It’s being reported that Sprint’s increase of text-messaging costs from $0.10 to $0.15 means that anyone tied up in a Sprint contract can terminate by October 31 without incurring any penalty. We haven’t tried this yet although we’re tempted.
If you are a Sprint customer, this could be a good opportunity to take advantage of the great incentives offered by mobile phone providers and retailers to lure you to sign up for new service. Below are some of our suggestions for the latest and greatest mobile phones on the market today.
Verizon
Like Sprint, Verizon offers a high speed data network to compliment its already strong voice coverage. The Verizon lineup is headlined by several smartphones including the latest Treos and the very popular full keyboard Windows Mobile based
Motorola Q. If you are looking for something a little smaller and cooler, consider the
Verizon LG Chocolate, a slider phone which not only resembles popular MP3 players, but also includes media and music functionality. This minimalist-inspired phone comes with support for VCast Music, a 1.3 megapixel camera, and a microSD slot for extra storage.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile has been the most active mobile phone provider lately, highlighted by its announcement of a new high speed data network (launching in 2007). The
Blackberry Pearl, released just a month ago, is only available on T-Mobile and represents a significant attempt by Blackberry to create a consumer-friendly product that incorporates the best of Blackberry with features consumers want (camera and music, for example). Additionally, T-Mobile announced the upcoming release of the
T-Mobile Dash which is a full keyboard Windows Mobile device designed to compete with the Motorola Q. And, of course, there is always the celebrity-friendly
Sidekick III which incorporates instant messaging, email, and browsing in one cool device.
Cingular
It’s hard to hide
our enthusiasm for the Nokia E62 and its bigger unlocked brother the Nokia E61. Cingular is the only wireless provider offering the sleek Nokia E62 which features a full keyboard, a sharp screen, and very good software for all your needs (check out the web browser, it’s very good). If you’re looking for a smaller entertainment phone, try the
Sony Ericsson w810i which includes a music player and software allowing you to transfer music from your favorite CDs or your PC to the phone. It includes a 2 megapixel camera with autofocus, a full email client, and like other Sony Ericsson phones, it’s well built and designed with great software.
Sprint
Maybe you like Sprint and their broadband network. If so, you can sign a new contract and pickup a new Treo at a discount. Treo 650 users can upgrade to the
Treo 700p which addresses many of the shortcomings (including memory issues) with the previous Treo products. Or, you may want to change your experience compelety and try the Windows Mobile based
Treo 700wx.