Good Hobby Phone

Toreador_one's Avatar
It is nation wide. I like that. Im thinking of moving my current number and use it.Thanks for the information... Originally Posted by Reese McClain
Reese, heads up, when I first got mine I research moving my old phone number, you can do it but it is not something you can do right away, you have to request it and may take a few days (I just forgo my old number). make sure to contact straight talk first and ask them how the process work, do ask them how long it will take and if you can use your all number in the process (remember what they tell you and what actually happens will probably vary)
I used iphone for web and have a cheap ($10) for voice and text. I like the cheap phone without bunch of features because they tend to be small and therefore easier to conceal.

One think to keep in mind is that if you surf the web alot, your battery won't last a day, which mean you'll need to figure out how to hide the phone while it's charging. The cheap voice/text only phone I have will go 2-3 day on a single charge. But, if you're single and by worried about having to hide the phone, I recomment the cricket unlimited plan as they offer decent phones for web application.
DarthMaul's Avatar
But, if you're single and by worried about having to hide the phone, I recomment the cricket unlimited plan as they offer decent phones for web application. Originally Posted by KinkyNasty
Sounds more and more like Cricket is a good option. But I will check straight talk out T1! Thanks for all of the feedback.
auknowho's Avatar
Just saw Cricket's new ad for unlimited talk & text for $25 per month!

Don't think you can beat that.

Good luck! Originally Posted by photog
Yeah I know Cricket has the best deal especially for Houston, but does this service works all around Houston Area, I have heard that some places the cricket service drops, just wondering any thoughts or experiences on this?
  • rooky
  • 03-20-2010, 05:19 AM
Just saw Cricket's new ad for unlimited talk & text for $25 per month!

Don't think you can beat that.

Good luck! Originally Posted by photog
Thats my next stop. My name is going to be Fogel Mclovin and "yo no speako any english"
bbkid's Avatar
  • bbkid
  • 03-20-2010, 07:27 AM
Cricket is, indeed, the cheapest out there. But, their coverage sucks.

So? Save yourself a few bucks = being in a "dead" zone when you're two blocks from a ladies incall. Do the math.........................
Mr Clever's Avatar
Cricket service does suck.
kerwil62's Avatar
I remember Cricket not having service in Dallas. That was a couple of years ago.

Sounds like pre-paid is the way to go, at least for me.
R.M.'s Avatar
  • R.M.
  • 03-21-2010, 05:59 AM
Strait Talk sounds good to me
bigbadbill969's Avatar
Just saw Cricket's new ad for unlimited talk & text for $25 per month!

Don't think you can beat that.

Good luck! Originally Posted by photog
Keep in mind that this plan does not include long distance. If you want to see a provider with a long distance number (many people elect to keep their old number after relocating or she may be visting) I believe you have to go with the $35 plan......Bill
TexasGator's Avatar
Some people from this board lured me in.

Pros:

1) FREE!
2) Use with existing phone
(no need to carry 2-some may need separation)
3) Transcribes your voicemail messages to email - Cool feature!
4) Call screening.
Unknown caller goes to voicemail and starts talking, you can monitor and pick up during recording.
5) Discount International but I haven't tried this one!

CONS:

1) You have to wait to be invited. An existing customer, at some point, gets 3 invites he can send out. I have had it for 2 months though and haven't been given any invitations so they may be slowing down. Then again my usage is very limited. Thank you to that lovely lady from Austin who let me have one of her few invitations, and who I am always calling with stupid questions on how to work the thing..

2) Some interface problems that are difficult to figure out. (e.g., one guy here found out his business calls were being answered with his hobby name. But he was able to figure it out and change settings within couple of hours.

3) Have to dial and send texts from computer or go to internet on phone to dial and send 1st text in order for it to come from your google # and not your regular number- except some brands with Google Voice apps - there is none for iphone

4) Some BETA type kinks not worked out.
R.M.'s Avatar
  • R.M.
  • 03-22-2010, 05:08 AM
Some people from this board lured me in.

Pros:

1) FREE!
2) Use with existing phone
(no need to carry 2-some may need separation)
3) Transcribes your voicemail messages to email - Cool feature!
4) Call screening.
Unknown caller goes to voicemail and starts talking, you can monitor and pick up during recording.
5) Discount International but I haven't tried this one!

CONS:

1) You have to wait to be invited. An existing customer, at some point, gets 3 invites he can send out. I have had it for 2 months though and haven't been given any invitations so they may be slowing down. Then again my usage is very limited. Thank you to that lovely lady from Austin who let me have one of her few invitations, and who I am always calling with stupid questions on how to work the thing..

2) Some interface problems that are difficult to figure out. (e.g., one guy here found out his business calls were being answered with his hobby name. But he was able to figure it out and change settings within couple of hours.

3) Have to dial and send texts from computer or go to internet on phone to dial and send 1st text in order for it to come from your google # and not your regular number- except some brands with Google Voice apps - there is none for iphone

4) Some BETA type kinks not worked out. Originally Posted by TexasGator
If you have a google account can you use this service? Or you have to still have the invite?
Sarcastro's Avatar


Still need an invite. They can be purchased from ebay vendors for around $2.
CaptainQ's Avatar
I had been using gmail for years, so I just requested it and they gave me an account within a few weeks. Don't remember all the details, but it wasn't that hard at the time.

If you are trying to get an invite and you have a gmail account (and maybe even without), just go here:

http://www.google.com/voice

It may take a while, but it's free so there is nothing to lose.

It does take a little getting used to it and making it work like you want. But so far, I love it. I have mine on DND (do not disturb) so I won't get any calls until I'm available to play.