Cell Phone option...

stevenson · Postby **stevenson** » May 12th, 2009, 8:20 pm

Is there a cell phone that can get internet acess without paying for extra internet service? I just want to check e-mails or get directions when I'm in a hotel that has free wi-fi.

rjjunior · Postby **rjjunior** » May 13th, 2009, 7:31 am

Ipod Touch is not a cell phone, but it does have wifi capabilities. If you've already got a cell phone, it's pretty handy.

PastorP · Postby **PastorP** » May 13th, 2009, 7:36 am

stevenson wrote:Is there a cell phone that can get internet acess without paying for extra internet service? I just want to check e-mails or get directions when I'm in a hotel that has free wi-fi.

I have an Asus 626 Pocket PC. Has a wireless card, as well as Micro$oft Office, along with other programs. It is enjoyable to use and does a good job with Wi-Fi. A little under $300.

Pianoman · Postby **Pianoman** » May 13th, 2009, 8:14 am

stevenson wrote:Is there a cell phone that can get internet acess without paying for extra internet service? I just want to check e-mails or get directions when I'm in a hotel that has free wi-fi.

Stevenson - I contacted AT & T customer service and they told me any of their wi-fi capable phones besides the iPhone and Blackberry should work for this. They require you to buy a data plan for these 2 models. If you shop phones on their website - it will let you filter the Wi-fi phones.

I was actually considering doing the same thing myself. I've got AT & T voice service - but I'm under contract on a Verizon wireless USB Modem & don't want to pay extra for an AT & T data plan until my Verizon time is up. Verizon has excellent wireless broadband near my house (but horrible voice service in most of the surrounding area) - but AT & T is putting 3G in our area this summer (they currently have SLOW data service in our area.) I'll most likely switch my data service to AT & T once my Verizon contract is out.

I'm like you - so many places offer free wi-fi service - I would like to be able to use it on the cell when available just so I don't have to always drag my laptop along. I hope to get more info this weekend when I visit the local stores.

Boost has an unlimited voice & data package for $ 50 per month & I would switch to them - but they have very spotty coverage in my area.

stevenson · Postby **stevenson** » May 13th, 2009, 8:50 am

Pianoman, haha!!!!!
That's what started this conversation. We have AT&T. I want the iPhone but don't want to pay the extra charge for wi-fi. My wife was wanting to switch to Verizon because many of our friends our on Verizon. So we're trying to collect some data via Jude2, so that we can make a decision.

Pianoman · Postby **Pianoman** » May 13th, 2009, 9:38 am

stevenson wrote:I want the iPhone but don't want to pay the extra charge

Me too! I keep seeing all the cool iPhone apps that they have available - and although I could afford it - just haven't been able to justify to myself paying that much extra to include the data plan. I'm sure AT & T forced that bundle together for good measure (for them!).

No debate in our rural area though - AT & T beats Verizon on their voice coverage area. I've got a friend in my singing group that is on Verizon & I can't begin to count the number of times they have used my cell phone because theirs had a weak signal. I'm sure that varies greatly nationwide though depending on where the local towers are.

MacUser · Postby **MacUser** » May 13th, 2009, 6:15 pm

A friend hacked a itouch ipod and made a skype telephone that works around wifi.

rough_rider · Postby **rough_rider** » May 13th, 2009, 6:36 pm

stevenson wrote:Is there a cell phone that can get internet acess without paying for extra internet service? I just want to check e-mails or get directions when I'm in a hotel that has free wi-fi.

I have a BlackBerry, it comes with internet. I use "Opera Mini" for running the internet, it's a free download.

Jude 2