I need a phone for my bike tour
July 18, 2016 9:19 AM Subscribe
Next month I'll ride my bicycle from my home on the south Oregon coast to Denver for my 50th high school reunion. By wife will drive the car in support. She has a TracFone and I have no cell phone as yet, but must get one for communication with her.
We'll use paper maps from Adventure Cycling Association so the phone won't be the primary navigational tool. It will be mainly for communication.
I don't want to buy into a contract, and though a smart phone will be fine, it is not absolutely needed. What, in your opinion, would be the least expensive, most reliable device and service given that we'll be transiting far western areas of the country.
We'll use paper maps from Adventure Cycling Association so the phone won't be the primary navigational tool. It will be mainly for communication.
I don't want to buy into a contract, and though a smart phone will be fine, it is not absolutely needed. What, in your opinion, would be the least expensive, most reliable device and service given that we'll be transiting far western areas of the country.
As long as you don't drop them, phones these days are pretty reliable. I wouldn't worry too much about that. And you can get protective cases to deal with the drops.
In my experience, Verizon tends to have the best coverage in remote locations, but it sounds like you'll be traveling through areas where no carrier has good coverage. All of the carriers have coverage maps on their websites, so you can double-check that. Verizon also tends to be more expensive than the other guys (surprise!), but for me, it's worth it.
If I were in your shoes (and I have been in your shoes), I would definitely get a smartphone and get an app with downloadable map tiles (so they'll work when you're out of cellular coverage) . A paper map shows you where you want to be. It doesn't show you where you are.
posted by adamrice at 9:35 AM on July 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
In my experience, Verizon tends to have the best coverage in remote locations, but it sounds like you'll be traveling through areas where no carrier has good coverage. All of the carriers have coverage maps on their websites, so you can double-check that. Verizon also tends to be more expensive than the other guys (surprise!), but for me, it's worth it.
If I were in your shoes (and I have been in your shoes), I would definitely get a smartphone and get an app with downloadable map tiles (so they'll work when you're out of cellular coverage) . A paper map shows you where you want to be. It doesn't show you where you are.
posted by adamrice at 9:35 AM on July 18, 2016 [1 favorite]
If you aren't making a lot of calls, TracFone is the most affordable option I know of.
I have done research into this space and have had a TracFone for years. I considered trying to switch to something else, and there are options that seem, in theory, cheaper. But TracFone is something I can readily get refills for, it does not have weird proprietary equipment like some niche companies and it is reliable. You can get a smartphone with them if you want it. I have a cheap assed ($10) mini smart phone. I haven't figured out how to download apps, but I have figured out how to check my mail and buy games on it.
According to Wikipedia:
TracFone Wireless operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), holding agreements with the United States' largest wireless network operators to provide service using their networks, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile US, Sprint Corporation, and U.S. Cellular.
So, I have generally had good reception with my phone. Additionally, most no contract phones require you to re-up monthly and do not roll over minutes. TracFone allows you to re-up quarterly or even annually and rolls over minutes.
posted by Michele in California at 11:04 AM on July 18, 2016
I have done research into this space and have had a TracFone for years. I considered trying to switch to something else, and there are options that seem, in theory, cheaper. But TracFone is something I can readily get refills for, it does not have weird proprietary equipment like some niche companies and it is reliable. You can get a smartphone with them if you want it. I have a cheap assed ($10) mini smart phone. I haven't figured out how to download apps, but I have figured out how to check my mail and buy games on it.
According to Wikipedia:
TracFone Wireless operates as a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), holding agreements with the United States' largest wireless network operators to provide service using their networks, including Verizon Wireless, AT&T Mobility, T-Mobile US, Sprint Corporation, and U.S. Cellular.
So, I have generally had good reception with my phone. Additionally, most no contract phones require you to re-up monthly and do not roll over minutes. TracFone allows you to re-up quarterly or even annually and rolls over minutes.
posted by Michele in California at 11:04 AM on July 18, 2016
Walkie talkies.
posted by AugustWest at 1:43 PM on July 18, 2016
posted by AugustWest at 1:43 PM on July 18, 2016
Yeah if she's not going to be too far away from you at any given time, Walkie Talkies are your best option. No number to dial no action required to answer a call, just push a button and talk. Some of the ones on Amazon claim to have a 36 mile range. That's probably line of site, but, still pretty dang good.
posted by trbrts at 2:50 PM on July 19, 2016
posted by trbrts at 2:50 PM on July 19, 2016
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posted by rtha at 9:35 AM on July 18, 2016