GSM Phone with the best signal

[drift08]

I am looking for a basic flip or slide phone for my uncle, which uses AT&T. Here are the spec.

-Unlocked flip or slide phone w/ both front and main screens
-Tri or quad band (preferably quad)
-bluetooth
-camera (1+ mp)
-Able to disable internet (no data plan)
-easy on the eye (large text and buttons)
-durable
-strong battery life (24+ hrs)

The main problem is the bad signal within his area. Below are the phones I tested in his house/area.

iPhone 4 - 1 bar
Motorola Milestone - 1-2 bars
Samsung GT-S5230 - 1-3 bars
Samsun C3050 - 1-2 bars

He is currently using Samsung A707, which has full signal. However, the hinge is breaking apart very very fast. I brought two different phones to replace the semi-broken Samsung A707 but ended up returning both of them

1. Samsung A777 - Full signal but unable to disable internet on the phone. My uncle accidentally hit the main center button various times within the first couple hours of usage. Ended up returning the phone.

2. Nokia 6085 - Returned due to no signal in the house and the area.

I am running out of phone to replace his current phone. I appriecate any suggestions that would work in my situation. Thank you all in advance.

[Baldilocks]

That's a hard question to answer. Have you tried finding like new A707's on eBay?

[Adyhooper]

That's a hard question to answer. Have you tried finding like new A707's on eBay?

I have tried to find New Samsung A707 on eBay but I could not find it because this phone is not available on eBuy. Buy the the Nokia and Samsung both are best brand which are properly work with the GSM network.

[LouisR]

Maybe a Samsung Rugby? I've barely seen one up close, but I get the impression it might fit the bill.

Also, if your uncle doesn't use MMS, you could disable the internet access completely by removing the APN settings from the phone.

[drift08]

Maybe a Samsung Rugby? I've barely seen one up close, but I get the impression it might fit the bill.

Also, if your uncle doesn't use MMS, you could disable the internet access completely by removing the APN settings from the phone.

The Samsung Rugby is too expensive for him. His budget is around 70 dollars. As for removing the APN settings, I tried that when I first got Samsung A777. It doesn't let me remove the APN, I was able to edit it but no matter whatever I enter for the APN setting, it can still go online. That's why I returned it.

[Baldilocks]

A search on eBay (U.S.) shows about 50+ of them for sale. If he is in the U.S. and has an eBay account, he should be able to purchase one or two. They are only averaging about $35.00.

[drift08]

A search on eBay (U.S.) shows about 50+ of them for sale. If he is in the U.S. and has an eBay account, he should be able to purchase one or two. They are only averaging about $35.00.

I assume you meant Samsung Rugby 1. The cheapest new one is like $63.00 but it's from China, which I avoid esp if I need to return it if no signal. It will be very expensive to ship it back to China. Not sure where you get $35.00 from.

[Baldilocks]

I assume you meant Samsung Rugby 1. The cheapest new one is like $63.00 but it's from China, which I avoid esp if I need to return it if no signal. It will be very expensive to ship it back to China. Not sure where you get $35.00 from.

Nooo, I meant the Samsung A707.

[drift08]

Nooo, I meant the Samsung A707.

Only used and seller refurbished ones on eBay for that price. There isn't any new ones plus A707 isn't durable at all.

[pidjones]

Actually, I believe the data can all be made inactive by SIM policy. I know, because the company that I work for does not allow data on their phones (AT&T carrier). Check with a local store and see if you can find someone that knows what they are doing (long shot) or handles a big corporate account. That way, and GSM phone that the SIM goes into will only access voice and TXT service. When he accidentally hits the internet button, it will try to connect and say that it can't.

[drift08]

Actually, I believe the data can all be made inactive by SIM policy. I know, because the company that I work for does not allow data on their phones (AT&T carrier). Check with a local store and see if you can find someone that knows what they are doing (long shot) or handles a big corporate account. That way, and GSM phone that the SIM goes into will only access voice and TXT service. When he accidentally hits the internet button, it will try to connect and say that it can't.

A bit too late now since I returned the Samsung A777. Even if I still have that phone, it's a very long shout because I purchased A777 via eBay (not at the local AT&T store). I called customer service when I had that phone and asked if they can disable internet. They can but it is a service they offer with a monthly fee. I was like "No. Thanks". My uncle isn't willing to pay a monthly fee to disable internet. I totally understand why.

[DubDub]

Signal strength depends on where you are in relation to the towers. For example, in my house using ATT or Verizon, we get a very weak to no signal. 50 feet outside, we have 3-4 bars.