vB Easy Archive - Best Cingular phone? (Newbie)

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Best Cingular phone? (Newbie)
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Posted by: _david

Hi,

I currently have Sprint and just switched to Verizon. However, the Verizon service is not as good as I was expecting. So, I am thinking about canceling the Verizon service and going to Cingular.

The Verizon phone I have now is the Moto V710. It is a Tri-Mode phone (CDMA + AMPS ) on a calling plan with no roaming fees.

If I stay with Verizon, I may get a PDA phone, though... No Internet service, as I can not afford it. Just for the PDA functionality.

So my question is:.......

If I go to Cingular what are the best phones?

RF and Audio quality are more important than a fancy camera or MP3 player. Bluetooth would be nice.

What is the best normal phone?
What is the best PalmOS/WindowsCE PDA phone?

How do GSM phones work with roaming? Can they roam on to AMPS or CDMA networks? What should I look for in a GSM phone to insure the best coverage?

Thanks,
David

Posted by: cellmet

The Moto v551 sounds like it would suit you well. Good rf/audio, bluetooth, edge, decent camera. It is wise to go with a phone that supports both 850mhz & 1900mhz GSM. As far as coverage, the real advantage Verizon has compared to Cingular is the ability to roam analog...there are still a few of those areas. If you pull up Verizon's America's Choice map, and Cingular's Nation map, coverage is pretty equal (just a slight advantage on Verizon). Cingular phones are GSM only, and cannot roam amps or cdma. As far as PDA phones go, I have never used them, and cannot be of much help there. Maybe someone else can give their input. As far as the v551 goes, it is my primary phone and it has been good. No problems, seems pretty sturdy. Of course I'm a phone junkie and am always looking for something new. A lot will also tell you the Nokias are good for rf and audio. I however have not used a Nokia for a few years, and cannot offer any input on the current lineup. Hope I was of some help to you.

Posted by: Serifan

Location, location, location...

Posted by: WirelessAndy

David,

Welcome to the Cingular HowardForums. You've asked many questions...

First off, you're going to get many, many opinions on what phone is best. "My NokiMotoSung 3000GTI pwnz u w00t uber 1337!" Ignore them. What is best will be very different than what is best for YOU.

You've indicated RF/audio quality are important. Bluetooth is nice, other bells and whistles are optional. That's good. I'm in the same boat.

Some questions for you:
1) Do you prefer candybar-shaped phones, or clamshell phones?
2) Where do you live? This will determine what Cingular band is likely to be prevalent in your area (more on that later).

As for roaming: All phones on Cingular's current lineup is GSM-only, at least where I am (California). The standard GSM frequency bands are 850 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 1900 MHz. In the United States, we use 850/1900. All Cingular phones today carry a minimum of those two. Don't be fooled by those who may try to talk you into a phone you don't need with talk of "tri-band" or "quad-band" phones having "better reception" where you are. We simply don't use 900/1800 in the United States unless you go travelling outside the borders (overseas). Having a triband or quadband phone is handy, because you just never know if/when you might travel.

You may be tempted to get an unbranded GSM phone... but it may not have the 850 MHz band. Check the specs carefully, and make sure the area you live in can do without the 850 band if you go with Cingular.

The good thing with GSM phones is the SIM card: You can simply pop your SIM into another GSM phone (assuming it's unlocked) and away you go.

Folks around here seem to enjoy the Nokia 6230b for good solid RF/audio quality. Has bluetooth and a camera to boot, plus other features (memory card storage). The Nokia 6010 is a favorite for a basic phone with good RF/audio.

For smartphones, Cingular carries the Treo 650 for PalmOS, the Siemens SX66 slider for PocketPC platforms. Also consider the Audiovox SMT5600 for a compact Smartphone OS (Windows). You'll find varying opinions on all of them.

Cingular also carries two different Blackberry models, if push-email is your game, both without cameras but have bluetooth.

Keep asking questions, and don't be afraid to ask the dumb ones.

Posted by: bsippl

Like WirelessAndy said the Nokia 6230 is pretty popular and not too expensive. Nokia phones usually have a good reception and audio quality, so you shouldn't have a problem with it.

Posted by: Serifan

One point of note: both Cingular and VZW require that you add a data plan if you purchase a PDA/Blackberry device. With Cingular, it's $44.99 with a voice plan; VZW now bundles their data and voice plans.

Posted by: ivwshane

If you are looking for a phone with good rf performance and pda functionality you can't go wrong with the 6620. It's not the prettiest phone but it will do everything you want it to do. On top of that the data plans are much cheaper on that device as opposed to something like the treo, $19 compared to $40 for unlimited data.

But if you prefer flip phones then your only option is the moto mpx220.

I suggest checking out the various sub forums on hofo and reading some of the posts regarding your phone choices (info for the nokia 6620 can be found in the symbian forum).

Posted by: _david

Thanks for the tips so far.

To answer your questions:

OK, I live in New York state about 30 miles northwest of NYC. I do sometimes travel out-of-state and to rural areas. I also may travel to Europe for a few days later this year.

I do like the clamshell design, but absolutely nessary.

Does Cingular have any phones that use a Free/Open Source operating system? There are a few small things about my current v710 that really bug me, and I wish I could change...

Re: Roaming

Does Cingular charge for roaming? Or does this not matter since most other USA carriers are CDMA/AMPS?

Thanks,

David

Posted by: Serifan

Quote:

Originally Posted by _david

I live in New York state about 30 miles northwest of NYC.

Serioulsy David, we're not coming to visit. Giving your location isn't like revealing a secret identity. I live in NYC (the Bronx to be exact), and last I checked New York State is rather large, so exactly where in the state do you live? I ask because that would help us determine what service is like in your area, especially since you said that your current service provider isn't up to snuff.

Posted by: _david

Quote:

Originally Posted by iGambit

Like I said, I about 30 miles northwest of NYC. The city is Mosney. I suspect that most here have not heard of that town by name. Perhapse I was wrong.

Posted by: WirelessAndy

David of Mosney,

If you go Cingular, you'll share ("roam") only with other GSM carriers such as T-Mobile. there is no CDMA/AMPS roaming.

Oh, forgot to mention about those Blackberry data plans. Yeah, they're pricey. Of course, you could always opt NOT to get a data plan and have a waffle-shaped phone without push email. Don't laugh- my brother in-law inherited my old Blackberry 6280 and didn't get a data plan. It became an organizer that happened to have a phone built in.

As for "free/open" operating systems... well, there are some adventerous types here that like to edit certain aspects of their Motorola phones, but it's not exactly something I condone. Or maybe it's because I'm a big fumbling idiot and has no patience. But it's possible, if you're into editing bits of hex code.

There ARE many interesting Symbian apps for phones like the Nokia 6620, and hopefully, the upcoming 668x. Same goes for the Treo and MS Smartphones like the SMT5600 and MPx220. But I suspect you're thinking about something more in-depth.

Posted by: Serifan

Quote:

Originally Posted by _david

The city is Mosney.

I was at retreat/conference in Tarrytown recently (last week to be exact). I also visted a friend in Nyack and one in Rockland County, which probably isn't too far from where you live. I didn't use my phone much, so it's hard to give you any anecdotal stories on how the service might be in your area. Anyway, I have heard of Monsey, NY.

Edit: I hope I spelled it correctly and we're talking about the same town.

Posted by: FrstdOne

David - I live in Nanuet - my experience has been that Cingular's coverage in Rockland and Orange is equal to if not better than Verizon's and substantially better than Sprint and T-Mobile. I use the Razr which has outstanding RF and a good friend of mine uses an LG without any problems either. LG's by the way, are not known for great RF.

Posted by: formercanuck

Best 'Normal' phone - (possibly best RF anyways!) with a lot of features, but doesn't look fancy - Nokia 6230.

Bluetooth, camera, FM radio(I think), Class 10 EDGE (if you decide to get web). Nokia's are typically great for RF, and battery life.
Downside - phone looks like a bar, small display, isn't a flip phone.

Best yet - check out www.phonescoop.com and see what many have to say about different phones.

Posted by: 2000xp8

IMO whatever you do, get a nokia, the battery times are much better.

I use the 6620, as said above it's not the prettiest thing out there, but i love it, it's the only phone i've liked since the 6340i.
Tv, movies, videos, whatever you like can be done with it (not that i know how though).

Posted by: mblphnlvr

I have had a wonderful experience with the Motorola MPx220. Several people will dog it, but most probobly haven't tried it. This phone was one of my favorites so far because you could change so much about the operating system. It is also a quadband so it will work anywhere that has GSM service.

I think that you should give it a try.

Good Luck!!

Posted by: what_up

Razr, is still, the best phone from Cingular just for the fact that it gets best reception of any phones. This phone works like a charm everywhere you go. No dropped calls.