Prepaid wireless phones, features (questions)
cmauze
Enthusiast - Level 2

Hi, I'm a soon-to-be Verizon prepaid wireless customer debating on which phone I should get; and was hoping those already familiar with the phones and service could clarify a few things for me. :smileyhappy:

 

Is it true that some phones packaged and sold for use with the VZ Prepaid service work in a particular area (zip code), but others will not?  If so, why? The phones I am currently considering are the Samsung Smooth, the LG Accolade (VX-5600), the VX 5500, Nokia 2705 Shade and the Nokia 2605 Mirage. According to the Walmart website, only the Smooth is indicated to work in my home town; but our local WalMart store (same zip code) also sells the VX-5600 (which on their online site carries a "warning" notice). I'm also pretty sure I have seen others available for sale at their local store from time to time during the past... It's the same service, just a different phone make/model; so what's the difference?

 

My primary intended use of the phone will be making and receiving calls at home to/from an out-of-state relative who is already on the Verizon prepaid network (her Samsung Smooth seems to be working well for her); but also for emergencies and while (infrequently) traveling within a 50-mi. radius of my residential area. I thought the Verizon network had very wide coverage -- 97% of the continental U.S., as their TV commercials state.; so what's the apparent problem with some handsets?  While I could just get the Smooth™ and be done with it, while I'm switching phone & carrier network, I'd really prefer the extra features (such as 1.3 MP camera, micro USB port, expandable memory, etc.) available on some of the other models I've seen.

 

Currently I have an older Motorola flip handset on the Net10 network, which has served me fairly well for the last three and a half years; but it seems to be failing (batteries replaced twice, but still getting noticeably shorter standby and talk times). I know it won't work on Verizon, nor did I plan on using it that way -- just saying that it's time for an upgrade and I have a decision to make. Some Verizon models sport features and services that I've so far had no experience with; and I'm wondering (for one thing) how *cost-effective* these things will be to use. When a phone is advertised as having a "music player," for instance, does that mean you can transfer music ripped from CDs from your PC to that phone? Or are you restricted to a limited offering from Verizon's website (what is VCast?) where you pay for a subscription/X-amount per song and that is restricted to use on that device only?  I've never used iTunes or any other online music download service and don't really plan to -- not as long as overly-restrictive DRM is in place.

 

Lastly, what is my recourse if I get a phone activated, only to discover the signal strength is poor or non-existent in my area?  Standing outside in the yard (or paying roaming fees) to make phone calls from home, for example, would not be a practical option... Can I return it to the retailer? give it to a friend/relative (and they can change the phone number associated with it)? or...?

 

Thanks in advance to all who respond.

 

 

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Re: Prepaid wireless phones, features (questions)
VZW_Zrock02
Contributor - Level 3

cmauze wrote:

Hi, I'm a soon-to-be Verizon prepaid wireless customer debating on which phone I should get; and was hoping those already familiar with the phones and service could clarify a few things for me. :smileyhappy:

 

1.Is it true that some phones packaged and sold for use with the VZ Prepaid service work in a particular area (zip code), but others will not?  If so, why? The phones I am currently considering are the Samsung Smooth, the LG Accolade (VX-5600), the VX 5500, Nokia 2705 Shade and the Nokia 2605 Mirage. According to the Walmart website, only the Smooth is indicated to work in my home town; but our local WalMart store (same zip code) also sells the VX-5600 (which on their online site carries a "warning" notice). I'm also pretty sure I have seen others available for sale at their local store from time to time during the past...2. It's the same service, just a different phone make/model; so what's the difference?

 

My primary intended use of the phone will be making and receiving calls at home to/from an out-of-state relative who is already on the Verizon prepaid network (her Samsung Smooth seems to be working well for her); but also for emergencies and while (infrequently) traveling within a 50-mi. radius of my residential area.3. I thought the Verizon network had very wide coverage -- 97% of the continental U.S., as their TV commercials state.; so what's the apparent problem with some handsets?  While I could just get the Smooth™ and be done with it, while I'm switching phone & carrier network, I'd really prefer the extra features (such as 1.3 MP camera, micro USB port, expandable memory, etc.) available on some of the other models I've seen.

 

Currently I have an older Motorola flip handset on the Net10 network, which has served me fairly well for the last three and a half years; but it seems to be failing (batteries replaced twice, but still getting noticeably shorter standby and talk times). I know it won't work on Verizon, nor did I plan on using it that way -- just saying that it's time for an upgrade and I have a decision to make. Some Verizon models sport features and services that I've so far had no experience with; and I'm wondering (for one thing) how *cost-effective* these things will be to use.4. When a phone is advertised as having a "music player," for instance, does that mean you can transfer music ripped from CDs from your PC to that phone? Or are you restricted to a limited offering from Verizon's website (what is VCast?) where you pay for a subscription/X-amount per song and that is restricted to use on that device only?  I've never used iTunes or any other online music download service and don't really plan to -- not as long as overly-restrictive DRM is in place.

 

5. Lastly, what is my recourse if I get a phone activated, only to discover the signal strength is poor or non-existent in my area?  Standing outside in the yard (or paying roaming fees) to make phone calls from home, for example, would not be a practical option... Can I return it to the retailer? give it to a friend/relative (and they can change the phone number associated with it)? or...?

 

Thanks in advance to all who respond.

 

 


1. If you are in a Verizon covered service area your prepay device will still work.

2. It is still the same service so no worries on losing coverage between the different phones.

3. We do cover 97% of the country. There will be no noticeable difference in coverage from one particular phone model to the next.

4. You are able to transfer mp3's directly from your computer to the device via usb cable. You are not limited to the VCast, however you can download music on the go from VCast.

5. With all purchase from Verizon Wireless you are covered under our Worry Free Guarantee. So if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.

I hope this helps in your search for a new pre-pay device.

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Re: Prepaid wireless phones, features (questions)
Minniehaha
Specialist - Level 2

I have been a prepaid customer for years I had the Samsung 340  and it was great I now have the LG Accord  and love it, I thought the sound quality on the Samsung was better than the LG but the LG has a longer battery life. But both are very good phones.

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Re: Prepaid wireless phones, features (questions)
cmauze
Enthusiast - Level 2

4. You are able to transfer mp3's directly from your computer to the device via usb cable.

Are all Verizon prepaid compatible phones with USB ports able to do this? The ones I've seen only mention VCast, or that it "supports charging". Does that mean the USB port is only used for charging?

 

5. With all purchase from Verizon Wireless you are covered under our Worry Free Guarantee. So if you are not completely satisfied with your purchase you can return it within 30 days for a full refund.

 

Return it where? To Verizon (store? via mail only?) or to the retailer? 

 

I've seen the Nokia Shade sold packaged together with a Bluetooth headset; but when we went back, they were all sold out and didn't know anything about them, when/if they'd be getting any more in, etc.  :smileysad:  One sales rep thought it was a limited-quantity promotional deal. Either way I'm kicking myself now -- we had no idea what an unusual find that was.

 

 

Re: Minniehaha:

 

I have been a prepaid customer for years I had the Samsung 340  and it was great I now have the LG Accord  and love it, I thought the sound quality on the Samsung was better than the LG but the LG has a longer battery life. But both are very good phones.

 

Did you mean the LG Accolade, or is there an LG Accord?  I've read rave reviews on the LG VX5600's battery; but I'd hoped to get something that would double to transfer pics to PC and/or PC mp3 files to phone. Yet I'm a bit leary of these devices as I currently own an MP3 player that serves only as an expensive mini-paperweight. Turned out you need *iTunes* in order for it to work (I was misled by the salesperson at time of purchase).

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Re: Prepaid wireless phones, features (questions)
Minniehaha
Specialist - Level 2

Sorry about the misspelling it is an Accolade,  and you are able to send pic's to pc, I'm not sure about MP3 since this phone is fairly new to me and I'm just starting to learn more and more about it. I'm very heavy into texting and I can go 3 days before charging, with the samsung I had to charge everyday the only reason I changed phones was so I could get my e mail from my phone while away from home.  Also there is more viewing area on the LG.  Also about the return policy,  if you buy it from Verizon you would return it to them, they will give you a postage free return Fedex form,  I don't know how it works with a store ask them about there return policy. Hope this helps you out.

 

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Re: Prepaid wireless phones, features (questions)
acraftylady
Specialist - Level 2

cmauze wrote:

 

I've seen the Nokia Shade sold packaged together with a Bluetooth headset; but when we went back, they were all sold out and didn't know anything about them, when/if they'd be getting any more in, etc.  :smileysad:  One sales rep thought it was a limited-quantity promotional deal. Either way I'm kicking myself now -- we had no idea what an unusual find that was.

 

 


To me it would depend on the bluetooth if it's a good deal.  I have a blue tooth headset from verizon, forget what exact one and I hate it but it was a package deal with a case for another phone I had.  It does not have a swivel clip for the ear but just a wire and it is not comfortable but I keep it for back up.  Also was that headset noise cancelling?    I have had this plantronics bluetooth for about 2yrs. and love it because the ear piece swives and fits better on my ear, got it for like $25 at Walmart.  Going to upgrade soon though and get the more expensive noice cancelling one but I have enough best buy buck rewards to almost pay for it all.  Just something to think about with those.    Mary

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