Is a Lumia 520 appropriate for simply using as a phone?

I build and troubleshoot computers. However, I am a complete Luddite when it comes to cell phones. I carry around a cheap $20 TracFone for emergency use and the occasional text.

I'm trying to help a very close internet friend with her cell phone issues. She is 89 years old and while she lives in a very nice community, has absolutely no one to help her out. She has TW cable, internet and phone service. But her phone kept cutting out on her and TW was unable to resolve the issue. So, she got rid of her land line and is trying to use a cell phone as her main phone service. She has an inexpensive phone from T-Mobil and is also trying out a Gusto 2 from Verizon. She is still having issues with words and sentences cutting out and was advised that a more expensive/better phone might get better reception.

Microsoft has the unlocked Nokia Lumia 520 for $99 and will be cutting the price for Black Friday. My question is if this smart phone is appropriate for someone who simply wants to use it as a plain old phone... the internet is not of particular interest to her unless she might send herself a photo or something. She may be 89, but is a curious and feisty individual who is currently running Windows 8.1 on her computer. She loves Windows 8 and I don't think she would have a horrible time learning Windows Phone 8.

This is supposed to be a great phone, but I just don't know if it's something that would work in her situation. Any help for me out there? Thanks!!

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Honestly I wouldn't give a smartphone to an 89 year old. The reception has more to do with the closest tower. If anything I would spend the money on a cell phone signal amplifier.

sent from my phone

I'm sure she wouldn't have any problems figuring it out - she took to Windows 8 like a duck to water. But I didn't know there was such a thing as a cell phone amplifier. I will definitely check into it. Thank you for your reply!

Do you see a difference in signal reception between the t-mobile and verizon phones? I ask because you can't use the Lumia you mentioned on Verizon, and if t-mobile is getting a bad signal, it will likely still have a bad signal even with the Lumia. I could be wrong though. If you have another phone handy I would check the signals on that phone too.

This is the booster I was referring to: Amazon.com: zBoost YX545 SOHO Dual-Band Cell Phone Signal Booster for Home and Office up to 2,500 sq. ft. of Coverage: Cell Phones & Accessories

Right now she has two phones and services overlapping... T-Mobil and Verizon, both pre-paid services. One of her problems with Verizon is that she is getting one story from one tech at Verizon and another story from another tech at Verizon. My research on this phone indicated that Verizon does not support the Lumia. But a Verizon tech told her they did. It's been extremely frustrating for her especially since she has no one to help her puzzle out just what the issue is. I'm going to have her try the T-Mobil phone again and see if she can't get adequate reception with it. I think that one was dropping in and out too. That's the exact booster I was looking at too... unfortunately, it's most likely out of her budget. But I'm glad to see that you like that one. If she has to go that route, it will definitely be a consideration.

What is your opinion of one tech's advice to her that a better phone will probably have better reception?

I am not a big fan of smartphones, fact. I am not a big fan of Windows 8, fact. So why would I buy a device that falls at the crossroads between these two facts? The answer is simple. Technological exploration, cheap price, and Nokia.

I have always loved the way Nokia did their hardware and software. They knew how to please the user, by providing elegant devices coupled with an intuitive presentation layer. You never needed a manual when using a Nokia phone, and this has remained true even as the company started its almost tumble down the market slope. So I figured me testing out one of their latest devices is about as revolutionary as it gets

From what I've seen, Windows Phone is by far better than Android or Apple's IOS for use by an elderly person who just wants to make phone calls. Windows Phone's live tile interface lets a friend customize the elderly person's phone so that it has big, easy-to-see, easy-to-press tiles for each of the person's friends and family right on the main screen. They can even put a picture of each person on the tile. You can't get much easier than that.

I agree... Plus this individual is already completely familiar with Windows 8.1. She ended up going another route, but tried out the Lumia at the T-Mobil store and really liked it.

Good to hear that. She can still use smart phone at her age!

Yes, Nokia Lumia is a good choice for simply using.