Cell Phone Recommendation

desertmom · **Cell Phone Recommendation**

My Nokia phone was stolen, and I'm coming near the end of my contract w/Alltel. I've been with them for so long - about 12 years or so - and in checking around, I think I want to stay w/them - they have problems, but they all do, and my monthly payment is only $29.99 before text msg and taxes - OK, probably $40-$50 w/all that. DH is on my acct., too.

Anyway, I am wondering if any of you have any feedback or experience w/the current line of phones. Unfortunately, Alltel is not a leader in offering the latest, hottest phones. They were the last to get the RAZR, and just got the KRAZR, which they want $149 for w/contract. I don't want the RAZR because there is no flash, which I want, and I am not happy w/the picture quality. The KRAZR seems much the same, but has the MP3 capability that I don't need.

Here's what I need:
Camera w/Flash (pref. not VGA)
Bluetooth headset compatability
Speakerphone
Voice dial and voice command
Video capture
Video messaging

My choices seem to be:
LG AX355 - this is the one the salesperson on the phone recommended. It has the features, but according to reviews, could be slimmer. I loved my Nokia, which also had a memory card (this doesn't) and FM radio. To me, LG seems to be middle of the road. Samsung's becoming a leader, but they don't offer Samsung's newer, better phones.

Motorola E815
Good phone, but no flash. When dh uses his RAZR for pix w/no flash in places like restaurants, we lose good pictures.

LG AX490
VGA Camera

Samsung U420
Cool slider phone, but VGA camera

Kyocera Strobe
Very cool, two keypads (the one inside is QWERTY), but no video or speakerphone

Kyocera Candid KX16

LG AX245
Cheap price, but VGA camera
No video

Samsung SCH U520
Cheap, no internet capability

Do any of you have the above phones and can give feedback, especially the first one, which so far is the best choice? I'm just not "excited" about it. I'll be stuck w/this thing for 2 years, so I want something I'll be happy with.

blessed_with_6 · 02-25-2007, 11:09 PM

Holy cow. I had NO idea cell phones could be this in depth!!! I am literally sitting here in shock! LOL I just got a new phone with a camera...and I was so excited. Hmmm...I am thinking I got ripped!!!!!

desertmom · 02-25-2007, 11:20 PM

Naw. I'm just anal. I was spoiled with my Nokia 6255i, but Alltel no longer offers it or its cooler newer models - they told me they had plenty of requests but have no plans to bring it back. I think it's political, as most of these things are. I know if I go with a bigger company like Verizon or Sprint, I get a better selection, but Alltel's ratings are much higher in other areas and my plan cost has been grandfathered. I can't see spending $50 plus per line per month. I can't cut my land line, either, because I life in the foothills and the mountains interfere w/my reception.

I LOVE having a camera phone, including w/the video, with having young children - I just don't carry around a digital camera, ya know? I'd like one but can't justify the cost they want to charge. I'm a Mommysaver!

MsKaren · 02-26-2007, 08:57 AM

My daughter and I both have a Sony Ericsson Z525a and both love them...My daughter also has a bluetooth with hers. You might want to check them out.

blessings,
Karen

Bonniebelle38 · 02-26-2007, 11:09 AM

I am also a longterm(since '97) Alltel customer, we have excellent service in my area with them. I got a new phone about a year ago and i love it!! It's the LG AX5000, I'm sure the AX355 that your're looking at is probably an updated version of my phone. I like mine too b/c it's Red, lol!!!

Kellyandgirls · 02-26-2007, 01:06 PM

We are with Verizon!! I have the Chocolate phone and I love it!!

Happymom · 02-26-2007, 01:20 PM

I am with Blessed!!! I was thinking I was so hip because I just got a RAZOR and it has a camera!!! Heck, I even figured out how to use it on my own!!!!!