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1st time smartphoner

S

Seege613

Lurker
Hey all,

New to the forum and have been searching your guys website for info on Android Smartphones and wanting to make the switch. Wife and I are on a tight budget and currently with Verizon and simple devices. We have been looking at the No-Contract deals through WalMart. I know that a lot of their services are with Sprint but they do have some phones with AT&T. Currently looking at the Avail and a few others. We really dont do alot of web surfing, but it would be nice to pull up weather, navigation or a few sports scores every once in awhile. So we are not expecting the hottest and latest device.

We travel up to MI alot around the Big Rapids area and wondering about coverage. I know that my Verizon service up there is awesome even if outdoor fishing or the like. Also wondering if its possible to purchase a device and take it to WalMart for service. I have read a little bit about unlocked phones and dont quite understand the whole concept.

Any insight or experiences would be great.

Thanks,
Seege
 
Welcome to Android Forums Seege!:)
Not entirely sure about which device would fix your budget and needs but this is a good place to narrow down your options-http://www.phonearena.com/
Once you both decide on a device check the main part here and you can find tips, support, and experiences other members have had.
If you have any other questions -please ask myself or any other staff. Again glad to have you here!
 
Welcome to the forums!
Have you checked the coverage maps for ATT in that particular area? Do you know anyone who lives there and has an ATT phone who could offer feedback?
Keep in mind that Verizon connection you're relying on is not the same that would be used for any internet browsing (3G), so data connectivity there may not be the best. With unlocked phones, it basically means you're not tied to a contract. Carriers (US at least) generally subsidize your phone greatly if you sign up for a 2 year contract. That means a new smartphone would be ~$200 vs ~$600 unlocked.
For a first time smartphone, I'd look into the midrange phones from a reputable brand. Also, check out used ones as well as you can get a great deal on them.
 
Thanks for the response. I dont know anyone off hand that has AT&T service but looking at the coverage map its looks really good. Not worried about data service while in the sticks just voice. Also some of the phones we were looking at were the ones from Walmart under the AT&T name with their service provided. The AT&T Fusiion U8652, AT&T Z990 Avail, which are prepaid.

Thanks,
Seege
 
I think we would like to buy an AT&T phone and go with a Sims Card and Straight Talk. That way we could buy a better device.

Seege
 
Unlocked Galaxy Nexus is $350 straight from Google. That's the best phone you'll get for that price and it works on both T-Mobile and AT&T 3G. Wouldn't really recommend single core phones anymore unless you're on a very tight budget in which case, $200-250 for a Samsung Captivate would be the most I'd recommend spending.
 
I agree on not going with single core phones. If you keep your phone for a few years, dual core is the way to go. Also, know that all smart phones require a data package and they can be expensive for just the minimal data package. You might want to take this into consideration as well.
 
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