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| Unwanted mobile callers, area codes, and some of the smallest phones available today By Joni Blecher (11/7/02) Senior Editor Joni Blecher, a.k.a. the Cell Phone Diva, wants to answer all your questions about cell phones, service plans, and wireless connectivity. Send her a question! Who could it be now? Q: When I first changed my cell phone number three months ago, I got a lot of calls from people looking for the person who previously had the number. I thought they'd figure out it's the wrong number and would stop calling, but they're still ringing me up. What can I do about this? Does the wireless service provider (Sprint PCS, in this case) share any responsibilities? Thanks! --jennyj A: You propose a good question: what to do about all those unwanted calls, seeing as they are being deducted from your minutes. In this particular case, you should contact Sprint PCS, inform the company of this discrepancy and see what they can do about it. Additionally, you can leave a message on your voicemail informing callers that the party they wish to reach is no longer at this number. If you don't want to answer the call, view the caller ID info when it's available; if it's a number you don't know, don't answer. Instead, let your voicemail get it. College prep Q: I am a college student and a first-time cell phone buyer. I saw the Sony Ericsson T300 and was really impressed. Is there any more information on it besides what I can currently find on Sony's site? Also, when picking a phone number, how should I decide which area code to get? --Peter A: We'll have a review of the T300 up next week, but in the meantime, here are a few details. It works with the same digital camera that's available for the T68i and has the same color user interface. It costs around $100 and has a pretty cool retro/European feel to it. However, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the T68i, such as Bluetooth and IR connectivity. I like to think of it as the little black dress of cell phones. You'll always need one, and it usually looks good. As for your other dilemma, you should typically pick the area code from which you'll be making most of your calls. However, if you don't plan on making a lot of calls and instead expect to get a lot of calls from home, you may want to select that area code instead. The people calling from home may not have a great deal for long distance, so you can help them save money when they call you at school. Good things come in small packages Q: I want a small phone that can fit in my pocket and that has decent battery life and good reception, but I don't need all the frills, such as a color screen, Web browsing, and so on. All the "low end" phones (in terms of functionality) are monster bricks that they give away free with a contract. I currently use Sprint PCS, but I'm not averse to switching to a provider with a better plan/phone, though it might be nice to keep my same phone number. Any suggestions? Thanks for your help!! --Jennifer A: Actually, you're in luck. You can choose from a ton of small, basic phones that will get the job done. I've listed them by carrier, but I'll start with your provider, Sprint PCS. Sprint PCS: LG 1010: It's an oldie but a goodie that fits easily in a pocket. Weight: 2.8 ounces. Samsung SPH-A460: I've used this slim phone before, often losing it in my purse. Weight: 3.4 ounces Verizon Wireless: Motorola V120e: Though a little thick, this mobile definitely fits in a pocket. Weight: 4.5 ounces LG VX-10: Though more expensive than other phones, it's a sliver of a flip-style mobile. Weight: 3.8 ounces Cingular Wireless: Nokia 3395: It's a little thick but still fairly compact for a candy bar-style phone. Weight: 4.2 ounces Nokia 8390: It's even slimmer than the 3395 and highly customizable. Weight: 2.9 ounces AT&T Wireless: Panasonic Allure: An itty-bitty phone that's quite usable and not loaded with a lot of extras. Weight: 2.7 ounces Nokia 3360: Similar in size and shape to the 3395, it's one of the popular phones usually available with a new plan. Weight: 4.8 ounces | |
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Joni Blecher is a section editor for CNET Reviews.
