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View Full Version : Cheap phone for AT&T (swap SIM in and out of iPhone)

macleod
2007-08-20, 21:37
This is an odd question but I was just wondering if anyone can suggest a cheap phone to take with me when I don't feel comfortable taking my iPhone? I am not looking for anything fancy. I am just looking for a cheap phone that I can use the SIM card from my iPhone, install and remove the sim card quickly, and use basic phone functions. Where does one buy cheap phones without a new contract anyways? Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!
torifile
2007-08-20, 21:41
howardforums.com (http://howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=64) (direct link to their GSM buy/sell forum)

Careful because there are scammers there, but you can find just about any phone there. Just post a "WTB" thread and you'll have people falling all over you to sell you their old shit.
macleod
2007-08-20, 21:45
Is there anywhere to buy cheap ones new?

If not is there any specific model people would suggest for the uses I described?
kieran
2007-08-20, 21:56
Why not just buy a cheap GoPhone from AT&T?

My brother just picked up a $30 phone the other day when his RAZR broke in half.

Here's a link for you. (http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phones/prepaid-phones.jsp?_DARGS=/cell-phone-service/cell-phones/cellPhonesBody.jsp)

There are some cheap phones on there, from $9.99. It's just a basic phone, but it sounds like what you want.
macleod
2007-08-20, 21:59
Nice! I thought you had to add a goPhone plan to be able to order it though. I just tried to buy a goPhone from the online store and it says a plan is required. Am I missing something?

Wait I just added the Pay as you go .25 a minute option and it let me click checkout. My only question now is, if I go this route will I ever be charged or can I just store the pay as you go SIM somewhere safe and just always make sure I use the iPhone's SIM card?
torifile
2007-08-20, 22:02
I'm a fan of the Sony Ericcson T637. They don't make it anymore, but it's a very good phone you can find for cheap. Good RF, bluetooth for easy contact syncing. If I needed a spare phone, that'd be what I'd get.
kieran
2007-08-20, 22:03
You could just walk into an AT&T store and buy one right off the shelf. My brother got his from a convenience store.

You don't necessarily have to get it online.
kieran
2007-08-20, 22:06
Nice! I thought you had to add a goPhone plan to be able to order it though. I just tried to buy a goPhone from the online store and it says a plan is required. Am I missing something?

Wait I just added the Pay as you go .25 a minute option and it let me click checkout. My only question now is, if I go this route will I ever be charged or can I just store the pay as you go SIM somewhere safe and just always make sure I use the iPhone's SIM card?

You won't be charged at all. The minutes that come with the account will expire in a certain amount of time, I'm not sure, but you can just keep the SIM card around in case of an emergency.

Popping the iPhone's SIM card in will just use your regular iPhone plan.
macleod
2007-08-20, 22:14
Nokia 2610 refurb (http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=Nokia+2610+(Refurb)+-+GoPhone®+(Pay+As+You+Go)&q_sku=sku990015)

Sony Ericsson J220a refurb (http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-details/?device=Sony+Ericsson+J220a+(Refurb)+-+GoPhone®+(Pay+As+You+Go)&q_sku=sku490009)

I have no idea which to choose but these are the most appealing to me based on price and looks. Any opinions on the two of them?