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The Best in Basic Cell PhonesLow-frills phones are cheap--and some are even free with a signed contract.Grace Aquino, PC World
Got a question or comment? Write to Grace Aquino.
Some people couldn't care less about having a camera embedded in their mobile phone or being able to watch TV on the phone display. Instead, they want an inexpensive, no-frills handset that works well for making voice calls. The problem is, these days shoppers have fewer basic models to choose from. Still, there are several good standbys that are definitely worth your minutes.
I scoured the Web sites for six nationwide carriers--AT&T Wireless, Cingular Wireless, Nextel, Sprint PCS, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless--in search of bargain-priced, basic handsets. (AT&T and Cingular will soon merge but, at press time, they were still separate businesses.)
What should you look for in a budget phone? I'd recommend choosing a model that is a breeze to operate, permitting effortless adjustment of call volume and easy navigation through menus. If you live in or travel to rural areas, choose a phone that supports analog signals. Many rural locations do not have the latest cellular networks that work with digital-only cell phones.
Nearly all of today's basic handsets can store hundreds of phone numbers, maintain calendars, and allow you to play simple games. They lack camera capabilities and other fancy multimedia functions, however. And whether you spend a lot or a little on a phone, voice quality and coverage will differ from place to place and from one network to another.
Overall, I'm happy to report that all six...