Image via WikipediaI am eligible for a new phone from Verizon. It’s been well over two years since I got my pink Razar phone and I’m enrolled in the upgrade every 2 years program.
The problem is, I LOVE my pink Razar — it does everything I need a phone to do and my only issue with it was that the original battery got to where it would not hold a charge longer than 8 hours. I purchased a new battery and haven’t looked back.
Oh, yes, it might be nice to have a Nokia N82 Silver since I love to take pictures and often find myself without my camera and this phone’s built in 5MP camera would make that a total non-issue. Having a GPS system would also be nice although it’s not something I think I would use on a more than monthly basis.
However, that’s not the free upgrade I was offered from Verizon.
When they called the other day, the lady only mentioned replacing my phone with another Motorola phone that would use all the same peripherals (car charger, bluetooth, etc) that my current phone uses, so I would not have to purchase compatible replacements for those.
Of course, I would have to renew my contract with them (which officially expired in January). That’s another thing to consider. As is their habit, the plan that I’m enrolled in isn’t available any longer. They have replaced it with one that, while it gives you more minutes, it costs about $20 per month more as well. I’m perfectly comfortable with the minutes I currently have and don’t want to incur that additional $20 monthly bill.
So, I think I’ll just keep my pretty pink Razar for now.
Maybe next year I’ll think about replacing it.
How often do you replace your cell phone? Are you enticed by new technology such as integrated GPS, WYSWIG keyboards, internet access? What things do you consider essential in a cell phone. I’m not talking PDA’s here — just cell phones. Is a new phone in your future? Will you get a smart phone? How important is the phone’s design to you? What design features do you find annoying? What design features do you find essential?
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You know. I have enjoyed my Razor for the year that I have had it. I have also not enjoyed my Razor. I think that it is my network, I’m on T-Mobile. I used to be on Verison, they do have a far better network, but with a nice price tag on it.
As far as getting a new phone. I think that I have had about 3 phones in 5 years. I’m currently waiting for the Dream to be release from T-Mobile. It will have Google’s Android platform on it. I think that after that, I will not buy a phone for at least 2 years. Besides, Android is open source, I can just keep updating the phone though the software, I will not have the iPhone v2 issues because it will have G3 already.
We replace our phones when contracts are up, LOL. I’m in the process of trying to purchase a new one. That means finding the time to get there, and purchase it, and finding someone who has one in stock.
I’m currently looking at the Samsung a737 (the new slider), a Blackberry Pearl, or the LG C515, since they have it in purple
Addressing the post first: If you want, you can always buy a replacement phone via craigslist or eBay. Razrs should be pretty easy and cheap to get without a contract. That way, you don’t have to upgrade your plan or sign another contract with Verizon.
How often do you replace your cell phone? As often as needed. I haven’t had my phone for long (about three years), so it’s really hard to say. If my two years are up and I’m okay with signing another two-year contract to get a niftier phone, then I’ll probably do it. Are you enticed by new technology? Normally, no. I just want a simple phone. What things do you consider essential in a cell phone? Making and receiving calls, conference/3-way calling, text messaging, having an organized address book, using an alarm, and getting good service (though partially dependent on the carrier too). Oh and keylock if it’s not a flip phone. Is a new phone in your future? No, just got one
Will you get a smart phone? That is my new phone. How important is the phone’s design to you? Very. I like small phones that won’t easily break. I don’t like bulky nor real heavy phones. It must be able to fit in the back pocket nicely. What design features do you find annoying? Protruding pieces (like back in the day, antenna), annoying noises, not being able to silence without turning the phone off. What design features do you find essential? Slim, sleek, and sexy. 
We are in sync today. I’ve been comparing phone features and looking for my perfect-scenario upgrade since we’re changing carriers and having to choose new cell phones. How often do I change phones? Once in a blue moon.
Mouseclone — I know what you mean. I think this is the first time I haven’t wanted to upgrade my phone. Usually there’s something on the newer phones that grabs me as a “must have”, but other than higher resolution camera, there are no features on any of the new phones out there that are that tempting. And what’s funny is that I dismissed having a camera in the cell phone for the longest time! Now it’s a tempting feature
Sarah — ohhhh! I’m with you — purple! Cool! I think that’s what hooked me on the Razar — that it came in that delicious shade of pink. Plus I found a bluetooth that was in the same shade, so I’m all color coordinated
Maria — I’m a simple phone person, too. I don’t text message and our current plan doesn’t include any text messaging so that’s fine. My husband will probably never-in-his-lifetime text someone. His beef is with the buttons on the side of the phone. He’s always turning his ringer off without realizing it because of his hands pressing that button as he grips the phone. His mission is to find a phone with no side buttons (don’t think there is such an animal). Those pesky antennas always were getting broken off. I do notice some of the newer phones having short, stubby antennas that aren’t as prone to breakage, but my Razar is an all-in-one package that is very appealing. I guess I want more ringtones included on a phone — I know I can download more, but I’m cheap.
TJ — I changed them on the regular rotation (i.e. every two years) and before, the change in plan has worked out OK, but this time, we don’t need the minutes and DO need the $20 in our budget, so this plan upgrade isn’t fitting in too well.
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