What kind of phone is good?

[klee]

I'm in the market for a new phone. I want one that is able to run DNR maps, MNTRAX, or any fishing and hunting apps. There are so many out there, its hard to know what is good. So I need your helps guys/gals on what phone you have that has worked well for you. I am currently with the "V" phone company. It seems like their data packages are starting to change. They don't have unlimited data packages anymore, but by size. I've never had a smartphone before so I don't know what to really look for.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

You can get phone reviews on Chet dot com

[Jeremy airjer W]

Have you taken a peak in our computers and electronics forum?

Computers & Electronics

There are several threads on phones, apps, etc.

I was also overwhelmed when I was thinking about a smart phone. I ended up with a LG Optimus V that Virgin Mobile had for $129. No contract, unlimited text and data, 300 talk minutes for $25 a month. The phone had good reviews and a coworker picked one up for himself and was pretty impressed so I went for it. I am very happy with it as a first phone.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Im with airjer, I used to have service with verizon and was getting way overcharged and figured it was time I dumped them. While searching the web I saw lots of positive things about the Virgin Mobile no contract plans and the lg optimus phone. The phone is just as capable as many of the smart phones available currently, it is an android 2.2 os device. I have been with VM for several months now and have nothing bad to say about the phone or service (sprint 3g network) so far. Wish I would have switched earlier, saving lots of money.

This was posted from my phone.

[klee]

So how's the service on these phones? Do they get good reception all over MN, ND, WIS, IOwa? I usually travel to those states for fishing and hunting. I want a service that wont have roaming charges. I don't care to use my phone for conversations, I mostly text. Minutes are not a problem to me, I want unlimited data and text. hehe.

[Jeremy airjer W]

service is a little iffy on some of my fishing holes. Its kind of funny I can get great service on the st. crouix but if I'm in the parking lot at the bluffs there is none! other wise there are no issues.

Check out the virgin mobile HSOforum. They will have coverage maps that will give you the basic idea. The only down side I had is there is no coverage in norther minnesota north of virginia but we still have our t-mobile pay as you go phones for making calls and texting (no data) so its not a big deal.

To tell you the truth I can't believe what some people pay a month. With my tmobile phone I was paying 25 dollars every six months, although I don't or at least didn't talk or text much until I got the LG.

[bucketmouth64]

Casio came out with a new phone that is shock proof and water proof. That's appealing if you are outdoors a lot. I am contemplating on getting my first phone with data. The only downside of the casio is that it's kinda big.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

So how's the service on these phones? Do they get good reception all over MN, ND, WIS, IOwa? I usually travel to those states for fishing and hunting. I want a service that wont have roaming charges. I don't care to use my phone for conversations, I mostly text. Minutes are not a problem to me, I want unlimited data and text. hehe.

I havnt traveled too far with it yet, myself. Like I said its on the sprint network so you can also ask people on the sprint network how their signal does other places. Ive been as far as mille lacs and had signal all the way up. When in my dad's place Ill get dropped calls but he has heavy tree cover around his house and a metal roof, so thats a big factor.

I have had great service in the metro which I cant say about verizon. I had dropped calls a lot, especially around my house. It was to the point where I didnt even want to use my cell phone or answer a call at my house with it.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

T-Mobile just reduced there rates on some new plans coming out tomorrow, but I like the idea of Virgin Mobile too.

[lispeej]

IMHO, I'd stay away from tmobile and motorola products. I've never had as many dropped calls.

Verizon costs more but you get what you pay for.

[PierBridge]

Seriously $25 a month for unlimited data, text?

[Valv]

IMHO, I'd stay away from tmobile and motorola products. I've never had as many dropped calls.

Verizon costs more but you get what you pay for.

I just bought a Motorola Defy for T Mobile,a nd I am very pleased with the phone. It's the ONLY Android Smartfone that is waterproof and somehow shock proof.

Guess what, I had to test it. Dropped it in the lake at the landing on Shields Lake, left it there a couple of minutes, got it back up and...it still worked, phone had no damage or no issues.

I don't have a problem with TMobile reception, and it's the only company that allows no contract and no mandatory Data service with Smartphones.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Seriously $25 a month for unlimited data, text?

Yes, well they raised their price to $35, I think, I have not actually paid my bill for this month yet. Still a great deal. VM raised their prices since other carries started raising prices and limiting data usage more.

[BassPatrol]

I'd have to second lispeej on staying away from Motorola. Good specs, poor design and function. I have a Droid 2 Global from Motorola and have had it replaced 2 times so far.

Once for being unable to make calls, but I could send out texts.

Second (replacement) phone was freezing up whenever it felt like it.

Third (current replacement) phone has a tempermental touch screen.

Overall, I wish I would've spent the extra bucks to get an iPhone. Can't wait until the iPhone 5 comes out later this year.

As for carriers, I've been with Verizon ever since the late '90s and have had nothing but positive experiences with them. IMO they have the best warranty and customer service. I've also been able to get full bars while my buddy's AT&T phone has zero while hunting in Northome. I've even been able to get a signal up in the Superior National Forest while out on a lake.

Check to see if your workplace has a discount with the carriers when making a decision. I get a 22% discount off of my monthly rate and also a 26% discount off accessories sold in their stores.