Need a cheap cell phone...
 

Okay, so one of my sons has lost his phone :curse:

I've got a replacement chip but need a very basic phone (reconditioned is fine).

I've been searching online but am not getting anywhere...

HELP please........ suggestions welcome......... ta muchly :)

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

You need to look for a phone that's been unlocked. Have you tried eBay? Better yet, who's your cell provider? If it's Tmobile then I might be able to help you with a basic one.

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

Thanks - but I'm afraid it's Cingulair/AT&T.

Never tried eBay - always felt more secure buying from established companies rather than individuals.

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

I'd do eBay if you are looking for something super cheap until you can get a freebie under your contract with Cingular. I have a feeling that that's what you are doing at the mo. I would search eBay for UNLOCKED GSM CELL PHONE SIM and if you'd like specify the brand and see what you get. Check there first and of course look at the seller rating. If you don't find one there then you might try finding out if renewing your contract with them will get make you eligible for AT&T rebates.

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

These have been recommended to me, but I have no personal experience with them:

http://www.myworldphone.com/
http://www.mobilebee.com/

I think that you'll find plenty of other shops just like these.

Any unlocked GSM phone will do. Be sure to get a triband or quadband if you need a handset that will work in Europe.

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

ebay for a cheapo unlocked phone...plenty of other sites out there though :)

I've got an old, still nice sonyericson triband that's sitting around, but the charger is borked, well the cable for it, so not much help to you I'm afraid.

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

To clarify a possible misunderstanding, there are legitimate retailers that sell new products on eBay. You can use it to buy used goods from random individuals, of course, but you have other choices as well.

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

aye, that's what I meant, also check out yahoo stores, and if on facebook, check the marketing section as there's usually stuff for sale...

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

Just don't fear eBay. I've used it myself to undercut the market on tech toys and haven't been disappointed. Just pay attention to the Seller Rating and feedback that they've gotten. I've known many people to buy computer parts, cell phone accessories, Mac accessories, and so forth with no issue.

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

From the stores, they tend to be solid, it's the individuals you've got to watch out for... and with phones, that's going to be important so you don't pick up something that some scrote has half inched :D

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

Oh yeah. I always look for one that has a store front integrated int eBay. I also look for items that are listed NIB. I then look at the ratings and how many transactions they've have. At the end I use Paypal so I'll have some recourse in case a transaction goes bad. Paypal is fantastic for that.

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

really? I thought paypal sucked the proverbial goat, especially since it became a part of ebay for that sort of stuff... :lol:

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

There is some recourse for purchases. I haven't ready any issues relating to it sucking the proverbial goat. That's not to say your viewpoint is false.

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

Worth double checking (or just return it if it doesn't work) but when you buy a pre-paid deal phone locked to AT&T, it will work for the post-pay SIM card you use also. This is a great way of picking up a cheap phone. Just throw away the pay as you go SIM.

Here's one at good ole' Walmart for $19.27.

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=7731301

Re: Need a cheap cell phone...
 

She might have bought a SIM card under her annual plan. Elvira, which SIM do you have?