I'm using my first smartphone ever -- a secondhand iPhone 4 - on a prepaid plan. I generally leave cellular data turned off because most of my day is spent in range of WiFi, and because data transmission on my otherwise cheap prepaid plan is very expensive: $0.99/MB. I have no idea how much data is transmitted in the course of typical online activities. What's it take to, say, download a few emails, perform a Google search or open a basic, non-video-laden web page?
posted by jon1270
on Jun 14, 2013 -
20 answers
We are switching from AT&T cell phone to service to Verizon, and I'd like to perform the switch smoothly while also using one of the new phones as a Christmas gift. Your advice on the proper procedure would be welcome.
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posted by Rock Steady
on Nov 20, 2012 -
14 answers
Cell phone plans filter: I want a cell phone-sized Android device to mostly use on WiFi, and the Nexus 4 may be the right one. But I might use occasional cell voice & data - help me get that voice & data as cheaply as possible.
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posted by Tehhund
on Oct 31, 2012 -
17 answers
In the aftermath of Sandy, my office in Stamford, CT, is still out of elecrical grid power and out of internet. Now, the building has diesel power and is letting workers back in today, so I'm trying to brainstorm a way to get them online.
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posted by thanotopsis
on Oct 31, 2012 -
7 answers
Upcoming trip to the US; smartphone and pre-existing 2G US number. Does it make sense to get a pre-paid Mi-Fi router?
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posted by bokane
on Sep 2, 2012 -
3 answers
I dropped my Macbook and now the screen is severely distorted. The computer itself still funs fine and can be used, if one works around the partially blacked out screen. Since it's a 2008 Macbook, it's a bit long in the tooth, so I'm thinking of just getting an iPad for every day usage and plugging the Macbook into an external monitor for the one or two desktop applications I need it for. But which iPad to get?
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posted by lynnshaze
on Jul 31, 2012 -
5 answers
What can I do to bend Verizon to my will? Or is it time to head out in search of greener pastures?
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posted by RolandOfEld
on Jan 30, 2012 -
16 answers
My wife would like to use our off contract Iphone 3g to use VERY infrequently (less than 20 minutes/mo?) with no data plan needed.
Any suggestions about how BEST to do this on the cheap?
In Hawaii if that matters.
Prepaid?
posted by dougiedd
on Dec 26, 2011 -
9 answers
Tabletfilter: What are my options for a tablet computer with occasional 3g connectivity (not a monthly contract)? Preferably something powerful enough to handle video and other display-heavy apps.
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posted by rmd1023
on Nov 23, 2011 -
3 answers
I'm a customer of a certain recently purchased wireless service. My contract (and my handset) are about to expire. Help me figure out what to do next.
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posted by gnomeloaf
on Apr 12, 2011 -
8 answers
iPad 3G cellular vs. wi-fi -- which takes precedence if both are active? If I have 3G cellular turned on, while sitting at home with my home wireless, does it use the faster home wireless? Or does the 3G just clobber everything and gleefully rack up data charges? I've been turning it on and off as needed, but that's just annoying, so I'd like to get the question settled once and for all.
posted by Cool Papa Bell
on Apr 5, 2011 -
7 answers
Help me identify a mystery component from the board of one of two damaged/crippled Nokia 6820 phones and determine if it's possible for me to get one working Frankenphone out of the two.
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posted by weston
on Apr 3, 2011 -
6 answers
Help me find a new cheap-o cell phone plan that works in the US and Canada.
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posted by mhum
on Jan 10, 2011 -
7 answers
Please help me find the perfect mobile phone! (To replace my previous perfect mobile phone, that was stolen and is now no longer made and woefully out of date, SOB.) It might be the Samsung S5550, but I'll have to order sight unseen. Very special snowflake details inside.
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posted by cyndigo
on Dec 7, 2010 -
10 answers
iPhone filter: iPhone 4 battery problem. Do I need a new phone, new battery or am I out of luck? Help me, hive-mind, you are my only hope.
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posted by damiano99
on Nov 7, 2010 -
5 answers
Please help me pick the right smartphone. I've researched myself into overwhelm and have a tendency towards terrible timing. My requirements aren't that complex, though I AM a gadget fan, and tech savvy.
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posted by FlyByDay
on Oct 16, 2010 -
19 answers
Is there any way yet to buy a truly carrier-unlocked Dell Streak in the USA? The ones in the US for $450 are carrier locked. If I buy the model from the UK, with VAT, it'll be something like $700 after converting GBP to USD, and those are -also- carrier locked, to O2.
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posted by thewalrus
on Sep 28, 2010 -
4 answers
What's the etiquette consensus on paying for things broken by a relative's child? Last night my wife was at her brother's house. Their 2.5 year old boy snatched her iPhone from her hand while she was using it and smashed it against a wall, breaking the screen.
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posted by thewalrus
on Sep 15, 2010 -
63 answers
What's the best value prepaid SIM card for a week long visit to France, averaging...say...15-30 minutes of talk + 100 MB of data per day?
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posted by randomstriker
on Aug 11, 2010 -
10 answers
Boston Cell Phone Filter: Please help me with this seemingly simple cell phone decision.
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posted by sully75
on May 24, 2010 -
4 answers
Is there any way to use my external TV antenna to improve my mobile signal inside my house?
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posted by ryanbryan
on Dec 3, 2009 -
5 answers
I've owned a cellphone for ages, and have largely remained ignorant of the business workings. Is there a crash course on cellular markets?
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posted by pwnguin
on Nov 6, 2009 -
6 answers
Best cheap, temporary Internet access by dial-up or cell? (In Kittery, ME.)
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posted by pbh
on Sep 14, 2009 -
6 answers
Are there any digital photo frames out there that don't require direct phone line access, instead accessing the service via the cellular network?
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posted by tilde
on Aug 30, 2009 -
7 answers
Cellular reception is horrible in my area. I get at least 2 dropped calls during my commute to work, and every cellphone I've used is generally worthless indoors. What's the best way to pester my service provider into fixing this?
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posted by Zeker
on Jul 27, 2009 -
9 answers
What cellphone can I get to use with a prepaid plan that will work with iSync?
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posted by Cogito
on Jun 27, 2009 -
5 answers
Recommendations for a minimalist cellular phone and rate plan in Canada (specifically southern Ontario)?
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posted by synecdoche
on Jun 6, 2009 -
14 answers
I bought an Iphone through ATT dec 9th.
Found out today i will be in Japan this year starting this spring for one year
ATT Contract states:"simply return it either to a store or by mail within 30 days from the date the equipment." I assumed that that meant 30 full days of use (hence return today would be OK, but they insist that it meant 30 calendar days irregardless of what time the phone was picked up or activated, and so they denied my return.
Any thoughts on my options?
Should the contract not be more clear on precise what 30 days means?
posted by dougiedd
on Jan 8, 2009 -
21 answers
I've recently bought a brand new LG KC10 renoir phone, and Orange UK have locked it, so that I can't use any other simcards, any ideas how to free myself from Orange's shackles?
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posted by the_epicurean
on Dec 15, 2008 -
3 answers
I moved to Germany and then moved back to the USA after three weeks. While I was there, I signed up for a two year T-Mobile iPhone contract, because at the time I thought I was staying in Germany. Now I am stuck with an expensive 2 year contract that I can't use.
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posted by Witherwings
on Oct 23, 2008 -
11 answers
Would you share you cellular modem router experiences? Or, where can I find a cellular modem router in the Bay Area today?
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posted by fief
on Sep 29, 2008 -
2 answers
Rogers Mobile Locked my Blackberry Pearl and Threw away the key, what are some ways for me to unlock my phone. Links and direct solutions are more than welcome I can provide my IMEP key if anyone knows someone with a calculator but thats the only way i can find online and i know there are other, better ways to do this.
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posted by Chamunks
on Aug 20, 2008 -
2 answers
Asking for a friend: What is a very good technical text for understanding current and future wireless telephony standards, beginning with the basics about CDMA and TDMA and covering through 3G, LTE, LTE-Advanced, WiMax and beyond?
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posted by Pastabagel
on Aug 19, 2008 -
2 answers
Who runs physical plant security at utility companies?? Think: cell towers, eletrical utilities, water utlities, etc... any company that has remote locations...
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posted by dyerfr
on Aug 18, 2008 -
4 answers
U.S. cell phone question: Is Tracfone or a major cellular carrier (Alltel is what I am interested in) more economical for a light duty user?
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posted by crapmatic
on May 17, 2008 -
6 answers
Looking for recommendations for a prepaid cellular service that has a cellphone that can play mp3s.
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posted by aerotive
on Apr 12, 2008 -
9 answers
How can I prevent a certain cellular phone service provider from continuing to steal money from my son's college fund, nay, food from his very mouth?
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posted by donmateo
on Mar 30, 2008 -
15 answers
I have cellular service through T-Mobile and have used up all my minutes this month, but there are still a few days before the month rolls over and I need to be able to make some calls for work purposes. What's the most frugal way to make calls without racking up $.35 per minute overage charges for the next few days? In addition to my regular T-mobile phone, I've got an old t-mobile phone with no SIM card and a computer at my disposal and am willing to buy a prepaid card or some other such thing if that's what you recommend!
posted by platinum
on Mar 26, 2008 -
9 answers
I need a cell phone for travel in Japan and Hong Kong. Any advice on where I can get one as inexpensively as possible?
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posted by j1950
on Mar 4, 2008 -
8 answers
Mathfilter: How many text messages (SMS) will fit on a floppy disk, or a CD-ROM? Once that number is derived, how much will it cost to send or receive that many messages if a consumer pays per message (American carriers or Intl carriers would be great)?
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posted by kenneth
on Mar 3, 2008 -
6 answers
