get a cellphone, always take out the insurance! I`m not sure how much it over there, but over here it`s only abour £3 a month!

I think it`s worth it, I`ve had 2 stolen, and 3 that just died on me. They sent me new cells for free!

TD.

[JayMan]

alternatively don't take out insurance and just look after your phone! hehe and as for them breaking down, make sure ya get a good warentee with them. I have had 3 ericssons, a GA 628, never had a prob with it, still works fine now; a T10, had a alittle prob with the battery connections, got a free replacement from ericsson, still works fine now; and now i have a T28, great phone and havent had a single problem with it! Ericsson offer a world wide 30day replacement warentee of any deffective phone of theirs, provided its within 30days of purchase and it hasn't been repaired or anything by anybody but ericsson they will replace the phone for free. BTW nokia phones have more radiation than ericssons hehe can you tell i like ericsson better than nokia?

JayMan

[rh71]

I have a Nokia 6185 and since I've heard about the higher radiation levels, I've gotten a headset with it... $40 - as a gift. Some expensive single earplug/mic headset, let me tell ya.

But I'd never take insurance out on these things since I keep it with me or on me at all times.

My grandfather... who knows how he lost it...