Cingular 1900 in NY/NJ - do I need 850?

[puffarthur]

I was thinking about getting the Samsung SGH-i250 when it comes out, probably with Cingular (it might go to Tmobile but I assume I can activate it with Cingular?), but I noticed its only 900/1800/1900. I will only be needing it for NYC, Long Island, and NJ. I was wondering if this phone will still be mostly usable in these areas even though it will only be able to use the 1900 band? Will not having the 850 on the phone really hamper my signal reception? Thanks!

(btw I think some ppl mentioned that there was some debate about 850 vs 900 before but I never could find it)

[MeatChicken]

Originally Posted by puffarthur

I was thinking about getting the Samsung SGH-i250 when it comes out, probably with Cingular (it might go to Tmobile but I assume I can activate it with Cingular?), but I noticed its only 900/1800/1900. I will only be needing it for NYC, Long Island, and NJ. I was wondering if this phone will still be mostly usable in these areas even though it will only be able to use the 1900 band? Will not having the 850 on the phone really hamper my signal reception? Thanks!

(btw I think some ppl mentioned that there was some debate about 850 vs 900 before but I never could find it)

You will be at a big disadvantage with no access to the CING/ATT main 800 system in this area. Especially indoors.

[bobolito]

Both T-Mobile and Cingular networks are very poor at 1900Mhz. Granted you may not have much trouble in the 5 boroughs of NYC, but outside that (Long Island and NJ) their 1900Mhz is just pure sweese cheese. If you want Verizon-like coverage all over NJ and Long Island, you need a phone that handles 850Mhz.