help me find a new phone...

Just know that if you leave me a message on my phone that I may not get it for days! Oh, and FTLOC, do NOT text me! Somehow a text jsut showed up that said..."Happy Easter". Not sure how that happened.

Test away NoHall M.S. (or is that M.S. NoHall?) she didn't get mad when I texted her Dikki Du info. Just don't expect anything back.

Hmm... Now that I think about this we could use the Kitty phone as a text message random thoughts. :scratch:

Test away NoHall M.S. (or is that M.S. NoHall?) she didn't get mad when I texted her Dikki Du info. Just don't expect anything back.

Hmm... Now that I think about this we could use the Kitty phone as a text message random thoughts. :scratch:

Major. I was Captain at school, but now it's Major.

Test away NoHall M.S. (or is that M.S. NoHall?) she didn't get mad when I texted her Dikki Du info. Just don't expect anything back.

Hmm... Now that I think about this we could use the Kitty phone as a text message random thoughts. :scratch:

...I love this idea! Let me add that all of a sudden one morning this week (!), my phone said I had 4 messages. I opened it up and there were 4 text messages. "Happy Easter" "dikki du at 8pm" "sara finally surfaced" and one from my trainer, who apparently saw the pic of me at Dikk Du on fb and said he was glad I was having fun. That last one skeers me...I am going to pay when I get back to Dallas.

swgb*...when are you coming over for a computer check-up? You can teach texting at the same time. Call me about this, DO NOT text!

*...my latest typo is when I type swgb and it comes up segb...southeastgayboi.

text message update...two more jsut popped up...one from a sowaller saying she is crossing the lake (that was on Tuesday)and another one from AT&T about a free msg for Mother's Day! WTF?

This is all very helpful because I'm due to get a new phone with my Verizon plan and I've been thinking about a blackberry. (thanks for the detailed info SJ). Mostly, I'd be checking email (and I hope never to check it when I'm with other people, but I'd consider checking it when standing in line at the supermarket - for now I just read the magazines near the counter until I get close enough to the check-out). But, I'd like to be able to make international calls while I'm travelling out of the US - does the Blackberry make that possible and do I have to pay a lot to get that capability? I don't go out of the country often, but when I do it sure would be nice to make a few calls home.

NoFunn, you're probably the only one who will have any funn during this retrograde period. We will all be living vicariously through you.

Already! Clients are sideways and biatchy. They think I'm a saint 'cause I just keep saying, 'No problem, I understand."

Major what? What's the 'S' for? Heh, heh, heh!

Dear Lynnie,

Happy New Year!

XOX,

Miss Kitty

Paula, I believe the BlackBerry "World Edition" is set up to be able to use all cell phone technology, so that you can use it abroad. Beware that your usage outside the US may be pricey. Clark Howard (ClarkHoward.com Home: Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Rip-Offs on clarkhoward.com) has spoken frequently about what to do if you are going on a trip overseas, regarding cell phones. Check his website and run a search.

My insurance covered my new BlackBerry Curve (except for the deductable), and they tried to upgrade me to the BB World Edition, which is a much pricier phone ($295), but they would have covered the cost on the insurance. I opted for the Curve b/c I don't travel overseas and the World Edition doesn't have a camera, nor video capabilities.

I saw another Yahoo news story this morning noting that iPhone will never replace the BB, b/c for people who text and email, the iPhone is not as good as the BB because of iPhone's touch screen keyboard, which is difficult to get the feel for.

I think the voice recognition software needs much help, but that sure could take out any typing problems if they could fix that. BB Curve has voice recognition for calling numbers. I've tried it for the last few days, and it is rather crazy at times, but works well for some names. I would love to be able to speak my text and emails, having my phone transcribe it, and send it. Not there yet.

Paula, I believe the BlackBerry "World Edition" is set up to be able to use all cell phone technology, so that you can use it abroad. Beware that your usage outside the US may be pricey. Clark Howard (ClarkHoward.com Home: Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Rip-Offs on clarkhoward.com) has spoken frequently about what to do if you are going on a trip overseas, regarding cell phones. Check his website and run a search.

My insurance covered my new BlackBerry Curve (except for the deductable), and they tried to upgrade me to the BB World Edition, which is a much pricier phone ($295), but they would have covered the cost on the insurance. I opted for the Curve b/c I don't travel overseas and the World Edition doesn't have a camera, nor video capabilities.

I saw another Yahoo news story this morning noting that iPhone will never replace the BB, b/c for people who text and email, the iPhone is not as good as the BB because of iPhone's touch screen keyboard, which is difficult to get the feel for.

I think the voice recognition software needs much help, but that sure could take out any typing problems if they could fix that. BB Curve has voice recognition for calling numbers. I've tried it for the last few days, and it is rather crazy at times, but works well for some names. I would love to be able to speak my text and emails, having my phone transcribe it, and send it. Not there yet.

I have the Curve and sometimes I hit an unknown button and I hear, "Say a command!" I reply with, "STFU!, I'm trying to drive here!"

What button am I hitting?

...I love this idea! Let me add that all of a sudden one morning this week (!), my phone said I had 4 messages. I opened it up and there were 4 text messages. "Happy Easter" "dikki du at 8pm" "sara finally surfaced" and one from my trainer, who apparently saw the pic of me at Dikk Du on fb and said he was glad I was having fun. That last one skeers me...I am going to pay when I get back to Dallas.

swgb*...when are you coming over for a computer check-up? You can teach texting at the same time. Call me about this, DO NOT text!

*...my latest typo is when I type swgb and it comes up segb...southeastgayboi.

text message update...two more jsut popped up...one from a sowaller saying she is crossing the lake (that was on Tuesday)and another one from AT&T about a free msg for Mother's Day! WTF?

I called you and left a message tuesday!

I called you and left a message tuesday!

Me too. My feelings are hurt she hasn't replied.........

I have the Curve and sometimes I hit an unknown button and I hear, "Say a command!" I reply with, "STFU!, I'm trying to drive here!"

What button am I hitting?

The default for the voice command, unless you changed it in your options>keyboard setup, is the button on the left side. However, you can go into your options folder ( the icon with the wrench), click on "screen/keyboard." Scroll down to "Left Side Convenience Key Opens," and change it to whatever you want. Then click save, and whal-LA! you have changed it. There is an icon for "voice dialing" (icon of the person) if you choose to use that feature, and have changed the default left side convenience key.

I have the Curve and sometimes I hit an unknown button and I hear, "Say a command!" I reply with, "STFU!, I'm trying to drive here!"

What button am I hitting?

That would be the "you are supposed to be focused on driving" button. :roll:

...I love this idea! Let me add that all of a sudden one morning this week (!), my phone said I had 4 messages. I opened it up and there were 4 text messages. "Happy Easter" "dikki du at 8pm" "sara finally surfaced" and one from my trainer, who apparently saw the pic of me at Dikk Du on fb and said he was glad I was having fun. That last one skeers me...I am going to pay when I get back to Dallas.

swgb*...when are you coming over for a computer check-up? You can teach texting at the same time. Call me about this, DO NOT text!

*...my latest typo is when I type swgb and it comes up segb...southeastgayboi.

text message update...two more jsut popped up...one from a sowaller saying she is crossing the lake (that was on Tuesday)and another one from AT&T about a free msg for Mother's Day! WTF?

I'll call you after the show is done today.

Ah the life of a media mogul.

That would be the "you are supposed to be focused on driving" button. :roll:

No, I am clearly hitting the wrong button while driving, texting, emailing, dialing and eating french fries all the same time. :funn:

NoFunn, you're probably the only one who will have any funn during this retrograde period. We will all be living vicariously through you.

Already! Clients are sideways and biatchy. They think I'm a saint 'cause I just keep saying, 'No problem, I understand."

Major what?

I work at a military school, and until this year, they used military titles rather than courtesy titles (Mr., Ms., etc). Teachers with a bachelor's degree were Captain, and those with master's or higher were Major.

What's the 'S' for? Heh, heh, heh!

Beats me...I have an MAT, not a master of science...

Paula, I believe the BlackBerry "World Edition" is set up to be able to use all cell phone technology, so that you can use it abroad. Beware that your usage outside the US may be pricey. Clark Howard (ClarkHoward.com Home: Save More, Spend Less and Avoid Rip-Offs on clarkhoward.com) has spoken frequently about what to do if you are going on a trip overseas, regarding cell phones. Check his website and run a search.

My insurance covered my new BlackBerry Curve (except for the deductable), and they tried to upgrade me to the BB World Edition, which is a much pricier phone ($295), but they would have covered the cost on the insurance. I opted for the Curve b/c I don't travel overseas and the World Edition doesn't have a camera, nor video capabilities.

I saw another Yahoo news story this morning noting that iPhone will never replace the BB, b/c for people who text and email, the iPhone is not as good as the BB because of iPhone's touch screen keyboard, which is difficult to get the feel for.

I think the voice recognition software needs much help, but that sure could take out any typing problems if they could fix that. BB Curve has voice recognition for calling numbers. I've tried it for the last few days, and it is rather crazy at times, but works well for some names. I would love to be able to speak my text and emails, having my phone transcribe it, and send it. Not there yet.

This is all helpful and one of these days I'll get to the local Best Buy or Verizon shop and get a Blackberry. I don't need the global travel phone that often, but it would be nice (not need) to have. For work travels, I just use email from my laptop. For my travels to family's hometown in Italy, I decided to buy an Italian cell phone last year and just got one of those cards that goes in it that lasted the two weeks but it was just for making calls within the area which is really all I needed (for making dinner and fun plans with friends/family, it's nice to be accessible). I plan to use the same phone this year, so I'll see how it works. I haven't figured out the cost of getting Internet access on the Blackberry and it may not be worth it to me, but I'll find out. But it sounds the curve is the way to go right now. I saw the article about the iPhone versus Blackberry, too, and it was useful.

So, for now, the Blackberry Curve is the way I'll go. I don't think Verizon supports the IPhone anyway.

I've been doing a little more research and found a new model that may be more to your standards. It's rugged, portable, and has many familiar features...

View attachment 12926

I've been doing a little more research and found a new model that may be more to your standards. It's rugged, portable, and has many familiar features...

View attachment 12926

They don't make film for the polaroids anymore...

They don't make film for the polaroids anymore...

Ebay. ;-)

I love my I-Phone. I am in relation to the men in my family technologically challenged. The I-phone is very user friendly (translates to the men here..."!even she can figure it out, it's a phone any idiot could use!"

They don't offend me, I can always find their keys, their computers, their airline tickets and favorite shirts hanging in the closet right in front of their faces. We all balance each other out.

Thanks for this very informative thread.
I need to replace my 5 year old very basic cell phone and all this info is going to come in handy. But I'm waiting to acquire new communications tools until Mercury goes direct after May 31st ;-)

Smart move!

I love my iphone. Seriously, it's a little sad how much I enjoy having it. I have the 2nd generation 8G, the most basic plan, and pay about 85 bucks a month for it, and it's well worth it. That gets me 500 anytime minutes, 5000 nights & weekends, unlimited internet, and 200 texts a month, plus all minutes are rollover. I've got maybe 2000 rollover minutes accumulated so I never even come close to going over. The only place in Sowal where I have any trouble with reception is in my own apt. My favorite thing is the visual voicemail. The keyboard is kind of a pain at first, but it does get better.

The camera is basic, but takes really intersting photos. I love how big the screen is for viewing pictures, and I love having my whole photo library with me. My next case will be the Griffin with a macro lens for the camera.

I've just recently started using the ipod feature on it, and I have to say it is pretty great, and convenient. I also got some small speakers, and it is nice to have my portable stereo wherever I want it. I just read about a new app for recording things, so that will come in handy. I like the compass app for hiking in Pt. Washington. The games I've downloaded are fantastic. I love going through all the different apps, they are fun. Safari works great. The mapping feature is awesome, as is having GPS mapping & directions anytime you need them.

I use a macbook at home, and for me the iphone is like having a little mini version of my computer with me. I don't know how well it works with a PC, but synching it with my mac is so easy. The calendar is another feature I use a lot. I always used to carry a dayplanner; now I can put it all in my phone, and sync it to my computer. It's got a "Notes" feature that looks like a yellow legal pad, which I love. I could go on and on... Of course, you can do a lot of this stuff with other phones too, so it really comes down to your tastes and preferences. You should probably go to a few different stores and play with some different phones, see which one stands out for you. It's a lot of money to spend, you want to make sure you'll like it. Being stuck with a phone you hate is the pits.

Major disappointment: charge time. Phone calls and texts dont suck up the juice so much, but the camera really does, and so does surfing the web. I bought a car charger, which definitely helps. If I just use it for phone calls and the occasional facebook check, the battery lasts for a couple days. If I do more, I charge it every night, and sometimes in the car too.

One last thing: this is a must have for anyone who uses their iphone/ipod near water. I use it at the beach and while kayaking, the touch screen works through the plastic, and it is totally watertight...
Waterproof Your iPod With iBagz | ifrogz

I was told this evening by another savvy manipulator of corporations that I should call the AT&T 800 number to plead my case. Apparently, they are more prone to caring whether or not I'm an AT&T customer and are more likely to waive the upgrade eligibility business.

Smart move!

I love my iphone. Seriously, it's a little sad how much I enjoy having it. I have the 2nd generation 8G, the most basic plan, and pay about 85 bucks a month for it, and it's well worth it. That gets me 500 anytime minutes, 5000 nights & weekends, unlimited internet, and 200 texts a month, plus all minutes are rollover. I've got maybe 2000 rollover minutes accumulated so I never even come close to going over. The only place in Sowal where I have any trouble with reception is in my own apt. My favorite thing is the visual voicemail. The keyboard is kind of a pain at first, but it does get better.

The camera is basic, but takes really intersting photos. I love how big the screen is for viewing pictures, and I love having my whole photo library with me. My next case will be the Griffin with a macro lens for the camera.

I've just recently started using the ipod feature on it, and I have to say it is pretty great, and convenient. I also got some small speakers, and it is nice to have my portable stereo wherever I want it. I just read about a new app for recording things, so that will come in handy. I like the compass app for hiking in Pt. Washington. The games I've downloaded are fantastic. I love going through all the different apps, they are fun. Safari works great. The mapping feature is awesome, as is having GPS mapping & directions anytime you need them.

I use a macbook at home, and for me the iphone is like having a little mini version of my computer with me. I don't know how well it works with a PC, but synching it with my mac is so easy. The calendar is another feature I use a lot. I always used to carry a dayplanner; now I can put it all in my phone, and sync it to my computer. It's got a "Notes" feature that looks like a yellow legal pad, which I love. I could go on and on... Of course, you can do a lot of this stuff with other phones too, so it really comes down to your tastes and preferences. You should probably go to a few different stores and play with some different phones, see which one stands out for you. It's a lot of money to spend, you want to make sure you'll like it. Being stuck with a phone you hate is the pits.

Major disappointment: charge time. Phone calls and texts dont suck up the juice so much, but the camera really does, and so does surfing the web. I bought a car charger, which definitely helps. If I just use it for phone calls and the occasional facebook check, the battery lasts for a couple days. If I do more, I charge it every night, and sometimes in the car too.

One last thing: this is a must have for anyone who uses their iphone/ipod near water. I use it at the beach and while kayaking, the touch screen works through the plastic, and it is totally watertight...
Waterproof Your iPod With iBagz | ifrogz

These are pretty nice. A case with a charger built in. The hubby travels so this comes in really handy. mophie - iPhone Battery, iPod Cases, iPhone accessories and more! - Juice Pack air - iPhone 3G

I was told this evening by another savvy manipulator of corporations that I should call the AT&T 800 number to plead my case. Apparently, they are more prone to caring whether or not I'm an AT&T customer and are more likely to waive the upgrade eligibility business.

Your best bet if you are out of contract and a long time customer is to call in and cancel. That'll get you over to "retention". They'll pretty much give you anything if you can keep them on the phone long enough. It's also their job to keep you from leaving. Drag it out, make them describe every phone and rate plan in detail. You'll have to agree to a 2 year contract, but if you keep at them you can probably get the phone free or heavily discounted and a reasonable rate plan that will cover what you use. Don't take the first offer they throw out, they've got plenty of room to negotiate. Freak them out more by calling in and asking how to port your number. They hate the idea of losing you to another phone company.

Your best bet if you are out of contract and a long time customer is to call in and cancel. That'll get you over to "retention". They'll pretty much give you anything if you can keep them on the phone long enough. It's also their job to keep you from leaving. Drag it out, make them describe every phone and rate plan in detail. You'll have to agree to a 2 year contract, but if you keep at them you can probably get the phone free or heavily discounted and a reasonable rate plan that will cover what you use. Don't take the first offer they throw out, they've got plenty of room to negotiate. Freak them out more by calling in and asking how to port your number. They hate the idea of losing you to another phone company.

Yeah--that's basically the plan. I'm not out of contract until September, but I plan to make it clear that I'm shopping for a smart phone before summer (turns out that I would actually benefit from having one this summer with some of the stuff I'm working on.)

I like the idea of having someone work to keep me...