Recommendation for basic phone w/ excellent reception/battery life

Have been a Verizon customer since they bought out Ameritech, yea, back when I had a bag phone

I've had my current LG 510 cell phone since ~2002, and altho' IMHO its been a great phone, its reached its last legs. I must confess that I have more than a few occasions dropped it, testing the effects of gravity upon it as it collides with pavement, concrete, rocks, etc.

Also, as I travel quite a bit, due to work & play, and am often in rural areas [camping, caving, rafting, hiking, bike riding, etc.], I am in need of a cell phone that has excellent reception, with great battery life.

I do not really have strong needs for the extras, such as browsers, cameras, music, etc. - sure, would be nice but as long as such did not interefere with the overall reception and battery issues.

Only other requirement is that it be a flip phone, easily transportable in pockets, etc. From my basic research so far, a tri-mode phone is best for receptions, esp. in rural areas where only analog may be available; so, have been looking at the LG5300 and the Samsung A870, as they are two of the better recommended tri-modes via Verizon.

Any comments/recommendations on these two and/or any others are greatly appreciated! Thanks!

LG VX5300 would be an ideal replacement for you. Check it out at your local Verizon store.

However, you need to know that as of February 2008 there will be no more Analog towers anywhere on Verizon's network. Your current tri-mode phone will still work fine on the all-digital network.

paulcman - thanks for the reply. Yes, have heard that the analog system was going away. Per my history and nature, I don't usually change phones as often as some may, so most likely whichever phone I choose now will probably be in my hands for quite some time. So, I would like to get something that is reliable, along w/ having excellent reception and battery life. With that said, would the 5300 be that great down the long haul? Have read posts here and a few reports elsewhere that recommend to stay away from the lower-end, cheaper series; to instead opt for the 8600 and higher models. However,,, will those have the reception in the rural areas that I need?

With that said, when the analog towers go away, are there plans to replace them w/ digital, or ...?

To answer the more pressing question first; Verizon is dedicated and driven to increase the strength and coverage of the digital signal on the network. To that end, as the analog towers go away, they are replaced by digital towers. Likewise, in many areas that have long been known for poor coverage, towers are being introduced to fix that. I also believe that Verizon is striving to eliminate the need for roaming agreements with competitors like Alltel and US Cellular. It needs to be noted that Verizon spends more than $5 Billion a year to improve the network. This is up to 10x more than any other provider puts in. Further proof that Verizon is always working for you.

Ok, advertisement over...

The LG VX5300 is by no means a "low end" phone. In fact, it is one of the best, "no frills" phones offered. It does have a camera and pix/txt capabilities, along with GIN. You will be very satisfied with it. however, if you feel like you might want to take advantage of the MP3 player that many higher end phones include, than I might suggest the 8300 or even the 8700. For the "long haul" these are my best recommendations.

8300 rocks great battery and reception

Thanks to all - have looked on line and at the stores quite a bit, and am at this time seriously considering the 8300. The Verizon web site and stores have buy one get one free, coupled with the $50 rebate on the $99 upfront cost, can get both phones then for $50. Have been able to upgrade since 2004...

One concern is that we have an 'ancient' plan, where we spend ~$63 [55+7] per month for 300 minutes. There are roaming charges, but we don't use the phones if the roaming symbol is showing. We are not heavy users - monthly ave is only ~225 minutes. Stinks that the cheapest multi-user plan is $69, but get almost 500 more minutes than what we need/currently use. From what I understand, we may be able to keep our current plan,,, maybe, and if such is most cost effective. Yea, its only ~$10 more a month, but heck! that's an extra pizza a month, or ~35 gallons of gas a year!!!

Ok, just being silly...

Oh, the woman found at W-mart that they are selling this phone for $15 each - but, would have to do a plan, which would be the above. Don't really understand how W-mart can sell this same phone that much under what Verizon is going for. There might be an activation fee via W-mart, or not...

Any thoughts, ideas, beers to help are appreciated. Thanks!

ok,,, scratch all that above!!! Well, most of it anyhow. Have spent the past hour on the phone w/ a very cool and helpful lady - have got a 500 minute plan for $60 for two lines, and then both phones [8300] for,,, free! Shall be in my happy hands, shipped,,, for free!,,, by this Friday. Very pleased [at this time at least] Verizon customer. Tried to call back to talk w/ her manager to express my thanks, but got routed to different area, and the helpful lady there couldn't find her in the email system. Oh well - will try again tomorrow. Again, thanks all!

Glad that it all worked out Shadow! Let us know how you like the phones.