Phones?

[SpinShooter]

I've read a couple of posts during my time here that suggest having a separate phone to contact SPs and such, and I've been considering it. I was at a couple of stores today to price no-contract phones, but didn't pick up anything because I figured that I'd ask for suggestions here. I want a no-contract phone that's "pay-as-you-go", preferably under $30. Any thoughts?

[Guest072323]

You can probably get one of those almost anywhere.
You'd have to ask someone with real knowledge how they work for out of town and/or Canadian excursions.
Some on here also use some kind of google app that uses disposable #'s.
Hopefully one of those folks will see your queery.

[cowboy8055]

A simple Trac phone works well and you can usually find one for less than $30.
Pay cash for the phone and air time minutes. I wouldn't even use a discount card if you have one that way the purchase can't be traced to you.
When you set the hobby phone up I wouldn't do it from your home phone. Probably better to do it from a pay phone somewhere.
The automated system for setting the phone up will ask a few personal questions. Don't answer and it will skip to the next question.
I don't know how google or other apps work.
My phone has worked anywhere in NY but I don't know if trac phones work in Canada.

[pyramider]

I use my neighbor's phone as my hobby phone.

[jackfengshui]

If using in Canada is a consideration: http://www.eccie.net/showthread.php?t=409364

[hobyguy]

I've used google voice for quite a while and it meets my needs. It all depends on what you want/need. If all you want is to keep your private number private, than it would be a perfect solution. You can send/receive calls through the google voice number but without the need for a second phone. Same with txt. If you want that, but also need to keep SO from finding out, it's a little more of a pain in the ass. I actually install/remove the app from my phone as needed so there is nothing to find. the trade off of course is that I still only have one phone and not two. I would not want to be explaining why I have another phone all the sudden. Also, with Google voice, you can send/recive txt via your pc which is handy.

[SpinShooter]

Originally Posted by cowboy8055

A simple Trac phone works well and you can usually find one for less than $30.
Pay cash for the phone and air time minutes. I wouldn't even use a discount card if you have one that way the purchase can't be traced to you.

I've thought about that, but I'd get just three months to use the minutes, and I can't imagine using SPs enough to burn through 60 minutes in that amount of time.

Originally Posted by hobyguy

I've used google voice for quite a while and it meets my needs. It all depends on what you want/need. If all you want is to keep your private number private, than it would be a perfect solution. You can send/receive calls through the google voice number but without the need for a second phone. Same with txt. If you want that, but also need to keep SO from finding out, it's a little more of a pain in the ass. I actually install/remove the app from my phone as needed so there is nothing to find. the trade off of course is that I still only have one phone and not two. I would not want to be explaining why I have another phone all the sudden. Also, with Google voice, you can send/recive txt via your pc which is handy.

I don't currently have an S.O., but the problem here is that my cell phone isn't a smartphone, so I can't download apps.

[Guest070916]

Originally Posted by SpinShooter

I've thought about that, but I'd get just three months to use the minutes, and I can't imagine using SPs enough to burn through 60 minutes in that amount of time.

Believe me once you starting using it the minutes fly by, even with getting them doubled or tripled on some model TracFones.

You can call Canada from the US with Tracfone but can't use it while in Canada unless you are close to the border.
I also use Google Voice on my PC to call and text US and Canada for free. GV works great and using it extends cell minutes by not having to be used up as fast.

[cowboy8055]

Originally Posted by SpinShooter

I've thought about that, but I'd get just three months to use the minutes, and I can't imagine using SPs enough to burn through 60 minutes in that amount of time.

I think the 60 min card is 19.99 which comes out to less than 7.00 a month. The mins you don't use roll over if you don't let the time expire.

[cowboy8055]

Originally Posted by Celso

You can call Canada from the US with Tracfone but can't use it while in Canada unless you are close to the border.

Do you know how close to the boarder you have to be. Would Lundy's Lane area be too far?

[wanttohavefun]

Originally Posted by SpinShooter

I don't currently have an S.O., but the problem here is that my cell phone isn't a smartphone, so I can't download apps.

You can use google voice with a "dumbphone". I use it to text through my non smart phone all the time.
I use it mostly to allow me to minimize the use of the pay as you go phone to only when I'm away from a computer. After using it with my non smart phone since February I don't see why it wouldn't work for you.

It's free and only requires an email address so it would be worth a shot for you.

[pineappleguy]

Originally Posted by cowboy8055

Do you know how close to the boarder you have to be. Would Lundy's Lane area be too far?

With tracfone you have to make international calls through some goofy intermediate phone number. Not sure if a provider would accept such calls. I hear that t-mobile is the way to go if hobbying in Canada.

[Jimmy68]

T Mobile pay a you go $30 phone $10 refill cards works in Canada.

[Guest070916]

Originally Posted by cowboy8055

Do you know how close to the boarder you have to be. Would Lundy's Lane area be too far?

Heard they still work around Mintz but haven't verified this yet.

[Guest070916]

Originally Posted by pineappleguy

With tracfone you have to make international calls through some goofy intermediate phone number.

Correct.
You call 1-800-706-3839 first, then call the Canadian 905# you want from the US and your call goes through no problem.
That said find it easier to use Google Voice to text a Canadian lady first to set up a date. Dates are so much easier to make in Canada than the US.