Nexus 5 - T-Moible Prepaid Plan in DC

[theglidd]

Guys I'm dropping Big V and picking up a Nexus 5 (when its released) with T-mobile $30 dollar prepaid plan. Anyone on T-mobile in the DC metro area? What's your experience with their service?

This switch should save me quite a bit. Right now our bill is around $136 a month.

Also if others are thinking of switching to t-mobile they are giving away sim cards for free now.
http://www.droid-life.com/2013/10/29/t-mobile-prepaid-sim-kits-now-free-with-free-shipping-too/

[Daley]

Just got a couple questions for you regarding your chosen plan:

1) Why do you need a Nexus 5?

2) Which T-Mo $30 prepaid plan? If it's the 5GB one, why do you need so much data and so few minutes? There's even cheaper monthly plans available on the T-Mo network through providers with better customer support if folks can just learn how to use data properly.

I'm asking because I want to ensure you're getting the best bang for your buck, and you're not needlessly chasing after data services you don't actually need.

[theglidd]

Good questions.

1) I don't need a phone and I agree getting a new phone isn't very economical. However, we don't own a computer and do all of our internet use exclusively through smart phones (our current phones are 3 years old at this point and slowing down quite a bit plus they are CDMA). The nexus line of devices are cheap and have good build quality. The other option would be to get a used phone on ebay, but it wouldn't save me that much money.

2) Yes the 100 min talk, unlimited text and data plan. I rarely talk on the phone. Long calls are usually done in video hangouts. It's not unusual for us to go without using any talk minutes. I'm a data hog, use approx. 4+ gigs per month. The t-mobile $30 plan is the cheapest on the market I think with 4g data speeds.

If you know of any other plans that might be good please let me know. I'm open to other suggestions!

[Daley]

Have you considered just going with a couple cheap feature phones and PAYG through P'tel, Spot Mobile, or Airvoice, and then a couple cheaper refurbished Nexus 7 WiFi tablets and a home internet connection with your setup? You could probably get all the hardware together for about the price of a single new Nexus 5 (assuming two of everything and at least buying a cheap WiFi router), and be looking at $50 or less a month just by being patient with your internet usage.

Give the Superguide a read (the first seven posts are the heart of it) and get creative about your approach.

[theglidd]

Great, I'll read through the superguide. I didn't know it existed.

I have mulled over just using feature phones and getting wifi for the house. However, for me it greatly reduces flexibility. I admit it's self-indulgent, but its nice to be out and about and have any data you can think of at your finger tips.

[MilwaukeeStubble]

Have you considered just going with a couple cheap feature phones and PAYG through P'tel, Spot Mobile, or Airvoice, and then a couple cheaper refurbished Nexus 7 WiFi tablets and a home internet connection with your setup? You could probably get all the hardware together for about the price of a single new Nexus 5 (assuming two of everything and at least buying a cheap WiFi router), and be looking at $50 or less a month just by being patient with your internet usage.

Give the Superguide a read (the first seven posts are the heart of it) and get creative about your approach.

How cheap are used Nexus 7's?  I have an iPad 2 as my primary personal computer. It's still working great but by my math you're seeing used Nexus 7's for ~$100, which is probably less than I could get for my iPad <scheming :)>

[Daley]

How cheap are used Nexus 7's?  I have an iPad 2 as my primary personal computer. It's still working great but by my math you're seeing used Nexus 7's for ~$100, which is probably less than I could get for my iPad <scheming :)>

16GB first gen factory refurbed Nexus 7's are going for under $150 on Ebay. A used Nokia 2330 can be had for around $15-20, again on Ebay. An Asus RT-N12 router can be found for under $30. The new Nexus 5 prices I've heard bandied about are running $350+ from base model. Going refurb with current prices and that hardware specifically (or really any decent low-end Nokia candy bar phone), $350 is an easy price point to hit.

[MilwaukeeStubble]

16GB first gen factory refurbed Nexus 7's are going for under $150 on Ebay. A used Nokia 2330 can be had for around $15-20, again on Ebay. An Asus RT-N12 router can be found for under $30. The new Nexus 5 prices I've heard bandied about are running $350+ from base model. Going refurb with current prices and that hardware specifically (or really any decent low-end Nokia candy bar phone), $350 is an easy price point to hit.

Damn, I might have to look into this...
Thanks!

[berrysteevan]

hey, any reviews on the nexus 5 smartphone as am eager to buy this fone..

[swiper]

hey, any reviews on the nexus 5 smartphone as am eager to buy this fone..

http://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/11/nexus-5-review-flagship-hardware-for-half-the-price/

[Boz86]

What's your experience with their service?

To answer this part of the question, I'll say that I've used T-mobile in the DC area for years. Good service in the city. It can be a little spotty, especially data, if you get out in the suburbs/rural areas.

[clutchy]

My N5 should be here next week. 

I've bounced around with different phones for a couple of years now but I use it so much for business and travel and finding directions out of town that it's not something I'm willing to go without. 

Also my plan is company subsidized.

[IndyPendent]

http://www.theverge.com/2013/11/13/5096680/motorola-moto-g-announced-price-availability

Another nice option!

[theglidd]

Yes I just saw the moto g. Definitely a good option. I probably would of seriously considered it, but I just received the N5 and I'm really happy with it.

I really like the trend of good quality smart phones getting cheaper and cheaper.

[seattlecyclone]

I recently purchased a used Nexus 4 to replace an old flip-phone that finally decided to break after more than seven years of faithful service. The seller made the most un-Mustachian decision to purchase a brand new Nexus 5 to replace his Nexus 4 that was less than a year old and still in fantastic condition. He admitted to me after the fact that he didn't believe the Nexus 5 was enough of an improvement over the Nexus 4 to justify the upgrade. I'm happy to let his loss be my gain.

[captainron]

I have a Nexus 4 and the $30 5GB prepaid T-Mobile plan.  My experience traveling with the device is that it works well in mid-large cities and suburban areas but outside it is pretty spotty coverage.
I haven't been to DC with it yet but my guess is it will work fine anywhere around DC.

[_C_]

T-Mobile can be spotty, according to a co-worker. Where he lives in NW DC is a T-Mobile dead spot.

I'd keep an eye out for Nexus 4 prices to come down. I have a feeling once the Nexus 5s get back in stock, you should be able to get a 4 fairly cheap even as a new deadstock model.