Nice phone, Best Plan if you don't talk much.
Written: Oct 11 '03 (Updated Oct 14 '03)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Nice phone, good service and support. Pay-as-you go is the wave of the future!
Cons: Service is via the Sprint PCS network which has less coverage outside of metropolitan areas.
The Bottom Line: Get this phone if you don't talk alot but need to be reachable. Get this phone for your kids if you don't want to be stuck with a huge bill.
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| davideland's Full Review: Kyocera Mita Virgin Pay-As-You-Go Mobile Kyocera S... |
THE PHONE:
(details from http://www.virginmobileusa.com)
Bright blue backlight for easy screen/keypad readability
Easy to use navigation keys; Not a color screen but enough graphics for games, etc. Weighs 4.34 ounces
Features: 2-way text messaging, 1-touch and voice dialing
Handy tools include voice memos, alarm clock, stop watch, and calculator
Specs and Facts: 25 Ringtones, vibrate alert, and 4 games
Travel charger included. Battery has 3.25 hours of talk time 5 days of standby time
THE PLAN:
On a tight budget but still need a cell phone for when it's really important? I thought I had a good deal with my last phone, but some months I used less than 100 minutes so I paid the equivalent of 75 cents or more per minute.
I don't like to talk a lot on the phone but I'm a parent and its very important to me to be reachable. These are also tight economic times and I don't want to spend money for something I'm not using. Virgin Mobile to the rescue. A pay as you use it phone plan that has been popular in the UK for some time was just the answer for me.
Use your credit card or buy "phone cards" that let you deposit $20 or $30 in your account and use the phone until the money runs low. (press one button to check your "balance") You do need add $20 to your account every 3 months or your account may be made inactive (don't worry they warn you.) Rates are 25 cents per minute for the 1st 10 minutes in a day and then 10 cents per minute after that. If this seems high then you need to calculate the real cost of other plans. If you pay $40/month and only use the phone 100 minutes that is 40 cents per minute.
So far, (4 months) the Kyocera phone has been great. Its has an easy to use menu system. The voice recognition for making calls is fun (but doesn't always work well in a noisy car). There is clear reception on the Sprint PCS network. No web access but it has Text messaging -- I'm not hot on sending messages but my wife can use the web to send me a list of groceries to pickup on your way home.)
This could be great for your kids also. I have a preteen that is asking for a phone. This is one he/she can buy for themselves and pay for what they use. No fears of them running up a bill they can't pay and then looking to you to bail them out.
I ordered off their website (www.virginmobileusa.com) and the phone arrived a couple days later. The web site was a little confusing on what accessories went with which phone so I ended up with the wrong belt clip for the phone I ordered. I called their 800 number and got help with no waiting. The service rep was great, and immediately sent me the more expensive leather case and belt clip at no charge.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
davideland
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Reviews written: 3
Trusted by: 2 members
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