Kent German, CNET's cell phone guru, wants to answer your questions about cell phones, services, and accessories.
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RIM BlackBerry 8830
While I realize that CDMA and GSM are incompatible and that CDMA phones don't possess a
SIM card, some handsets work on both networks. For example,
Sprint sells the
RIM Blackberry 8830, which uses CDMA but also contains a SIM. What I'd like to do is buy an unlocked GSM phone and use it on Sprint. Is there a way to accomplish this?
--Michael
A: Unfortunately, Michael, that's not workable. While you're correct that the 8830 does support both CDMA and GSM networks, it works only with GSM networks overseas. Even though it contains a SIM card, that card is programmed only to connect with Sprint's GSM roaming partners in other countries. But more importantly, remember that Sprint doesn't operate a GSM network in the United States. So anyone using a phone with Sprint in this country will be forced to use the carrier's CDMA service.
Do you donate your old cell phones? Talk back to me below.
Q: I just bought a Tracfone, and I was wondering if I could take the SIM card out of it and put it into a better cell phone? Would I still have the Tracfone service, or am I stuck using one of their cell phones?
--familyfreeze
A: As long as you obtain an unlocked phone, then you shouldn't have any problem using Tracfone service with the new handset. Just be aware that because Tracfone is an MVNO that is targeted toward basic calling services, you may not be able to use every high-end feature if you buy a fancy phone.
Q: I just bought an
iPhone and want to get rid of my Sony Ericsson. I would rather give it to a charity than throw it away. Are there charities out there that can take old cell phones, or do I need to go back to
AT&T?
--Kevin
A: There are quite a few charities that will take your old cell phone, so there's no need to throw it away. Donating your phone not only has a "feel-good" factor, but also it prevents it from ending up in a landfill. Typically when you donate a cell phone, it's refurbished and then given to someone that can really use it. The recipients can include people living with HIV, domestic violence victims, and residents of lower-income communities or regions that have suffered a natural disaster. And don't worry about losing any personal information; just be sure to clear your phone's memory before you send it off.
I'd start by checking with charities that you currently support. Otherwise, there are a number of organizations that serve as clearing houses for charitable cell phone donations. They include the Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation, Recycling for Charities, and Phones4Charity. Another option is Cell Phones for Soldiers, which will donate your handset a U.S. soldier stationed overseas.
On the other hand, if you'd rather recycle your phone, there are a number of organizations that will do that for you as well. Most AT&T stores will take your phone, or a company called ReCellular lets you drop off your mobile at a variety of retail stores (alternatively, you can request a prepaid envelope to mail your phone to the company). And if you need incentive to go green, ReCellular has a program with Best Buy where you can get a coupon for Best Buy's online store in return for trading in your phone.
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