For anyone who loves cell phones...

[cbass2781]

Hi everyone!

I'm a student at the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana and I need to write a feature article for my journalism class. I recently bought a cell phone and am pretty interested in the new technology these days, so I stumbled on to websites like this one not too long ago. I was hoping to write about the "cell phone community" that exists online and maybe some of the individuals that make up that group. I have a few questions, and if any of you are interested in sharing some opinions, you can email your answers to me at cbass2781@hotmail.com or just reply here to my post. I do need full names, if possible, to document sources, but it's not necessary, or you can even make up a name if you like. Also, feel free to answer any number of questions you want--I'll take anything I can get. =)


1. Just for some intro information, how long have you been using cell phones and how did you find out about these online forums?

2. What is it about cell phones, in particular, that interests you? (sorry to be so general, looking for a wide range of opinions)

3. What is your general impression of the other members of these forums, and how much do you trust the information that is produced?

4. Also, I plan on using the release of the Samsung A530 (Verizon) as an indicative starting point, so any thoughts on the hype that preceded the release? Or anything else you can think of?


I don't want to overdo it, so I'll leave it at this for now... thanks for your patience, and I appreciate the help...

[BUmmedic]

1. Been using cell phones for 6 years. Signed up when Verizon was still Bell Atlantic Mobile. Found out about this particular online forum by searching the internet for opinions of new phones and coming across a link.

2. The fact that you can communicate whenever you want or need to (barring the fact that you may be driving through an underground tunnel or something), and the technological advances (small color LCDs, games, polyphonic and even voice ringers, instant messaging, etc.)

3. For the most part, the members here are really great. Everyone sticks to their areas (phone manufacturer, service provider, etc.), and you eventually learn who you can and can't trust. It really becomes something of an online community. Most of the Audiovox 9500 (my phone) users comment both here and on the 9500 forum that was started by two owners a couple months ago, so we know each other and interact often.

4. Samsung phones are "all right." There are good and bad phones, but that's with all manufacturer's. Most people enjoyed the Motorola StarTAC line, but I had trouble with two of them. However, Samsung does not have a good track record with Verizon service, and this new phone does not even support analog cellular function. So if you're stuck in an area with no digital signal, you're out of luck. It doesn't happen all that often, but it's nice to know that you have that backup. I think the hype will quickly die down once the phone is in circulation and people realize it's just another color-screen option and nothing spectacular.

Fred Serna

[stockscalper]

1. Just for some intro information, how long have you been using cell phones and how did you find out about these online forums?

I've been a cell phone user since 1989. Started with a local cell company and stayed with them through various mergers (CellularOne, GTE, Bell Atlantic) until they became Verizon. Best coverage anywhere! Can't remember how I found these forums.

2. What is it about cell phones, in particular, that interests you? (sorry to be so general, looking for a wide range of opinions)

Being in touch and never being without a phone any time of day or regardless where you are for business and safety reasons.

3. What is your general impression of the other members of these forums, and how much do you trust the information that is produced?

Great group here. Most people back up what they talk about with links to articles. They are friendly and helpful as a whole.

4. Also, I plan on using the release of the Samsung A530 (Verizon) as an indicative starting point, so any thoughts on the hype that preceded the release? Or anything else you can think of?

It's an ok phone; missing some features other phones in its class has, ie the 9500 and LG 4400. Like all Samsungs, it tends to get hot as heck when you talk on it and the battery drains quickly.

[cbass2781]

Thanks to all who responded, I appreciate the help!