Ever since cell phones acquired data capabilities I was a great fan of the wireless. Whenever I traveled, I always had email, then web with me - by getting a simcard abroad. But I never had that in US. Why? Data costs were just too high. I was never willing to pay $100 or even $50 a month for internet enabled smart phone service. Until couple days ago that is...
What made me change my mind? Going down prices started to make sense to add data to my smart phone(s). At first I came across Ting, and they started to look something I might be willing to pay; then I found U.S. Mobile - and everything came together.
I have ordered a SIM for $4, then activated and added 1GB of data. I added 100 minutes of talk time for another $3, but I don't think I'll be using that. There is $2 charge for "service fee". So after a month of using it, I'll see how much data I need and how much will I be spending.
Most of my talk time is on Skype now, with WhatsApp and Line doing some messaging and texting. I don't use SMS or Voice services anymore, just plain data. I did discover that my budget windows Nokia 620 is little under powered for Skype video chat, will be upgrading to a beefier hardware soon.
Speaking of hardware, what am I looking for? I am looking for a good camera, plenty of ram for smooth multitasking, plenty of storage for that camera and a battery that won't die at the end of the day. I have used iOS which I like for build quality and apps but dislike for not having SD style expansion. Not waterproof without bulky case. Plus you gotta pay Apple Tax in price. But overall I was pretty happy with my Apple phones - I have had 4 of them! I have played with Android phones too - they were a mixed bag. Cheaper Asus ZenPhone sounded great on paper, but in reality was just not snappy enough - not sure because of hardware or software; Windows 8 phone I have got (Lumia 620) is quite a firecracker - but there are some apps that I miss from my iPhone (like Amazon Video) that makes it so less useful. My next phone will have to be unlocked and support GSM, but LTE is not a priority. Waterproofness is nice, and good camera is a must. As I don't have the tablet, my phone is my tablet too so it has to be big. I'll be waiting to see what Apple shows at the upcoming iPhone 6s event, then make the decision. Sony Xperia Z3 is on my list, and so is Nokia 1520. I might just buy 6s Plus if I feel good about it. I do miss little things like "turn off sound" switch.
Anyways, data plan used to be the most expensive part before, and now it is the phone. As I tend to keep my phone for at least few years, I might be well served by buying the best I can afford.
Update: I have purchased Nokia 1520, but it died on me before I could not return it, so back it went. Good phone, just unfortunate failure.
Speaking of hardware, what am I looking for? I am looking for a good camera, plenty of ram for smooth multitasking, plenty of storage for that camera and a battery that won't die at the end of the day. I have used iOS which I like for build quality and apps but dislike for not having SD style expansion. Not waterproof without bulky case. Plus you gotta pay Apple Tax in price. But overall I was pretty happy with my Apple phones - I have had 4 of them! I have played with Android phones too - they were a mixed bag. Cheaper Asus ZenPhone sounded great on paper, but in reality was just not snappy enough - not sure because of hardware or software; Windows 8 phone I have got (Lumia 620) is quite a firecracker - but there are some apps that I miss from my iPhone (like Amazon Video) that makes it so less useful. My next phone will have to be unlocked and support GSM, but LTE is not a priority. Waterproofness is nice, and good camera is a must. As I don't have the tablet, my phone is my tablet too so it has to be big. I'll be waiting to see what Apple shows at the upcoming iPhone 6s event, then make the decision. Sony Xperia Z3 is on my list, and so is Nokia 1520. I might just buy 6s Plus if I feel good about it. I do miss little things like "turn off sound" switch.
Anyways, data plan used to be the most expensive part before, and now it is the phone. As I tend to keep my phone for at least few years, I might be well served by buying the best I can afford.
Update: I have purchased Nokia 1520, but it died on me before I could not return it, so back it went. Good phone, just unfortunate failure.
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