I currently have a Cingular contract through Aug 2007. I have a V3, which I'm fairly happy with. A few months ago (probably ~May 2006), my V3 had a 'cleaning' experience (ie, it ended up going through the laundry in a pair a jeans). I found it before it went into the clothes dryer. I took the battery and SIM card out and let it dry over night. The next morning I put it back together and tried turning it on. It worked ok.
Recently, though, it has started giving me problems. The USB port seems to have been weakened. It doesn't feel as solid as it use to feel. The phone is rarely, if ever, recognized by my computer anymore. I have to wiggle the USB connector a bit before it decides it wants to start charging. The battery life seems to have decreased greatly from before the water incident.
So, what am I getting at....I need a reliable phone, not the one I currently have. I'm looking for suggestions. I want to stick with Cingular, however, here are the things important to me/I like about the V3 (in no particular order):
(1) Size/Shape -- I like that I can just slip the V3 into a pocket.
(2) Speakerphone
(3) mp3 ringtones (that I can upload from my pc)
(4) ability to upload custom backgrounds
(5) good battery life (well, at least it use to)
(6) Silent 'ring' option
(7) Alarm clock
My options as I see them:
(1) See if I can buy insurance; wait a few days; try to submit claim and pay $50 deductible.
(2) Buy new phone (V3 or other) and extend plan with Cingular.
(3) Buy new phone (V3 or other) (Cingular or Unlocked) from an online vendor.
Any thoughts/recommendations on replacement phones for my failing V3, and where/how to acquire the phone?
Recently, though, it has started giving me problems. The USB port seems to have been weakened. It doesn't feel as solid as it use to feel. The phone is rarely, if ever, recognized by my computer anymore. I have to wiggle the USB connector a bit before it decides it wants to start charging. The battery life seems to have decreased greatly from before the water incident.
So, what am I getting at....I need a reliable phone, not the one I currently have. I'm looking for suggestions. I want to stick with Cingular, however, here are the things important to me/I like about the V3 (in no particular order):
(1) Size/Shape -- I like that I can just slip the V3 into a pocket.
(2) Speakerphone
(3) mp3 ringtones (that I can upload from my pc)
(4) ability to upload custom backgrounds
(5) good battery life (well, at least it use to)
(6) Silent 'ring' option
(7) Alarm clock
My options as I see them:
(1) See if I can buy insurance; wait a few days; try to submit claim and pay $50 deductible.
(2) Buy new phone (V3 or other) and extend plan with Cingular.
(3) Buy new phone (V3 or other) (Cingular or Unlocked) from an online vendor.
Any thoughts/recommendations on replacement phones for my failing V3, and where/how to acquire the phone?