Does anyone have this phone and if so how do you like it? I am thinking of getting one in the next couple of weeks but I'd like some input on it if anyone has any. Thanks.
Sorry, Jean, I can't help you but I have a related request, since we may be getting info about phones here.
I'd like to buy a cell phone for use in the US. I would only be using it for a couple weeks a year, but I really need it more then that at other times and my present phone which works fine for here and doesn't need replacing, will not work outside Europe. Anybody know a good PAY as YOU Go system?
Second best sweetheart gave me a Jitterbug phone this past Christmas and I love it! It doesn't take pictures or do any of the other fancy (and confusing to an old codger like me) stuff, but it's perfect for my very infrequent use of a cell phone -- no confusing small buttons or procedures to try to memorize -- just punch large buttons saying either YES or NO for some very basic telephone options. I don't know what the phone itself cost, but to initiate service I paid a "one time" charge of $120 (that could be per year -- I'm not certain of that), and I'm billed monthly for the very infrequent calls I make at a rate of $.35 per minute. I could have opted for other plans guaranteeing some particular number of minutes per month, but I basically use the phone for only "emergencies" or while I'm out and about. I've used it several times in four or five Southern states and had no coverage problems.
Thanks GC, I don't need all the frills either which is why I am not renewing with this phone. I just want to make some calls and be able to give people a phone number they can call me on. If they call the house and I am not here DH gets the message confused and doesn't know who called! This phone works if it feels like it!!!!!
Just thought of something. At least I knew it was a man who had the Jitterbug. I thought it was Marsh.
When my Sprint contract expires I'm getting a Trac. I sometimes use only a few minutes a month and I'll get a year's worth of minutes that will be much much less, even including the cost of the phone.
Jeanette, Office Depot and Best Buy both have the pay as you go cell phones. I don't know how the work, but they are exactly what you are looking for. You can purchase a card that is good for "x number of minutes" and it would be perfect for someone like you..to keep in touch with US friends and family while you're here.
My DH has a Jitterbug -- left over from when he was still driving. He has a monthly plan for 60 minutes and with taxes and fees the total bill is $23.51. Looks like some of the minutes roll over to the following month. This month's bill shows minutes that expired since last invoice and then a current balance. As Gourdchipper said, it's very simple and easy to use. No fancy bells or whistles.
I HATE cell phones. Had a couple that I finally just tossed. Too complex for this ol' broad. But son INSISTED that I needed on in the car. I got the Jitterbug. No one has my number, I do not want to be called when I'm out. However, I keep it in the car just for emergencies. I think I paid $100 or so for it, and it's about $12.50 a month for the bare minimum, forget how many mins a month. I've used it briefly once or twice, it's NOT for chatting. I like it better than any other because it's so simple. Large numbers, as already stated, no bells & whistles. If strictly for emergencies, I'd recommend it, but if you want to receive calls & chat, then it would cost too much monthly.
I checked the Trac phone on line and it has more bells and whistles than I need or want. It looks like I will go with the Jitterbug. I don't need voice mail, texing or any of that stuff. I never figured out half the things on the phone I have and didn't have the patience to learn. I swear the guidebook was written by a rocket scientist!!!!
About a year ago my DH started demanding that he have a cell phone because everybody else had one (He didn't know how to use it.) I bought him one of the prepaid ones, but when we got home we found we couldn't get a signal on that phone from our home. If I ever get one again I'll have to find somebody with the same kind to see if it works out here before buying one.
Some of the prepaids do not work in every area. Found out the hard way too. I've stuck with Cellular One (now Verizon); at their lowest rate - $20 mon. for 100 minutes per mo., but they don't carry forward. It's all I need.
While the Jitterbug may not be the least expensive, it's reasonable if one is a very light user. The main benefit is the lack of confusing whistles and bells and the larger size buttons and display. Another thing that I liked for DH's use is that one can reach a live operator just like in the "old days" :)
That is one reason I do not upgrade my cell phone - it is just basic. I believe because it doesn't have a camera, games, and all the other stuff I do not loose reception like Art and others do with their camera phones. Plus, I would have to by a new USB cable to use it with my computer. And, mine is slower than newer ones are so less chance of being 'caught' by Verizon. I use my monthly minutes with it instead of paying for their office plan. Mostly I wait until after 9 and weekends when I have unlimited.