I need help learning about and choosing a phone plan. Is this the right forum?

[rhett o rick]

If so:

I need a phone plan for two people that dont use the phone too much. National coverage. I would like to access the internet for email, gps, etc. No plans to do games or movies. Would like a camera. I also heard that there is a feature (?) that allows one to make their phone into a hot-spot. That sounds useful, esp if I get a tablet.

Some questions to prove that I am technically still in the 90's.

What is a smart phone?

What is the best smart phone? In your opinion of course.

Does the hot-spot feature require additional hardware?

I would appreciate any help I can get. I have tried google but not smart enough to understand what they are trying to tell me.

Thanks, rhett

[rhett o rick]

1. Come on you younger folks, help out an old guy. nm

[ManiacJoe]

2. Probably not the right forum. But...

If you don't use the phone much, a low number of voice minutes will work for you.

Email, texting, etc, use the "data plan" that is extra. Any hotspot feature will quickly eat up your data plan.

Smart phones are phones that do things other than phone and text and simple web browsing. Anything that has "apps". Basically a simple computer that also makes phone calls.

Apple's iPhone is the most popular since they were the first. Windows7 phones are a big hit at my work, but we got them at dirt cheap prices for the hardware.

[rhett o rick]

10. Thanks.

[Phentex]

3. Do you have a Costco?...

Ours has a kiosk (independent of Costco) and the guys there are very helpful. They will check all of the plans, ask about your usage and explain everything. MUCH better than going into an AT&T store, IMO!

I already had a phone and plan but needed a new one and they didn't try to sell me anything I didn't need. No hidden fees either.

I got an htc inspire and it has the ability to make internet hotspots. All you do is turn on wi-fi and connect. At home I have to provide the home password. Otherwise I keep it off since I don't really have a need to go online. I do like games, though. :)

[JBoy]

4. Here's a link that may give you the background you need

http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phone-buying-guide/

[rhett o rick]

9. Thanks

[demosincebirth]

5. Consumer Cellular has some some low cost plans for seniors with no

contract. Also, not many gimmicks either.

[2Design]

6. virginmobileusa.com = best no contract

$25 /month but price going up July 20 so get now or wait for new phone coming out but pay $35 month

[Dont_Bogart_the_Pretzel]

7. Verizon no-contract is $15.00 a month. Advertise at $15.00 a month.

BUT... If you go to a Verizon store and you can pay as little as $5.00 a month on a no-contract phone. The only catch is the salesperson has to do it . They have Kios in the store that lets you pay on it yourself but the minimum is $15.00.

[2Design]

8. you are the only person to say something nice about verizon

I have been with virginmobileusa for about 8 years and have not had any gotchas