Switching Cellphone Companies

[Norelco]

I'm thinking of switching from Verizon Wireless to Sprint. Verizon has been pissing me off lately because the end of my contract is near so they saw fit to add my phone number to some list where a third party company that works for them calls my cell on auto-dial 2-3 times per day.

I'm not too worried about cost since I get a 20% corporate discount from both Verizon and Sprint. I'm just looking for a plan that will get me about 400-500 daytime minutes, unlimited nights and weekends, and a good texting plan.

So Sprint users, do you like Sprint's coverage? What kind of phones would you recommend? Right now I have a Motorola Razr v1 that I'm not too crazy about. Just looking for a newer cool phone with bluetooth. Also, are there any discounts for new phones every 2 years like Verizon offers?

[Vertabreaker]

Get a helio ocean. Uses both verizon and sprints networks. 65$/month gives you 500 anytime minutes and unlimited nights, weekends, and unlimited everything else including data package.

I've been on verizon for 8+ years and I'm picking up an ocean and going to helio this january. 4 of my buddys did the same and they've got better service, and better features from an ocean then I ever did on a verizon phone.

**Edit: here's the ocean http://www.helio.com/#devices_ocean

here's their plans: http://www.helio.com/page?p=join

[Boyiee]

Get a helio ocean. Uses both verizon and sprints networks. 65$/month gives you 500 anytime minutes and unlimited nights, weekends, and unlimited everything else including data package.

I've been on verizon for 8+ years and I'm picking up an ocean and going to helio this january. 4 of my buddys did the same and they've got better service, and better features from an ocean then I ever did on a verizon phone.

**Edit: here's the ocean http://www.helio.com/#devices_ocean

here's their plans: http://www.helio.com/page?p=join

Agree with this. I've been on verizon for many many years, my whole family has. To me, there is nothing wrong with verizon. I get amazing reception and dont get dropped calls ever, really they couldnt be better as a company... but their phones are a different story. They don't understand the concept and places phones are going now. People aren't buying cellphones to talk on anymore. Sidekicks, iphones, helios, they at least understand. The closest I can get on a verizon phone is a pda/smartphone for like 400$ that still needs the extra data package which is another 50$ a month (basically the same as a wireless laptop network card)... So Helio is where i'm going in Jan. when my plan is up, and I might actually get the new phone now because I really can't wait.

I don't need a cell phone to talk on, I'm lucky If i use 50 minutes a month.

[Vertabreaker]

Get a helio ocean. Uses both verizon and sprints networks. 65$/month gives you 500 anytime minutes and unlimited nights, weekends, and unlimited everything else including data package.

I've been on verizon for 8+ years and I'm picking up an ocean and going to helio this january. 4 of my buddys did the same and they've got better service, and better features from an ocean then I ever did on a verizon phone.

**Edit: here's the ocean http://www.helio.com/#devices_ocean

here's their plans: http://www.helio.com/page?p=join

Agree with this. I've been on verizon for many many years, my whole family has. To me, there is nothing wrong with verizon. I get amazing reception and dont get dropped calls ever, really they couldnt be better as a company... but their phones are a different story. They don't understand the concept and places phones are going now. People aren't buying cellphones to talk on anymore. Sidekicks, iphones, helios, they at least understand. The closest I can get on a verizon phone is a pda/smartphone for like 400$ that still needs the extra data package which is another 50$ a month (basically the same as a wireless laptop network card)... So Helio is where i'm going in Jan. when my plan is up, and I might actually get the new phone now because I really can't wait.

I don't need a cell phone to talk on, I'm lucky If i use 50 minutes a month.

Exactly. Plus the nice thing about the Helio Ocean is that you can have your email(exchange or whatever), IM, etc all connected ALL THE TIME. All communication is seemless. A text comes in, you just text back. Don't have to open your text message screen. An email comes in, you just email back. I'm so psyched to get one I can't even explain.

[Norelco]

Well, I'm pretty much forced to go with Verizon again or Sprint because of the 20% discount.

I'm not a fan of Verizon's phone choices as Boyiee has already expressed.

[Quixon]

Just chiming in here. Sprint has probably the worst customer service on the planet. They really are terrible. I have verizon for my work PDA, also have Tmobile for my personal calls. Both are fantastic coverage wise. Verizon phones leave much to be desired, but the coverage is fantastic. Tmobile has fantastic customer service and a nice selection of phones.

[Vertabreaker]

Verizon's phones do kind of suck, although I'm interested to see how their new iPhone killer will be. I talked to a rep on the phone the other day about it. Will be out by christmas.

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.en...con-screen.jpg

This pic is comparing it to the verizon enV for size purposes.

http://gizmodo.com/assets/resources/..._Voyager_2.jpg

Full touch screen plus QWERTY. Could be pretty sexy.

[Vertabreaker]

Well, I'm pretty much forced to go with Verizon again or Sprint because of the 20% discount.

I'm not a fan of Verizon's phone choices as Boyiee has already expressed.

Well wait until christmas. Verizon is planning on releasing 5 new phones including the Voyager which I posted SS of above. I was told that 3/5 will be touchscreen like the iPhone and most will offer full QWERTY.

Here are some of the stats on the voyager:

Speakerphone
VZ Navigator
Picture, text, video and instant messaging
Bluetooth stereo for headsets and speakers
Built-in stereo speakers
2.0 megapixel camera
Expandable microSD memory slot of up to 8 GB <---- that's pretty hot.

[Sonomaa]

Ive been with alltel for years and they have always taken care of me, I love the network and the service

[Boyiee]

Well, I'm pretty much forced to go with Verizon again or Sprint because of the 20% discount.

I'm not a fan of Verizon's phone choices as Boyiee has already expressed.

Well wait until christmas. Verizon is planning on releasing 5 new phones including the Voyager which I posted SS of above. I was told that 3/5 will be touchscreen like the iPhone and most will offer full QWERTY.

Here are some of the stats on the voyager:

Speakerphone
VZ Navigator
Picture, text, video and instant messaging
Bluetooth stereo for headsets and speakers
Built-in stereo speakers
2.0 megapixel camera
Expandable microSD memory slot of up to 8 GB <---- that's pretty hot.

Yeah. thats pretty hot. But will they charge you the Data fee that they try and pull on their PDA's? Where you need to get the "broadband access" thing along with it. Then you have to pay your normal service fee, + the additional internet/email fee... unlike helio where it's all in one for a much better price.

[Vertabreaker]

Well, I'm pretty much forced to go with Verizon again or Sprint because of the 20% discount.

I'm not a fan of Verizon's phone choices as Boyiee has already expressed.

Well wait until christmas. Verizon is planning on releasing 5 new phones including the Voyager which I posted SS of above. I was told that 3/5 will be touchscreen like the iPhone and most will offer full QWERTY.

Here are some of the stats on the voyager:

Speakerphone
VZ Navigator
Picture, text, video and instant messaging
Bluetooth stereo for headsets and speakers
Built-in stereo speakers
2.0 megapixel camera
Expandable microSD memory slot of up to 8 GB <---- that's pretty hot.

Yeah. thats pretty hot. But will they charge you the Data fee that they try and pull on their PDA's? Where you need to get the "broadband access" thing along with it. Then you have to pay your normal service fee, + the additional internet/email fee... unlike helio where it's all in one for a much better price.

Ya, that's what's drawing me to helio. 65$/month for everything. I'm just tossing this phone out there for those stuck with verizon and no phone options.

Personally for me, in Jan...good bye verizon, hello helio ocean.

[Vertabreaker]

That's another reason I hate verizon and their PDA phones. Currently I have a xv6700 and I had the data package which gave me unlimited everything. I found myself not using it too much so I canceled it. It was like 39.99 a month extra on top of my nationwide plan.

Plus, when I canceled it, I wasn't aware that with PDA phones, MMS messages were included with the data package so I can't recieve pic/video messages without paying for each one seperatly since I don't want the data package.

[Boyiee]

If you know any EB/Gamestop employees, you might be able to get a discount on the helio like I'm doing. My verizon is on a family plan, so I can drop it at anytime without the huge charge they make you pay for dropping out early. I might get my helio this month, fuck waiting.

[Norelco]

If you know any EB/Gamestop employees, you might be able to get a discount on the helio like I'm doing. My verizon is on a family plan, so I can drop it at anytime without the huge charge they make you pay for dropping out early. I might get my helio this month, fuck waiting.

That's the spirit.

I gotta say, I liked my LG 6100 more than my Motorola Razr. I think you give up certain luxuries with a smaller/thinner phone. One thing I always like was vibrate + full volume on my ringer when I am in noisy areas, but with the Razr it's one or the other and not both.

I wouldn't mind something with a Qwerty so I can type faster email/text messages than using the number keys, and I like how most phones will have it tuck right behind the shell of the phone. Web browser would be cool too, but I can see these data plans getting pretty pricey and I don't exactly need them for business.

[Clipse]

Well, I'm pretty much forced to go with Verizon again or Sprint because of the 20% discount.

I'm not a fan of Verizon's phone choices as Boyiee has already expressed.

Well wait until christmas. Verizon is planning on releasing 5 new phones including the Voyager which I posted SS of above. I was told that 3/5 will be touchscreen like the iPhone and most will offer full QWERTY.

Here are some of the stats on the voyager:

Speakerphone
VZ Navigator
Picture, text, video and instant messaging
Bluetooth stereo for headsets and speakers
Built-in stereo speakers
2.0 megapixel camera
Expandable microSD memory slot of up to 8 GB <---- that's pretty hot.

Are all these new phones gonna have the shitty Verizon UI? This is pretty much why I'll never sign up with Verizon Wireless.

[SephYuyX]

Damn Vert, thanks for the info.. I may have to pick that up myself.

I was looking around the site, but I was unable to find any real tech specs though, have you seen it anywhere?

I actually wish they had a cheaper plan though, id probably never use 500 minutes >.>

[Saphirea]

I have the new Q and im quite happy with it, then again, I use it for work and personal as well.
Its nice getting all my email on it especially my work stuff.

Ive never seen one of these helio phones, though I dont know if itll do all I need it to do with the work stuff.
I will say though the verizon UI on stuff is ultra lame, especially the Verizon Music thing. Its a waste in my opinion.

[SephYuyX]

Cant use an .mp3 as a ringtone ;-;

[Vertabreaker]

Well, I'm pretty much forced to go with Verizon again or Sprint because of the 20% discount.

I'm not a fan of Verizon's phone choices as Boyiee has already expressed.

Well wait until christmas. Verizon is planning on releasing 5 new phones including the Voyager which I posted SS of above. I was told that 3/5 will be touchscreen like the iPhone and most will offer full QWERTY.

Here are some of the stats on the voyager:

Speakerphone
VZ Navigator
Picture, text, video and instant messaging
Bluetooth stereo for headsets and speakers
Built-in stereo speakers
2.0 megapixel camera
Expandable microSD memory slot of up to 8 GB <---- that's pretty hot.

Are all these new phones gonna have the shitty Verizon UI? This is pretty much why I'll never sign up with Verizon Wireless.

From what I've read and heard, the UI is going to be overhauled. The new OS isn't going to M$ or palm or anything. It's going to be a verizon OS...so that could either speak volumes or turn you away. I'd say wait till xmas, see what the first flock think, go to the store and fuck with your self and make your decision. Hardware wise the Voyager looks sound.

To answer sephs question, you want detailed specs? I can look them up later for you if you want. Also, there's a website which my buddy showed me that you can get an ocean for under 200$. It's a legit site that is partners with Helio. He got his ocean there. I'll post more links / info in a bit. I gotta run out and get food quick but i'll post more info for those interested in Helio in a bit.

[Vertabreaker]

Cant use an .mp3 as a ringtone ;-;

Helios? yes you can. Imagine a helio vs verizon as unix vs windows.

I'll also post a site with all kinds of hacks for the ocean that don't void the warranty.

I'm telling you, Helio Ocean is the way to go You'll see :D