Smartphones

[Hookemdown.]

My phone (samsung sync) was stolen/lost recently.  As you all know, the prices of new phones from the service provider without a contract renewal are insane.  

I've got a friend that recently purchased an iPhone to replace his Blackjack 2.  I can buy it off him relatively cheap.

I currently don't have a data play, and will mostly likely  not be getting one in the near future.

My question:  Are smart phones worth using without a data plan?

Thanks.

[mayassa]

if it has wifi it is

[Glenn]

No, they aren't.  The data plan enables most of the bells and whistles.

FYI - WiFi is nothing without the data plan.  It means you have the ability to connect to the Internet, but can't without a data plan.

[CFFF 1.5]

I am pretty sure the carriers have changed thier tune about this. I am pretty sure you can still access the internet using wifi without incurring data charges.

[done]

I am with Glen on this one. My company gave me a Qmoto 9m to replace a Razor I had previously. The value it gave was in integration with my corporate email, calendar, texts, and occasional web browsing.

Without those, really my Razor was better. Easier to carry, tougher to break, more reliable bluetooth for the headset.

I would call your cell phone service provider and double check with them on what you can/can't do with the plan you have. Explicitly list out the scenario you have and see what they say about what you will and wont be charged for. In that case what you do not know can hurt you when you get the bill at the end of the month.

[huskertko]

I agree with Glenn as well, a smartphone without a data plan is like having a really fast car, but only being able to drive it in first gear, pretty pointless.  I really didn't think that I would get enough use out of a data plan on my new LG Dare, but after having it, I couldn't go without.  It is not just about being able to surf the net, but using the navigator, email, etc.  

If you are looking for cheap phones without a contract, check Craigslist.  I have found and bought several phones from there here in KC, I would suggest though making the exchange at a cell phone store, that way you are ensured that you are not getting a stolen phone, or anything like that.  There are always people upgrading phones, switching carriers, etc, that need to sell their old phone for less than it would cost to get a new one without a contract.

[Aaron]

So, a wifi enabled phone can't access the internet using wifi without a data plan?  That seems odd.

I have been looking at new phones and don't care want the data plan but want wifi capability so I can access the wireless network at school.  Will have to keep looking.

[BrianinMD]

Actually I do believe with the Iphone the wifi will not incur any charges as it does not touch the AT&T network when surfing. The data plan is for using the wireless companies network to surf, and there are different rates for data used. If its just to surf the web its actually not that expensive. If you use it to transfer files then it gets expensive.