WirelessAdvisor.com

FrazzledUSer · 07-10-2002, 11:11 PM

Ok, I know Nextel's coverage area isn't great in rural areas. That being said, I cannot afford Southern Linc right now, they're too pricy. I'm not totally satisified with Sprint PCS, they're ok, but not great, and I like Nextel's price plans.

I also like the fact they do work in many of the places I travel. Am I crazy to be going with them?

07-11-2002, 1:57 AM

Maybe not . Do you need direct connect or an unlimited Free incoming call plan ? If neither, maybe there is something about Nextel coverage which is better in your specific case ( ie a better fit with respect to tower locations for better signal building for penetration . See if you can get a loaner or borrow a phone before signing up or buy from Amazon.com who has written 30 day return policy for the phone and plan. ( ask them for email verification that it is so when purcahsing Nextel and save that email .

BillRadio · 07-11-2002, 12:32 PM

Frazzled,
Nextel offers a good service, and have very good urban penetration. If they cover where you go, and the prices fit your usage, then you've done more research than most.

I would caution you to make several calls and ask about the audio quality. We use them here at work, and the Direct Connect is very useful. But the audio quality on normal phone calls is irritating. It varies by market and by phone model.

If the audio is acceptable to you, you're good to go.

-Bill Radio

FrazzledUSer · 07-11-2002, 1:05 PM

I'd like to thank both of you for your advice. With Sprint PCS, I keep hearing calls fade in and out, even sometimes in service areas. It's annoying.

I do use my phone quite a bit, and I found I'm paying a bunch of extra charges with Sprint PCS, even after I updated my plan. They've been decent, but I feel like I could do better.

I'd rather have Southern Linc, but there just too expensive, the time you pay for Voice Mail and Caller ID (features I want just in case) I'd be looking at a $63 bill.

I know I'm screwed if I go to some rural areas, but more of my travel are in places where Nextel does work. I also figure the signal's got to be somewhat better than Sprint PCS.

TNDan21 · 07-11-2002, 1:23 PM

If you want good rural and urban coverage why not consider somebody like Verizon Wireless? Also if you travel they have the America's Choice Plans which cover a good portion of the US with no roaming charges.

FrazzledUSer · 07-11-2002, 8:15 PM

I would go with Verizon, but they're not offered in Middle Georgia yet. At least as far as I can tell. By the way, it turns out Nextel is out. I was going to have to allow them to auto-debt my checking account for six months because they say I have "unestablished" credit. The salesman didn't tell me that it takes two days to process it. I refuse to have to drive back again, Iwas driving 35 minutes each way.

So, assuming the credit check works, even though I know it's ridiculously priced, looks like I'll be going with Southern Linc. The people have offered to deliever the phone to me, saving me the trip back.

Jack · 07-11-2002, 9:27 PM

Let us know what you decide to do.

Southern linc is expensive so I hope there coverage works out (look like they have SOLID coverage everywhere)

If you were to call 1-800-nextel-9 the phones would be shipped to you. You could get the nextel national connect 300.

300 daytime minutes
3600 night and weekend minutes (all minutes free long distance) and
100 direct connect

$39.99 a month

Jack

FrazzledUSer · 07-11-2002, 9:42 PM

Oh my gosh Jack, that'd be like such a better deal than this store was going to give me. Oy Vey. I don't know why that wasn't listed as an option at this store I was at.

To be honest, Southern Linc isn't my first choice. But Sprint PCS just isn't good enough for me, I want better. Unfortunately, where I live, my choices are limited.

Thanks for telling me that.

Jack · 07-11-2002, 10:14 PM

That rate plan is for my area but nextel seems to have the same plans most everywhere.

If you call nextel tell them this is the plan that you would like: nextel national connect 300.

Let me know if I can be of any more assistance

Jack

FrazzledUSer · 07-11-2002, 10:43 PM

I checked Nextel's site, and I found the same plan. Right now with Southern Linc, I'd be paying $57.95 for only 225 minutes. I don't like that.

But then my "unestablished credit history" comes into play. So I don't know how that'd work out, you know?

But I really wanna thank you for all your help.

TNDan21 · 07-12-2002, 10:44 AM

FrazzledUSer what providers are avaible where you live?

FrazzledUSer · 07-12-2002, 12:12 PM

Cellular One, Sprint PCS, Southern Linc, Nextel, Cingular, Alltel, Voice Stream, and I guess AT & T. Although do keep in mind, this is technical for me, because I'm technically not in a service area.

I've had Cell One, no wireless Internet, and I don't like their fees. They got canceled
Am with Sprint PCS, but not totally satisified. Am eating way too many minutes, and their connections aren't always the best.
Was about to do Southern Linc, but the thought of paying over $60 a month for just 225 minutes just so I can have Wireless Internet is making me reconsider and doing anything possible to cancel out, even eating the contract.
I like Nextel's Direct 5000 plan. The guy at Southern Linc said Nextel's service is worse than Sprint PCS, but I'm having a hard time swallowing that.
Cingular: Tried two different phones, their analog coverage was poor in my view.
Alltel: Analog coverage was worse.
No opinion of Voice Stream's service.
Have read bad things about AT & T in general, but don't know exactly what they're about.

07-12-2002, 1:16 PM

AT&T might be OK if their operating at 800 mhz in your coverage area . At least they have a 30 no cancellation penalty ( ie paid trial period ) .

FrazzledUSer · 07-12-2002, 1:25 PM

I don't know what kind of coverage AT & T has, probably limited. Oh my gosh, someone at Lonesome Dove Communications got very angry today. They were quite angry when they learned of my decision to cancel.

I bailed on Nextel when I leanred I was going to have to wait two days because of them auto-debting my checking account, they were ok. And they won't even get any money. The Cingular people didn't get mad, and the phones had already been activated in each case.

I don't get it. The cancelation fee is there for people who don't want it. I also learned yesterday that some stores don't have the same offers, the Nextel store I was at did not even have the same offer with the 500 minutes for $49.99.

This is why I call myself FrazzledUser. Because trying to find something good can be so FRAZZELING!

TNDan21 · 07-12-2002, 1:34 PM

AT&T might work well for you but since I don't know where exactly you are I don't really know. I've heard one of AT&T worst markets is in Atlanta, GA so that may extend out to where you are also. In your case you might just not find a carrier that you are going to fully like.

By the way did you like Cellular One's coverage? I know you said they are high and they don't have the wireless internet but if they have good coverage and audio quality you might want to think about going back to them. They have to be cheaper then Southern Linc after all.

FrazzledUSer · 07-12-2002, 8:26 PM

Cell One's coverage was wonderful. But I need Wireless Internet. I'm also not enamored with the fees with Cell One, and them forgetting to turn off my phone when I originally canceled didn't exactly endear me to them. I refuse to even look at Southern Linc after today. I realize I was stupid for shopping when I was angry, but in my view, no excuse for rudeness.

I've also considered just waiting until August when VZE comes in, and starts setting things up their own way. I live about 35 miles SE of Macon.

Jack · 07-12-2002, 9:11 PM

Nextel and southern link use the same technology iden and I think that nextel roams off of southern link. I personally do not see verizon being any better.

Jack

FrazzledUSer · 07-12-2002, 11:01 PM

I had a feeling that might be true Jack. Right now, I'm to the point of where if the coverage is not everywhere, I'm ok. I'd just take getting solid coverage where it is supposed to work. I like Nextel's phones, and they seem like they could be very useful for a journalist like me who sometimes is on the road a bit.

I noticed Nextel and Southern Linc use similar phones, the difference being they seem to be a bit more pricy with Southern Linc. BTW: I found that $49.99 plan you were talkng about, it's offered online, but not in some of the stores. I was told that was because the places were "partners" and sometimes had different deals.

TNDan21 · 07-13-2002, 12:01 AM

Just curious but why do you need wireless internet?

I've used it a couple of times on Sprint PCS and I found it to be quite a useless feature its slow, clunky, and there really isn't much you can do with it now.

FrazzledUSer · 07-13-2002, 10:20 AM

Because with my newspaper job and other writing I'm involved with, there are times I am away for long periods of time, and I need to be able to check my e-mail. I also believe that not every company has the same wireless Internet capabilities, I think some are more advanced than others.
Given how I do need to be able to access my e-mail at times, plus having a poor local phone company, I feel better having wireless Internet capabilities.

WirelessBeachBum · 07-13-2002, 10:36 AM

Since you are a writer a possible better solution for you instead of using Wireless web would be to use a Pocket PC and a Socket digital phone card. www.socketcom.com or even go with Audiovox Thera (Currently sold by Verizon $700 with contract $999 without, Coming out with Sprint PCS on August 10th.) you can still connect to the internet, but you will have a graphical web browsers, and Pocket Outlook for your email client, and using the optional keyboards you can even do some of your writing with these machines with the built in versions of Word and Excel. I currently use the HP Jornada 568, and a socket digital phone card and 3035 to connect to my wireless provider. (In the past I just used the built in browser on my 3035 however with my Pocket PC I can actually do real work.)

You may also be interested in the SmartPad2 by www.seikosmart.com with this pad you can take hand written notes (on a legal pad) and then email them to your newspaper. I bought this item last week and it seems to work great.

FrazzledUSer · 07-13-2002, 11:41 AM

Gracias for the information WBB. However, those options are a bit costly for me. Espeically when the new Nextel phones can do Java applications, just can't do graphics, and they also sell a keyboard that you can plug into their phone.

I do appreicate the information though. Thank you very much.

roamer1 · 07-13-2002, 12:16 PM

also...IIRC the Thera doesn't do analog roaming...would do you NO good in middle GA until Verizon takes over Price/CellOne and converts their network to CDMA

(and yes, Verizon has their own coverage in Macon now, but they don't appear to be selling local service yet, and the coverage on the north side of town sucks right now)

-SC

FrazzledUSer · 07-14-2002, 12:21 AM

I figured it would. Because they're not even advertising. I checked into the upcoming change, it's not going to be until sometime in August when Verizon really puts its things in place.

BTW: am supposed to try one of Nextel's loaners next week. I know in rurals they're not well, but if their signal is any clearer than Sprint PCS, and with their technology and price plans, I think I'd be happy.

theyallstink · 07-14-2002, 2:05 AM

<< Ok, I know Nextel's coverage area isn't great in rural areas. That being said, I cannot afford Southern Linc right now, they're too pricy. I'm not totally satisified with Sprint PCS, they're ok, but not great, and I like Nextel's price plans.

I also like the fact they do work in many of the places I travel. Am I crazy to be going with them? >>

Yes, unless you need the PTT feature and have other Nextel PTT subscribers you'll be talking with on a regular basis.

Sure Nextel is still 800Mhz and should have better in building coverage, but I've yet to see it. To the contrary I find Nextel to be less reliable than most other carriers, especially in South Florida.

Nextel's audio quality is the worst of all carriers and the phones are larger. Nextel also has an annoying issue in South Florida (at least), which has never been resolved, where callers sometimes get a recording "please wait while the Nextel customer you are trying to reach is located......" then if they aren't located you don't get a chance to leave them a voicemail. Sometimes you have to call the person back 3-4 times to finally get to their voicemail. Very quirky.

If you are not happy with Sprint and only require a standard phone (no PTT) go with Verizon, AT&T or Cingular.

07-14-2002, 8:56 AM

<< Sure Nextel is still 800Mhz and should have better in building coverage, but I've yet to see it. To the contrary I find Nextel to be less reliable than most other carriers, especially in South Florida.

Nextel's audio quality is the worst of all carriers and the phones are larger. Nextel also has an annoying issue in South Florida (at least), which has never been resolved, where callers sometimes get a recording "please wait while the Nextel customer you are trying to reach is located......" then if they aren't located you don't get a chance to leave them a voicemail. Sometimes you have to call the person back 3-4 times to finally get to their voicemail. Very quirky.

If you are not happy with Sprint and only require a standard phone (no PTT) go with Verizon, AT&T or Cingular. >>

Interesting that you say that. I've lived in South Florida (Broward County) for 5 years. I had Sprint for 4 of those years and I would get dopped calls and no service all over the place.

I finally switched to Nextel and I get service just about everywhere I travel. I live in Weston - it's a small city but there were at least 4 different areas where there was zero Sprint coverage. Nextel has coverage everywhere.

As for quality - I don't find any difference in call quality between Sprint and Nextel - but remember a lot of that has to do with the phone you own. You also have packet-based always on wireless web with Nextel so you'll still receive calls while surfing. If Sprint ever rolls out their 3G service you'll have that on Sprint as well.

Where in South Florida do you live/travel that you don't get good service with Nextel? Have you ever tried Nextel?

07-10-2002, 11:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	About to go with Nextel, am I nuts??? Ok, I know Nextel's coverage area isn't great in rural areas. That being said, I cannot afford Southern Linc right now, they're too pricy. I'm not totally satisified with Sprint PCS, they're ok, but not great, and I like Nextel's price plans. I also like the fact they do work in many of the places I travel. Am I crazy to be going with them?

07-11-2002, 12:32 PM	#3 (permalink)
BillRadio Wireless Consultant Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Denver Posts: 1,387 Phone(s): Motorola, Nokia Provider(s): Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts Images: 1	Frazzled, Nextel offers a good service, and have very good urban penetration. If they cover where you go, and the prices fit your usage, then you've done more research than most. I would caution you to make several calls and ask about the audio quality. We use them here at work, and the Direct Connect is very useful. But the audio quality on normal phone calls is irritating. It varies by market and by phone model. If the audio is acceptable to you, you're good to go. -Bill Radio __________________ Cellular Reviews & Ratings. www.MountainWireless.com

07-11-2002, 9:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
Jack Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,475 Phone(s): Motorola T720 Provider(s): Alltel Devices: Sirius Satellite radio, ipod, laptop, pda Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Let us know what you decide to do. Southern linc is expensive so I hope there coverage works out (look like they have SOLID coverage everywhere) If you were to call 1-800-nextel-9 the phones would be shipped to you. You could get the nextel national connect 300. 300 daytime minutes 3600 night and weekend minutes (all minutes free long distance) and 100 direct connect $39.99 a month Jack __________________ Current Plan with alltel 3000 anytime minutes w/nationwide LD $74.95 a month---Waiting not so patiently for the Alltel version of the V710

07-11-2002, 10:14 PM	#9 (permalink)
Jack Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,475 Phone(s): Motorola T720 Provider(s): Alltel Devices: Sirius Satellite radio, ipod, laptop, pda Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	That rate plan is for my area but nextel seems to have the same plans most everywhere. If you call nextel tell them this is the plan that you would like: nextel national connect 300. Let me know if I can be of any more assistance Jack __________________ Current Plan with alltel 3000 anytime minutes w/nationwide LD $74.95 a month---Waiting not so patiently for the Alltel version of the V710

07-12-2002, 9:11 PM	#17 (permalink)
Jack Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,475 Phone(s): Motorola T720 Provider(s): Alltel Devices: Sirius Satellite radio, ipod, laptop, pda Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Nextel and southern link use the same technology iden and I think that nextel roams off of southern link. I personally do not see verizon being any better. Jack __________________ Current Plan with alltel 3000 anytime minutes w/nationwide LD $74.95 a month---Waiting not so patiently for the Alltel version of the V710

07-11-2002, 1:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	Maybe not . Do you need direct connect or an unlimited Free incoming call plan ? If neither, maybe there is something about Nextel coverage which is better in your specific case ( ie a better fit with respect to tower locations for better signal building for penetration . See if you can get a loaner or borrow a phone before signing up or buy from Amazon.com who has written 30 day return policy for the phone and plan. ( ask them for email verification that it is so when purcahsing Nextel and save that email .

07-11-2002, 1:05 PM	#4 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I'd like to thank both of you for your advice. With Sprint PCS, I keep hearing calls fade in and out, even sometimes in service areas. It's annoying. I do use my phone quite a bit, and I found I'm paying a bunch of extra charges with Sprint PCS, even after I updated my plan. They've been decent, but I feel like I could do better. I'd rather have Southern Linc, but there just too expensive, the time you pay for Voice Mail and Caller ID (features I want just in case) I'd be looking at a $63 bill. I know I'm screwed if I go to some rural areas, but more of my travel are in places where Nextel does work. I also figure the signal's got to be somewhat better than Sprint PCS.

07-11-2002, 1:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
TNDan21 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kingsport, TN Posts: 5,964 Phone(s): LG enV2, Samsung t219 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile Devices: iPod Nano Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	If you want good rural and urban coverage why not consider somebody like Verizon Wireless? Also if you travel they have the America's Choice Plans which cover a good portion of the US with no roaming charges.

07-11-2002, 8:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I would go with Verizon, but they're not offered in Middle Georgia yet. At least as far as I can tell. By the way, it turns out Nextel is out. I was going to have to allow them to auto-debt my checking account for six months because they say I have "unestablished" credit. The salesman didn't tell me that it takes two days to process it. I refuse to have to drive back again, Iwas driving 35 minutes each way. So, assuming the credit check works, even though I know it's ridiculously priced, looks like I'll be going with Southern Linc. The people have offered to deliever the phone to me, saving me the trip back.

07-11-2002, 9:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Oh my gosh Jack, that'd be like such a better deal than this store was going to give me. Oy Vey. I don't know why that wasn't listed as an option at this store I was at. To be honest, Southern Linc isn't my first choice. But Sprint PCS just isn't good enough for me, I want better. Unfortunately, where I live, my choices are limited. Thanks for telling me that.

07-11-2002, 10:43 PM	#10 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I checked Nextel's site, and I found the same plan. Right now with Southern Linc, I'd be paying $57.95 for only 225 minutes. I don't like that. But then my "unestablished credit history" comes into play. So I don't know how that'd work out, you know? But I really wanna thank you for all your help.

07-12-2002, 10:44 AM	#11 (permalink)
TNDan21 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kingsport, TN Posts: 5,964 Phone(s): LG enV2, Samsung t219 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile Devices: iPod Nano Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	FrazzledUSer what providers are avaible where you live?

07-12-2002, 12:12 PM	#12 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Cellular One, Sprint PCS, Southern Linc, Nextel, Cingular, Alltel, Voice Stream, and I guess AT & T. Although do keep in mind, this is technical for me, because I'm technically not in a service area. I've had Cell One, no wireless Internet, and I don't like their fees. They got canceled Am with Sprint PCS, but not totally satisified. Am eating way too many minutes, and their connections aren't always the best. Was about to do Southern Linc, but the thought of paying over $60 a month for just 225 minutes just so I can have Wireless Internet is making me reconsider and doing anything possible to cancel out, even eating the contract. I like Nextel's Direct 5000 plan. The guy at Southern Linc said Nextel's service is worse than Sprint PCS, but I'm having a hard time swallowing that. Cingular: Tried two different phones, their analog coverage was poor in my view. Alltel: Analog coverage was worse. No opinion of Voice Stream's service. Have read bad things about AT & T in general, but don't know exactly what they're about.

07-12-2002, 1:16 PM	#13 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	AT&T might be OK if their operating at 800 mhz in your coverage area . At least they have a 30 no cancellation penalty ( ie paid trial period ) .

07-12-2002, 1:25 PM	#14 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I don't know what kind of coverage AT & T has, probably limited. Oh my gosh, someone at Lonesome Dove Communications got very angry today. They were quite angry when they learned of my decision to cancel. I bailed on Nextel when I leanred I was going to have to wait two days because of them auto-debting my checking account, they were ok. And they won't even get any money. The Cingular people didn't get mad, and the phones had already been activated in each case. I don't get it. The cancelation fee is there for people who don't want it. I also learned yesterday that some stores don't have the same offers, the Nextel store I was at did not even have the same offer with the 500 minutes for $49.99. This is why I call myself FrazzledUser. Because trying to find something good can be so FRAZZELING!

07-12-2002, 1:34 PM	#15 (permalink)
TNDan21 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kingsport, TN Posts: 5,964 Phone(s): LG enV2, Samsung t219 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile Devices: iPod Nano Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	AT&T might work well for you but since I don't know where exactly you are I don't really know. I've heard one of AT&T worst markets is in Atlanta, GA so that may extend out to where you are also. In your case you might just not find a carrier that you are going to fully like. By the way did you like Cellular One's coverage? I know you said they are high and they don't have the wireless internet but if they have good coverage and audio quality you might want to think about going back to them. They have to be cheaper then Southern Linc after all.

07-12-2002, 8:26 PM	#16 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Cell One's coverage was wonderful. But I need Wireless Internet. I'm also not enamored with the fees with Cell One, and them forgetting to turn off my phone when I originally canceled didn't exactly endear me to them. I refuse to even look at Southern Linc after today. I realize I was stupid for shopping when I was angry, but in my view, no excuse for rudeness. I've also considered just waiting until August when VZE comes in, and starts setting things up their own way. I live about 35 miles SE of Macon.

07-12-2002, 11:01 PM	#18 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I had a feeling that might be true Jack. Right now, I'm to the point of where if the coverage is not everywhere, I'm ok. I'd just take getting solid coverage where it is supposed to work. I like Nextel's phones, and they seem like they could be very useful for a journalist like me who sometimes is on the road a bit. I noticed Nextel and Southern Linc use similar phones, the difference being they seem to be a bit more pricy with Southern Linc. BTW: I found that $49.99 plan you were talkng about, it's offered online, but not in some of the stores. I was told that was because the places were "partners" and sometimes had different deals.

07-13-2002, 12:01 AM	#19 (permalink)
TNDan21 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Kingsport, TN Posts: 5,964 Phone(s): LG enV2, Samsung t219 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile Devices: iPod Nano Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 6 Posts	Just curious but why do you need wireless internet? I've used it a couple of times on Sprint PCS and I found it to be quite a useless feature its slow, clunky, and there really isn't much you can do with it now.

07-13-2002, 10:20 AM	#20 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Because with my newspaper job and other writing I'm involved with, there are times I am away for long periods of time, and I need to be able to check my e-mail. I also believe that not every company has the same wireless Internet capabilities, I think some are more advanced than others. Given how I do need to be able to access my e-mail at times, plus having a poor local phone company, I feel better having wireless Internet capabilities.

07-13-2002, 10:36 AM	#21 (permalink)
WirelessBeachBum Soylent Green is People Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Hilton Head Island, SC Posts: 2,750 Phone(s): 6800 Provider(s): Alltel Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts My Auctions	Since you are a writer a possible better solution for you instead of using Wireless web would be to use a Pocket PC and a Socket digital phone card. www.socketcom.com or even go with Audiovox Thera (Currently sold by Verizon $700 with contract $999 without, Coming out with Sprint PCS on August 10th.) you can still connect to the internet, but you will have a graphical web browsers, and Pocket Outlook for your email client, and using the optional keyboards you can even do some of your writing with these machines with the built in versions of Word and Excel. I currently use the HP Jornada 568, and a socket digital phone card and 3035 to connect to my wireless provider. (In the past I just used the built in browser on my 3035 however with my Pocket PC I can actually do real work.) You may also be interested in the SmartPad2 by www.seikosmart.com with this pad you can take hand written notes (on a legal pad) and then email them to your newspaper. I bought this item last week and it seems to work great. __________________ WirelessBeachBum

07-13-2002, 11:41 AM	#22 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Gracias for the information WBB. However, those options are a bit costly for me. Espeically when the new Nextel phones can do Java applications, just can't do graphics, and they also sell a keyboard that you can plug into their phone. I do appreicate the information though. Thank you very much.

07-13-2002, 12:16 PM	#23 (permalink)
roamer1 In Memoriam Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Sandy Springs, GA Posts: 1,749 Phone(s): Palm Treo 680, Sierra AirCard 860, Moto L2 & L6, Nokia 6015i Provider(s): lots of orange, a little Little Rock blue Devices: way too many :) Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Images: 2	also...IIRC the Thera doesn't do analog roaming...would do you NO good in middle GA until Verizon takes over Price/CellOne and converts their network to CDMA (and yes, Verizon has their own coverage in Macon now, but they don't appear to be selling local service yet, and the coverage on the north side of town sucks right now) -SC __________________ "Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today. There might be a law against it by that time." -/usr/games/fortune sticking it out at you...

07-14-2002, 12:21 AM	#24 (permalink)
FrazzledUSer Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Posts: 65 Phone(s): Samsung ACH 670 Provider(s): Verizon Wireless Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I figured it would. Because they're not even advertising. I checked into the upcoming change, it's not going to be until sometime in August when Verizon really puts its things in place. BTW: am supposed to try one of Nextel's loaners next week. I know in rurals they're not well, but if their signal is any clearer than Sprint PCS, and with their technology and price plans, I think I'd be happy.

07-14-2002, 2:05 AM	#25 (permalink)
theyallstink Junior Member Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 134 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	<< Ok, I know Nextel's coverage area isn't great in rural areas. That being said, I cannot afford Southern Linc right now, they're too pricy. I'm not totally satisified with Sprint PCS, they're ok, but not great, and I like Nextel's price plans. I also like the fact they do work in many of the places I travel. Am I crazy to be going with them? >> Yes, unless you need the PTT feature and have other Nextel PTT subscribers you'll be talking with on a regular basis. Sure Nextel is still 800Mhz and should have better in building coverage, but I've yet to see it. To the contrary I find Nextel to be less reliable than most other carriers, especially in South Florida. Nextel's audio quality is the worst of all carriers and the phones are larger. Nextel also has an annoying issue in South Florida (at least), which has never been resolved, where callers sometimes get a recording "please wait while the Nextel customer you are trying to reach is located......" then if they aren't located you don't get a chance to leave them a voicemail. Sometimes you have to call the person back 3-4 times to finally get to their voicemail. Very quirky. If you are not happy with Sprint and only require a standard phone (no PTT) go with Verizon, AT&T or Cingular.

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07-14-2002, 8:56 AM	#26 (permalink)
Guest Posts: n/a	<< Sure Nextel is still 800Mhz and should have better in building coverage, but I've yet to see it. To the contrary I find Nextel to be less reliable than most other carriers, especially in South Florida. Nextel's audio quality is the worst of all carriers and the phones are larger. Nextel also has an annoying issue in South Florida (at least), which has never been resolved, where callers sometimes get a recording "please wait while the Nextel customer you are trying to reach is located......" then if they aren't located you don't get a chance to leave them a voicemail. Sometimes you have to call the person back 3-4 times to finally get to their voicemail. Very quirky. If you are not happy with Sprint and only require a standard phone (no PTT) go with Verizon, AT&T or Cingular. >> Interesting that you say that. I've lived in South Florida (Broward County) for 5 years. I had Sprint for 4 of those years and I would get dopped calls and no service all over the place. I finally switched to Nextel and I get service just about everywhere I travel. I live in Weston - it's a small city but there were at least 4 different areas where there was zero Sprint coverage. Nextel has coverage everywhere. As for quality - I don't find any difference in call quality between Sprint and Nextel - but remember a lot of that has to do with the phone you own. You also have packet-based always on wireless web with Nextel so you'll still receive calls while surfing. If Sprint ever rolls out their 3G service you'll have that on Sprint as well. Where in South Florida do you live/travel that you don't get good service with Nextel? Have you ever tried Nextel?