Advice needed on cell phone choice!

[zarifah]

Hi! I'm a newbie here and pretty uninformed on wireless services in general, and would really appreciate some advice! I currently have service with Working Assets, a socially progressive company that uses the Sprint network (I know - most folks haven't even heard of them). I don't feel the need for "bells and whistles" on my cell, so chose one of their simpler models - the LG LX-125, which I've had for a couple of years now. I got identical phones for my two kids a year ago when the need arose, and so far have had nothing to complain of. Now, however, I'm feeling the need to get different phones for a couple of reasons. #1 - My daughter has moved to the East coast (we live in Oregon) to attend a residential boarding school. It's located in a small town, though only about 20 miles from a major city. We talk cell to cell every day and every time the call will get dropped, often repeatedly. I'm wondering if a better quality phone could improve the situation, or if she's just too close to the edge of the service area. #2 - My phone gets uncomfortably warm to the touch at both ends. Related to this, I find myself having more trouble lately hearing on the phone (I'm in my fifties - it happens! sigh) and tend to cram it up against my ear, so the heat really bothers me. Do all cell phones do this? My Working Assets customer service person recommends the Sanyo KATANA, which is most expensive phone they offer (though free with a 2-yr contract), short of the Motorola Q, which is much more phone than I need. I'm reluctant to go with that advice and tie myself into 2 more years, without feeling sure that it would solve my problems. I have about 9 months to go on my current contract with them, and would like to leave my options open a bit for the future.

Any suggestions? Thanks so much - as you can see, my knowledge of the field is zip!

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by zarifah

Hi! I'm a newbie here and pretty uninformed on wireless services in general, and would really appreciate some advice! I currently have service with Working Assets, a socially progressive company that uses the Sprint network (I know - most folks haven't even heard of them). I don't feel the need for "bells and whistles" on my cell, so chose one of their simpler models - the LG LX-125, which I've had for a couple of years now. I got identical phones for my two kids a year ago when the need arose, and so far have had nothing to complain of. Now, however, I'm feeling the need to get different phones for a couple of reasons. #1 - My daughter has moved to the East coast (we live in Oregon) to attend a residential boarding school. It's located in a small town, though only about 20 miles from a major city. We talk cell to cell every day and every time the call will get dropped, often repeatedly. I'm wondering if a better quality phone could improve the situation, or if she's just too close to the edge of the service area. #2 - My phone gets uncomfortably warm to the touch at both ends. Related to this, I find myself having more trouble lately hearing on the phone (I'm in my fifties - it happens! sigh) and tend to cram it up against my ear, so the heat really bothers me. Do all cell phones do this? My Working Assets customer service person recommends the Sanyo KATANA, which is most expensive phone they offer (though free with a 2-yr contract), short of the Motorola Q, which is much more phone than I need. I'm reluctant to go with that advice and tie myself into 2 more years, without feeling sure that it would solve my problems. I have about 9 months to go on my current contract with them, and would like to leave my options open a bit for the future.

Any suggestions? Thanks so much - as you can see, my knowledge of the field is zip!

I checked their site and they have a Nokia 6165, which is one of the last original Nokia phones made for CDMA technology, which is what Working Assets and Sprint use in their phones. This Nokia phone would be a good purchase. Nokia phones have strong reception and pretty decent features. Sound quality should be good as well. The Sanyo Katana's are OK, but they arent' the greatest phones. The Katana is thinner than the 6165, but I would go with the Nokia anyday (I have the Nokia 6256i from Verizon, which is very similar to the 6165, and I love it).

As for LG phones, the versions used on Sprint's network haven't been the best phones they make. They're not horrible, but they're marginal at best. The LG 350 would be a step up from what you have, but you might have the same heat and sound problems you have with your current phone.

The Motorola Q is much more than what you need, as you stated. Hope this helps.

By the way, welcome to Wireless Advisor!

[zarifah]

Thanks, Mobile Mike! Just for future reference, are there phones on other networks that stand out in the matter of reception? I guess for now I should go with the best choice under my current contract - I'm just curious if I'm missing out on anything really good, being limited to the options Working Assets offers.

[Mobile Mike]

Originally Posted by zarifah

Thanks, Mobile Mike! Just for future reference, are there phones on other networks that stand out in the matter of reception? I guess for now I should go with the best choice under my current contract - I'm just curious if I'm missing out on anything really good, being limited to the options Working Assets offers.

I most cases it's been Motorola phones. Nokia phones are also well known for having excellent reception. LG's phones are hit and miss when it comes to reception. Samsung's are OK, but I'm not a fan of ANYTHING they make.

The phone with the best reception I've seen is the Motorola V710 and it's updated version, the E815. But both have been discontinued.

If Working Assets has worked out well for you, keep it. As I mentioned in the previous post, the Nokia 6165 should be a good phone if you decide to get it. Reception-wise, it's one of the best.

[Fire14]

I think one of your concerns to consider is which phone is dropping all the calls, and has this just happened when she came east?

If you haven't been having problems in your area, yet she is in her area with calls not just to you, then you may need to change providers.

Where did she move to if you don't mind answering?
This answer could give you some options on who will give you the best service in both locations.