Cingular looking for wifi PDA/Smart/PPC

S

Sherri R

New member
After perusing the posts for an hour, I must unfortunately ask yet another variation of the same question because I am ignorant of this technology...
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My contract expires shortly. I currently have the Audiovox 5600, which did the trick for two years but now I want more. I am primarily a Smartphone customer (cell plus names and addresses, not much email, periodic texting, practically no camera or music).

And I don't pay for a data plan because I stopped traveling in my consulting career and am now a real estate investor. No ROI on a data plan because I sleep at home in my own bed at night Thank God.

I do periodically carouse and work at wifi hotspots. Do I have to pay for a data plan from Cingular to use a wifi personal computer phone like the 8525? I would surf and gamble at a sports bar if it was free but just can't see paying $300 to $400 extra per year for the occasional Internet surfing. Advice? I could also can Cingular but they seem to be the best in Fort Lauderdale, FL and I do not travel anymore. So my questions are:

1. Am I forced to buy a non Cingular phone and "convert it" to get something for my needs? I saw multiple posts about the 8525...

2. If I am forced, can a novice pull off that conversion without contemplating hari kari?

3. If I don't need to convert, what phone in Cingular's arsenal fits the bill? Again, I am not a power user by any stretch but it would be convenient for wifi usage occasionally in addition to my basic PDA/cell needs.

4. Do I abnegate the need for purchasing the data plan if I buy a wifi phone?

Thanks. Go Gators.
 
"Hari Kari"?...playing too much Mortal Kombat?

You don't need to purchase a data plan from Cingular if the Wi-Fi hotspots you're using are free and accessible to the public. However, having the Cingular 3G network available to you where it is available if you're in your car or in any way mobile does come in handy. Plus, you don't realy have to pay for the unlimited PDA plan that costs I think $49.99. I just purchased a smartphone unlimited data plan for $19.99/month, and I use 8525 for browsing and checking email. Just stop by your local Cingular/ATT store and say that you want the unlimited smartphone data plan. But if doesn't suit you and you want to just strictly stay with using Wi-Fi, you can downgrade and get the 8125 to save some money. However, since the 8125 does not have the 400MHz processor that the 8525 has, browsing the internet on the 8125 would be noticeably slower. I've had my 8525 for a little while now and I love it...never had any regrets when I got one. If you liked your SMT5600 (like I did...it was one of my favorite phones), with the exception of the added size, you'll love the 8525.
 
Thanks. So the 8525 requires the $49.99 plan but the 8125 only needs the $19.99 plan but has slower download? If I am an occasional user only, doesn't it make sense to just do the 8125?

Or do I sign up for unlimited use and downgrade regardless of the phone? Sorry for the straightforward questions but I trust your answers more than a sales rep. TYVM
 
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