Author Topic: Where would you buy a new phone?  (Read 4227 times)

Baylor3217

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 291
Where would you buy a new phone?
« on: June 08, 2013, 02:13:34 PM »
As you've seen from my other threads, I'm doing a lot of research on the Ting solution and am going to try out a few phones today.

Ultimately, where would you recommend buying one?  I haven't bought a new phone in several years.

I think I may end up spending upwards of $260 on one, but no more.  If I like one of the < $100 ones, I may go for that as well as I don't really need the camera and could just use my iPhone for those purposes.

Also, if I sign up for Ting, I'll get a new number as I want to keep my current AT&T number until I fully vet the solution out.  That said, could I later port my AT&T number to my Ting phone if I conclude Ting and the new phone are going to meet my needs?

Sweet Betsy

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 53
Re: Where would you buy a new phone?
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2013, 04:12:55 PM »
We switched over to Talk for Good and bought our phones on e-bay.  Mine was a used HTC Incredible 2 for less than $100 and my husband's was a new HTC Incredible 1 (he's a bit of a fuss bucket if his phone has any scratches or imperfectionos) for less than $100.  We've had them for a few months and have no problems with them.  With the amount of money we are saving off of a 2-year contract we could buy phones on e-bay every single year and still come out ahead. 

Baylor3217

  • Bristles
  • ***
  • Posts: 291
Re: Where would you buy a new phone?
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2013, 07:39:33 PM »
We switched over to Talk for Good and bought our phones on e-bay.  Mine was a used HTC Incredible 2 for less than $100 and my husband's was a new HTC Incredible 1 (he's a bit of a fuss bucket if his phone has any scratches or imperfectionos) for less than $100.  We've had them for a few months and have no problems with them.  With the amount of money we are saving off of a 2-year contract we could buy phones on e-bay every single year and still come out ahead.

Any reason you chose Talk for Good over Ting?

kevin78

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 75
  • Location: Columbus, Ohio
Re: Where would you buy a new phone?
« Reply #3 on: June 09, 2013, 07:21:58 AM »
We switched over to Talk for Good and bought our phones on e-bay.  Mine was a used HTC Incredible 2 for less than $100 and my husband's was a new HTC Incredible 1 (he's a bit of a fuss bucket if his phone has any scratches or imperfectionos) for less than $100.  We've had them for a few months and have no problems with them.  With the amount of money we are saving off of a 2-year contract we could buy phones on e-bay every single year and still come out ahead.

Any reason you chose Talk for Good over Ting?
Likely because TfG uses Verizon towers while Ting uses Sprint, which is considered an inferior network to Verizon's who has the largest overall footprint.

-JR

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 23
Re: Where would you buy a new phone?
« Reply #4 on: June 09, 2013, 09:43:04 AM »
I'd say go the Amazon/ebay route and get a refurb phone. There are a great number of refurbs going for cut rates. Don't be afraid of "low end" phones, did you really need a giant screen and super clarity for netflix anyway? I've got my eye on the Kyocera Rise right now, which can be had brand new for $163 at Ting or even less and used on ebay (with a bit of risk).

Word of caution though, if you're new to figuring out the system, really read the details. I bought a Virgin phone off of Amazon for the fact that I thought I'd be able to activate it with Ting. Virgin uses the same towers after all, and the model was specifically supported by Ting. Problem was that Ting can't use Boost or Virgin phones, and the workaround hack is a giant hassle. Returned the phone, Amazon makes it easy. Ebay and Amazon sellers sink or swim based on their reviews and customer service, I'd give em a shot.

And yes, Ting CAN port a number after you've tried them out for a bit. That's actually my plan. :)
« Last Edit: June 09, 2013, 09:54:38 AM by -JR »

squashroll

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 27
  • Age: 46
  • Location: PNW
Re: Where would you buy a new phone?
« Reply #5 on: June 09, 2013, 10:33:36 AM »
Go to Ting's website and look at the devices they support, fairly limited.
We've had Ting for 2 months now.  Switched from Sprint cause we were able to bring both of our old phones over. 
No extra charge for voice roaming w/ Ting (though I don't know on whom's towers one roams??)
No data roaming though, and I have to admit Sprint's data isn't the best. 
We are now paying $50-ish/month, while we were paying $118/month at sprint.  Not sure if its a screaming deal since our phones are no longer subsidized and we do text/talk/data less...

Sweet Betsy

  • 5 O'Clock Shadow
  • *
  • Posts: 53
Re: Where would you buy a new phone?
« Reply #6 on: June 09, 2013, 04:23:58 PM »
We switched over to Talk for Good and bought our phones on e-bay.  Mine was a used HTC Incredible 2 for less than $100 and my husband's was a new HTC Incredible 1 (he's a bit of a fuss bucket if his phone has any scratches or imperfectionos) for less than $100.  We've had them for a few months and have no problems with them.  With the amount of money we are saving off of a 2-year contract we could buy phones on e-bay every single year and still come out ahead.

Any reason you chose Talk for Good over Ting?

We needed to be on Verizon towers to get service at our home. We really like it so far.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!