Calling plans getting worse? Upgrade from 3360?

About two years ago my brother and I, totally green with not even a
pretense at any research or preparation, wandered into an ATT kiosk at
a Chicago area mall and got a nationwide calling plan, 500 anytime
minutes, unlimited nights/weekends, all for $35/mo. Contract period
1year, phone Nokia 3360.

The phone is beginning to feel heavy and with "number portability" and
increased competition etc., I thought surely there are better deals
now and I could get a better (=lighter) phone.

So here I am, better educated with consumer reports and gazillion web
sites, and I am researching and researching, and can't even find a plan
as good as mine let alone a better one! At ATT itself I'd get 200-300
minutes for the same money, ditto at Cingular and Verizon.

I could of course stay with my plan but then there is that heavy 3360.
ATT rep said I can get a new phone with two year contract. Doesn't seem
like a good deal.

Any suggestions? I don't think I'll find a better plan but what about
the phone? If I buy some phone on ebay, can I convert it to my number?
Which models for lighter weight and/or longer battery life?

AS LONG as you buy a phone off ebay that is a ATT PHONE and was previously
on the ATT NETWORK You will be okay, ATT doesnt activate cellphones from
other providers.

Nokia 1260
Nokia 3560
Motorola v60i

My recommendations..

Nokia 3560 is a nice phone color screen!


"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:230220041539114782%rps@null.void...
> About two years ago my brother and I, totally green with not even a
> pretense at any research or preparation, wandered into an ATT kiosk at
> a Chicago area mall and got a nationwide calling plan, 500 anytime
> minutes, unlimited nights/weekends, all for $35/mo. Contract period
> 1year, phone Nokia 3360.
>
> The phone is beginning to feel heavy and with "number portability" and
> increased competition etc., I thought surely there are better deals
> now and I could get a better (=lighter) phone.
>
> So here I am, better educated with consumer reports and gazillion web
> sites, and I am researching and researching, and can't even find a plan
> as good as mine let alone a better one! At ATT itself I'd get 200-300
> minutes for the same money, ditto at Cingular and Verizon.
>
> I could of course stay with my plan but then there is that heavy 3360.
> ATT rep said I can get a new phone with two year contract. Doesn't seem
> like a good deal.
>
> Any suggestions? I don't think I'll find a better plan but what about
> the phone? If I buy some phone on ebay, can I convert it to my number?
> Which models for lighter weight and/or longer battery life?

You do not have to change your rate plan if you buy a new phone or even if
you renew for 2 more years.

Bruce

"xw" <rblenkhorn.hatesspam@yourdaddy-adelphia.net> wrote in message
news:rs6dnYXS09tIHKfdRVn_iw@adelphia.com...
> AS LONG as you buy a phone off ebay that is a ATT PHONE and was previously
> on the ATT NETWORK You will be okay, ATT doesnt activate cellphones from
> other providers.
>
> Nokia 1260
> Nokia 3560
> Motorola v60i
>
> My recommendations..
>
> Nokia 3560 is a nice phone color screen!
>
>
> "RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
> news:230220041539114782%rps@null.void...
> > About two years ago my brother and I, totally green with not even a
> > pretense at any research or preparation, wandered into an ATT kiosk at
> > a Chicago area mall and got a nationwide calling plan, 500 anytime
> > minutes, unlimited nights/weekends, all for $35/mo. Contract period
> > 1year, phone Nokia 3360.
> >
> > The phone is beginning to feel heavy and with "number portability" and
> > increased competition etc., I thought surely there are better deals
> > now and I could get a better (=lighter) phone.
> >
> > So here I am, better educated with consumer reports and gazillion web
> > sites, and I am researching and researching, and can't even find a plan
> > as good as mine let alone a better one! At ATT itself I'd get 200-300
> > minutes for the same money, ditto at Cingular and Verizon.
> >
> > I could of course stay with my plan but then there is that heavy 3360.
> > ATT rep said I can get a new phone with two year contract. Doesn't seem
> > like a good deal.
> >
> > Any suggestions? I don't think I'll find a better plan but what about
> > the phone? If I buy some phone on ebay, can I convert it to my number?
> > Which models for lighter weight and/or longer battery life?
>
>

xw <rblenkhorn.hatesspam@yourdaddy-adelphia.net> wrote:

> AS LONG as you buy a phone off ebay that is a ATT PHONE and was
> previously on the ATT NETWORK You will be okay,

I am kind of "green" here. I'll make sure it is an ATT phone, but:

1. My present phone is TDMA, do I have to remain with a TDMA phone?

2. Once I receive the phone, how do I put my number in it? Do I have to
take it to ATT or is it something I can do myslef?

> Nokia 1260
> Nokia 3560
> Motorola v60i

There is also a 3360. Any opinion about that? It lacks color but seem
to hame considerably more talking mins than 3560.

Bruce <cellmanbruce@yahoo.com> wrote:

> You do not have to change your rate plan if you buy a new phone or
> even if you renew for 2 more years.

I understand. I would have been ok with one uear but two seem long to
me just to get a phone upgrade. Things are changing fast and right now
I am free to jump if a much better offer from somebody else comes
along. Will try to get a phone some other way, probably ebay.

xw <rblenkhorn.hatesspam@yourdaddy-adelphia.net> wrote:

> AS LONG as you buy a phone off ebay that is a ATT PHONE and
> was previously on the ATT NETWORK You will be okay,

Wait, this just caught my eye. Does it have to be a previously used
phone? Can't it be a new phone designed for ATT network?

Another thing is I travel and with security people extra paranoid
everywhere, I don't want a camera in my phone. So what are some of the
best ATT lighter-than-3360 phones without camera and with long battery
life?

Thanx.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:230220041809287134%rps@null.void...
| Bruce <cellmanbruce@yahoo.com> wrote:
|
| > You do not have to change your rate plan if you buy a new phone or
| > even if you renew for 2 more years.
|
| I understand. I would have been ok with one uear but two seem long to
| me just to get a phone upgrade. Things are changing fast and right now
| I am free to jump if a much better offer from somebody else comes
| along. Will try to get a phone some other way, probably ebay.

There is always the option of paying full retail price for the phone, and
you won't have to extend the contract. The reason for the contract extension
is because they are offering you the phone for free or at a reduced price.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:230220041816302477%rps@null.void...
> xw <rblenkhorn.hatesspam@yourdaddy-adelphia.net> wrote:
>
> > AS LONG as you buy a phone off ebay that is a ATT PHONE and
> > was previously on the ATT NETWORK You will be okay,
>
> Wait, this just caught my eye. Does it have to be a previously used
> phone? Can't it be a new phone designed for ATT network?
>
> Another thing is I travel and with security people extra paranoid
> everywhere, I don't want a camera in my phone. So what are some of the
> best ATT lighter-than-3360 phones without camera and with long battery
> life?
>
> Thanx.

Sure it doesn't have to be used. By the way there is so much talk about
unlocking phones. Well just because you unlock a phone to use it with
another carrier doesn't mean the carrier you want has to cooperate with you.

Anyway, about 2 weeks ago I was in the same boat. Just over a year ago I got
a 3360 with AT&T and finally realized I was old school carrying that around.
So I decided on the Motorola V60i. All you have to do is choose a phone and
go to the phone's manufacturer website and make sure it is TDMA. This way
you won't have to change your plan. The V60i comes in TDMA. I just emailed
sellers on Ebay and asked them to look under the battery. v60i (t) means
TDMA.

After the phone arrived, I called AT&T customer service and asked them how I
would go about getting it programmed. To my surprise he programmed it with
me right over the phone.


On Ebay they divide the phones by manufacturer then by carrier. So you can
click Motorola for example and then AT&T and then do a keyword search for
the model you want.
You just have to be a smart shopper. Look at the sellers feedback. If you
see that he has been selling lots of phones then this means he is getting
used phones somewhere and does not know their history. It's kind of like a
car, try to get one from an original owner.

http://electronics.listings.ebay.com...columnlayoutZ3

I would NOT lock yourself in for 2 years just to get the phone. That is too
long for a contract. That's excessive to me. I would never do it. Don't have
to when we have Ebay.

As far as battery life I don't think that is a brand/model issue. If you
need battery life then either make sure you are using a new battery which
holds a good long charge or buy an extended life batt.
I can't have a camera either. I often have to step onto military bases and
there are buildings where a camera phone is out. Plus many other places want
to ban them.

> 1. My present phone is TDMA, do I have to remain with a TDMA phone?


Yes you are on a TDMA network. That is the type of network the 3360 uses so
you must stay with that unless you want to change your plan. Which you said
you don't. Like if you bought a GSM phone. Then you would have to get a GSM
plan for GSM network.




"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:230220041807008259%rps@null.void...
> xw <rblenkhorn.hatesspam@yourdaddy-adelphia.net> wrote:
>
> > AS LONG as you buy a phone off ebay that is a ATT PHONE and was
> > previously on the ATT NETWORK You will be okay,
>
> I am kind of "green" here. I'll make sure it is an ATT phone, but:
>
> 1. My present phone is TDMA, do I have to remain with a TDMA phone?
>
> 2. Once I receive the phone, how do I put my number in it? Do I have to
> take it to ATT or is it something I can do myslef?
>
> > Nokia 1260
> > Nokia 3560
> > Motorola v60i
>
> There is also a 3360. Any opinion about that? It lacks color but seem
> to hame considerably more talking mins than 3560.

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message news:230220041807008259%rps@null.void...
> xw <rblenkhorn.hatesspam@yourdaddy-adelphia.net> wrote:
>
> > AS LONG as you buy a phone off ebay that is a ATT PHONE and
> > was previously on the ATT NETWORK You will be okay,
>
> I am kind of "green" here. I'll make sure it is an ATT phone, but:
>
> 1. My present phone is TDMA, do I have to remain with a TDMA phone?
>
Yes. Only a TDMA phone will work with a TDMA plan.

> 2. Once I receive the phone, how do I put my number in it? Do I have
> to take it to ATT or is it something I can do myslef?
>
Go here: http://groups.google.com/advanced_group_search
and search for AT&T 888 "ESN change".

> > Nokia 1260
> > Nokia 3560
> > Motorola v60i
>
> There is also a 3360. Any opinion about that? It lacks color but
> seem to hame considerably more talking mins than 3560.
>
I thought you said you already had a 3360. I had one and liked it
pretty well, but I upgraded to a used 6360 purchased through eBay
to get more phone book entries and some other features. It has IR,
like the 3360. I used the automated ESN change number.

L David Matheny <ldmnews1@netassoc.net> wrote:

> I thought you said you already had a 3360. I had one and liked it
> pretty well, but I upgraded to a used 6360 purchased through eBay
> to get more phone book entries and some other features. It has IR,
> like the 3360. I used the automated ESN change number.

Typo, yes I already have 3360, I meant 6360! What would be a fair ebay
price for a used 6360?

On Mon, 23 Feb 2004 21:35:23 GMT, RPS <rps@null.void> wrote:

>Any suggestions? I don't think I'll find a better plan but what about
>the phone? If I buy some phone on ebay, can I convert it to my number?
>Which models for lighter weight and/or longer battery life?

You can buy a phone on ebay, but you have to be sure that it was used
on the AT&T network. Since you have TDMA the ESN must be in AT&T's
database or they won't allow it on their network.

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On Tue, 24 Feb 2004 00:03:12 GMT, RPS <rps@null.void> wrote:

>1. My present phone is TDMA, do I have to remain with a TDMA phone?

You don't *have* to stay with TDMA, but from what I've read the GSM
network isn't quite yet as developed as the TDMA/AMPS network
>
>2. Once I receive the phone, how do I put my number in it? Do I have to
>take it to ATT or is it something I can do myslef?

You have to call AT&T customer care and tell them that you want to
activate a new phone and give them the ESN of your new phone (located
under the battery on a label.)

>> Nokia 1260
>> Nokia 3560
>> Motorola v60i
>
>There is also a 3360. Any opinion about that? It lacks color but seem
>to hame considerably more talking mins than 3560.

Just a guess, but I think the color phones may draw more battery power
than the monochrome LCD models.

The 3360 is a nice little no frills candy bar style phone.
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remove NONO from .NONOcom to reply

Verizon has the largest network so you will always pay a little bit more
for that service. You can now pay $39.99 for 400 minutes and unlimited
in-network calls, with unlimited n&w. That's a deal in today's market.
The older/lower plans are cheap but don't offer many included minutes,
such as the 200-300 minute plan you quoted.

Here's my thoughts on everything:

AT&T has the honor of having the highest complaint rate to the FCC, as
well as some of the worst coverage in many areas. (Although some areas are
fine.) Now that they have joined with Cingular, they have the largest
customer base, but still lack coverage in the same areas as before.
Now that LNP is in place, Cingular and AT&T are losing more customers
than they gain. VZW is gaining 5 customers for every 1 they lose. That
should tell you something about the reputation of the companies. If you go
with the biggest and the best, you won't be sorry.
I live in Western New York (between Rochester and Buffalo) and use VZW
because none other provides service! For many people, VZW is the only
option.

__________________________________________________ ________________

"RPS" <rps@null.void> wrote in message
news:230220041539114782%rps@null.void...
> About two years ago my brother and I, totally green with not even a
> pretense at any research or preparation, wandered into an ATT kiosk at
> a Chicago area mall and got a nationwide calling plan, 500 anytime
> minutes, unlimited nights/weekends, all for $35/mo. Contract period
> 1year, phone Nokia 3360.
>
> The phone is beginning to feel heavy and with "number portability" and
> increased competition etc., I thought surely there are better deals
> now and I could get a better (=lighter) phone.
>
> So here I am, better educated with consumer reports and gazillion web
> sites, and I am researching and researching, and can't even find a plan
> as good as mine let alone a better one! At ATT itself I'd get 200-300
> minutes for the same money, ditto at Cingular and Verizon.
>
> I could of course stay with my plan but then there is that heavy 3360.
> ATT rep said I can get a new phone with two year contract. Doesn't seem
> like a good deal.
>
> Any suggestions? I don't think I'll find a better plan but what about
> the phone? If I buy some phone on ebay, can I convert it to my number?
> Which models for lighter weight and/or longer battery life?

Joseph <JoeOfSeattle@yahoo.NONOcom> wrote:

> The 3360 is a nice little no frills candy bar style phone.

Sorry I meant 6360. I already have 3360 that I am trying to upgrade
from.