original post here at MacRumors
Posted on 09/14/2014 10:43:02 PM PDT by This Just In
Good Evening,
So I've been considering this whole smartphone business. No, not the kind of business in which I design, produce, or sell smartphones. I'm referring to the whole smartphone culture. Or subculture, call it what you wish.
Yeah, I have a cellphone, but is it smart? No. Although I don't own a smartphone I know a little about it. After all, a lot of friends and family have smartphone. They ask you if YOU have a smartphone. And if you don't, some of them peer over their shoulders and shun you. Also, there are all those ads reminding you that you need one of those things. You know of what I speak. Those ads which try to convey the message, "You're just not hip if you don't own one of these." I've ignored em for years. I've never been into conformity or bowing to peer pressure. This is not to suggest that anyone who uses a smartphone has, but you know what I'm saying.
So I started to look into this. Why, you may ask? For this simple reason: The 'contract free' prepaid cell phones out there are not that reliable. I should know, I've been using em for years. So I'm figuring that an upgrade will surely enable me to enjoy a more reliable connection.
As I started surfing the net the first thing I discovered is that in order to first purchase a smartphone and contractual agreement you must first hand over every single piece of personal information you possess as well as your first born child. For goodness sakes, it's not as if I'm signing up to be a secret agent or something. What's wrong with a credit card?!
The second thing I discover on this quest is that most ppl on the net can't write worth a hill of beans. Which is why I'm here........writing to you. In order to save myself from the pain and misery of wading through site after site of poorly written "information" concerning my questions, I've decided to bypass all of that and rely on those tech savvy Freepers who'll be able to answer my questions, post sarcastic remarks, hurl insults, and truly provide an entertaining as well as highly educational thread.
So, without further ado, here are some of my questions:
What is "unlocked" and "SIM Free"?
Yes, yes, I know. These are simple little terms which I should know, and according to some of those sites I mentioned, I do know, but would someone explain this a bit clearer?
I'm not looking for the Ferrari of smartphones. The iPhone 5c is perfect. I have no interest in the fingerprint ID feature. As a matter of fact, I hate that feature, but hey. What ever floats ur boat. So my second questions is:
Does anyone have, or has used an iPhone 5c? If so, pros? Cons? Suggestions?
The final question, and I realize this depends on your location and where you travel.
Verizon or AT&T?
Frankly, I strongly dislike Verizon....for a multitude of reason, but they have the best coverage within the US.
What say you?
An unlocked phone can be used on any compatible network. Eg. you buy an unlocked phone and all you need to do is remove the SIM card from your old phone and put it in the new one. I’ve done this a few times.
If you get a smart phone, you’ll also need a data plan with your phone service company to make use of it.
We’ve had Verizon for over 10 years and had no problems with them at all. They give discounts for a large number of employers also, so if you are still working, check on that. I got 17.5% through my employer and now that I was laid off, we’re getting 15% through my husband’s.
I traveled pretty much all over the country for work and was rarely without a signal on my personal Verizon phone. The company issued Sprint phone was an entirely different story. In fact to use the Sprint phone at home I had to stand in my backyard.
Thanks, smokingfrog.
Do you have a provider pref.?
If you want a 5c, wait a few weeks until the iPhone 6 is out. You’ll see the prices drop a bit as people upgrade to the 6, and sell off their old phones.
I’m sorry to hear about your layoff, leapfrog0202. I hope you’ll find employment soon, if you haven’t already.
The only carriers I’ll consider are either Verizon or AT&T.
Excellent reminder, MrShoop. Thank you.
I’ve been using T-Mobile for years. No problem around town, but not so good out in the boonies. Most providers will have a place you can go on their website and check the coverage for your specific area.
If you think cell phone are cool, wait until you hear about the Internet! You can do searches on it and find out everything you need without embarrassing your self on FreeRepublic!
I’ve been looking at the coverage both nationally as well as internationally.
According to what I’ve read, Verizon has the best coverage nationally.
AT&T is pretty close, and their international coverage is great.
We live in the boonies, which is why my cell reception isn’t great. I’m hoping the upgrade will make a difference.
original post here at MacRumors
It’s not about being hip. Hipness kinda left the cell phone thing in the nineties. The thing with a smartphone is it’s a little computer that’s easy to keep in your pocket to do things with. Real life things.
Some apps I really use every day for real stuff:
- email
- contacts
- calendar, schedule and reminders.
- fitness and nutrition tracking
- live data from my weather station
- stopwatch and timer
- clock (haven’t worn a watch in years)
- tide and current charts
- nautical charts
- listen to music during workouts
- live stream talk radio
- camera (amazing how handy it is to always have a camera)
- maps and directions
- stock ticker and trading
I’d recommend rethinking the fingerprint reader. And go ahead and get the iPhone 6. Apple Pay is going to change the world. Far more secure than credit cards.
Oh yeah, and it’s a phone too. :-)
Virgin Mobile doesn’t use SIM card. Also no contract, but you can set up an automatic debit, which is what I do.
And from what I’ve discovered, ppl who can actually read a thread can save themselves the embarrassment of the dreaded, “Captain Obvious”, and, “Blithering Idiot” monikers. What a concept!
I believe it’s time for your mother to change your Depends and put you down for a nap now. You’re fussy.
Splendid, MrShoop.
CDMA vs. GSM: What’s the Difference?
Two basic technologies in mobile phones, CDMA and GSM represent a gap you can’t cross.
I’m moving backwards, I already keep my cell phone at home, and soon will be rid of it entirely.
Thanks, Ramius. I use an iPad as well an iPod for those you listed.
The iPhone 5c would be my go-to for calls, but not so much for the other apps.
I checked out the Apple Pay (That whole Apple Live was a mini-disaster). I’m taking a wait-and-see with that.
You have my deepest respect, ansel12. I salute you.
Excellent, smokingfrog. I started reading about that the other day, but this infor’s great.
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