Switch to Alltel or Stay with AT&T

Walmarts & other agent stores can sometimes still do 1 year contracts. CS and Corporate stores will not allow it though.

 

Purchase your own unlocked/unbranded quad band phone and let your contract run its course. No need to re-sign just because you want a new phone.

 

alltel is my 1st choice, just as soon as i sell my 2 new razr's

 

I agree. Although unlocked/unbranded phones are a bit more expensive than subsidized ones, at least you're not tied to your carrier. I prefer these over locked phones any day.

 

Unbranded means that it has "generic" software on the phone - not a carrier's specific software.

Many prefer unbranded software as the carriers tend to lock the software down in certain areas - don't allow access to certain functions or menus, etc. Settings for MMS/internet access may have to be manually configured on an unbranded phone - however, some manufacturers (Nokia for ex.) will send the settings to the phone via an SMS, so it's not typically difficult to set up an unbranded phone for service beyond voice/SMS.

Unlocked simply means the phone is not locked to a specific carrier's service - it can be used with another carrier's SIM card.

Welcome to WA!

 

AT&T and T-Mobile offer configuration sites to get the settings for mobile web, texting, etc. to make it easier to get these features working on the unlocked phone.

 

After using an unlocked/unbranded phone, I will probably never purchase another phone from the provider if I can help it. I will also never switch to a CDMA provider, since there seem to be so many restrictions, like Bluetooth, etc.

It is really nice to go into the phones menu, and not see a bunch of useless junk, like Cingular Mall, and provider stuff like that. Very annoying, and some people may not mind it, but it gets on my last nerve. That and the branding on the phone itself, like the exterior, on the screen.....it gets old. I know who my provider is, no need to keep reminding me.

 

I've heard good things about the Pearl, but unless you've owned a BB before, just remember there is a little learning curve with the phone. Blackberry's OS takes some getting used to. It's not complicated or bad in any way, but it is different. I was not to fond of it, but that's just me.

Check out sites like:

Phonescoop

Mobiledia

Phonearena

Each offer thorough reviews of phones. The Pearl has been out a while, but you should be able to find something by searching through their review sections.

All of these sites are immeasurably helpful at giving you information on anything phones.

 

Don't forget BlackBerryForums.com : Your Number One BlackBerry Community <---so much knowledge about BB's on that site it isn't funny.