Looking to Get an Android Phone for Google Voice :D

[bennyfofenny]

I've decided to ditch my plan and use an Android phone with only google voice (since I'll have wifi almost all the time). I've done some research into it and I've read that it's possible (any good guides you can recommend would be very helpful though). Anyway, my main question here is: what phone should I get (and where to get it with no contract)? I'm looking to spend maybe 300 (perhaps more if it's worth it) for a phone to last me at least the next 2-3 years. I hope this is the right place to post. Thanks!

 

[sitlet]

Anyway, my main question here is: what phone should I get (and where to get it with no contract)?

I dont think there are any Android phones available without a contract. If there is one, it's definetly going to be more than 300 dollars.

 

[ashykat]

As far as I know Google Voice needs your mobile number in order to call out from the phone unless you use something like SIP.

 

[bennyfofenny]

A quick newegg search reveals several: Newegg.com - Cell Phones,Cell Phones & Accessories,No Contract Phones,Android . I don't know if those phones in particular are good options though. I'm not worried about voice calls. I mainly just want voicemail and text messaging.

 

[sitlet]

Only 2 of those are under 300, but again, you need a phone number to use google voice. And I'm pretty sure you cant text with google voice either.

 

[takeshi]

Anyway, my main question here is: what phone should I get (and where to get it with no contract)?

You've given us nothing to go on. Compare the specs and pick what suits you best.

If you want to keep it for 2-3 years you'll probably want to increase your budget. I wouldn't suggest any of the <$300 devices on that Newegg page for the long run.

you need a phone number to use google voice.

Yup:
http://www.google.com/support/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=115067

And I'm pretty sure you cant text with google voice either.

Sure you can. I use it all the time. You can't MMS but you can definitely SMS.

 

[bennyfofenny]

Thanks for the quick replies! I was reading over this post: Using GV with Wifi Smartphone and No Service Plan - Google Voice Help which gave me the idea. A lot of it goes over my head. I'll do a little more research into it tonight and post what I find. As for the phone, I think 400 is the most I'd want to spend. I don't have any experience with smart phones so I'm not sure what specs I should be looking for (and there are almost too many choices for android phones). All I would use it for besides texting is a little bit of web browsing and music. No games, pictures, video chat etc.