Can you even get a cell phone that does nothing but work as a phone? No added features that I don't want. All I want it for is a portable phone. Just like what they were when they started out only new and small.

 

nokia 2516

i'm the same way, I don't want a bunch of crap on my cell phone, the only thing i want it to do is make phone calls.

 

I would look into the prepaid ones, they can be a good deal. Basically it is a phone and a prepaid phone card and the card is programmed into the phone. When you use up the minutes, you have to buy ome more but if you don't make hardly any calls there is no monthly service charge.


Don't know if it is the same in all states, but here in MN if you have any cell phone with no paid service, it will still work for 911 calls. I have a $20 phone in each car to call 911 on but pay for no serivce. I charge em up about every six months but with them turned off they use no juice anyway.

In the two times I have needed to amke some other sort of call I just turned to the nearest friend or stranger and said "Hey buddy, can I borrow your phone?"

 

You're not getting it...I don't want superfulous features built into the phone, that's the problem. There is no phone that I can find that doesn't have stuff I don't want built in. Basics no game capability no picture capability no no no no. I want a keypad and a tiny window to display the number that I punch in (can't dail no rotary action) that's all folks.

I want the this:of cell phones.

 

No offense, but you sound exactly like my dad!

 

I'm probably old enough to be your dad....Unless you're over 38.

 

Can you not just buy a phone and not use the features? I'm not up on my cell phone models, but I'm guessing you can't get what you're looking for. Good luck!

 

[QUOTE=shareall,Sep 1 2005, 09:01 AM] Can you not just buy a phone and not use the features? I'm not up on my cell phone models, but I'm guessing you can't get what you're looking for.

 

Maybe look into something like the Motorola V60 that works with Verizon's CDMA network. That's about the simplest phone that comes to mind and you can get an used one for nearly free. They don't sell new ones anymore. Not sure how the reception will be within your home's thick walls, but in general you probably have a better bet with CDMA than GSM.

I agree, though, that I'd personally just get a newer phone and not use the features. Times change, technologies change, and preferences change. Just like with cell phones, today you're not going to find a computer system without a DVD player, a car without cup holders, and so forth. It doesn't matter if one individual actually uses them or not, enough of the population does so they're here to stay.

The 2-way charging of minutes isn't going to change either unless it stops being profitable for cell phone companies. I agree with your principles to an extent, but there's only so much one person can do.

Also, perhaps check if providers like Metro PCS are coming to your area. I don't think they're out in Michigan yet, but maybe someone else offering a similar service is, or maybe they have plans to expand up that way. Metro PCS offers a no-frills plan that gives unlimited calling in your home region, at the expense of no roaming capability. It's a pretty good deal for basic users.

 

Haven't seen a "bare bones" phone, but I know what you mean. My dad has been looking for one. All he wants is a phone that he can use to call people and for people to call him. Nothing else.

He doesn't care about pictures, text messages, or even an address book.

The best he could find was a prepaid cell phone. Still, it has a lot of the other bells and whistles that he doesn't want, need, or use.