What's a good low-end phone?

Question

What's a good low-end phone? I need to replace the one that's crapping out now. I prefer not to have a camera, monophonic ringtones, etc., unless I have to...it's just that unlike most my age, I see cell phones as a necessary evil rather than something to show off.

Secondly, is buying a phone on E-Bay a good idea?

Answer 1

if u want an alright phone get the Motorola L6,eBay is not recommended they are mainly stolen phones on there,

Answer 2

I got my grandma a very simple Motorola. She used to get by with a Nokia (the kind you find in 7-11 as part of pre-paid packages) from Cingular. I had to disable voicemail AND lockout the side buttons, but then it's just perfect. :) She doesn't use the phonebook or any other features. :D

I personally think that Nokia is probably better for seniors due to their simpler interface and later fonts, but that's just IMHO.

Answer 3

well, a lot depends on your cell phone carrier. i would go to your carrier's website and check out some of the low-end phones. look for reviews online for any phone you find that meets your criteria (there should be some). just search google for the name of the phone followed by "review". be sure to check http://reviews.cnet.com/ for reviews; they're very reliable. if you read their little article on the phone, they will reveal all of the phone's bells and whistles (or lack thereof, in your case). also, if you go to their cell phone section, they have a list of some the best low-end phones

http://reviews.cnet.com/4323-6525_7-6509106.html?tag=txt

now for buying it. if you're about to renew your contract with your cell phone company, you can likely get your basic phone from your carrier for free. many carriers have a policy where when you renew your plan, you can purchase a phone at discounted prices, and the low-end phone you want is likely to be free or very cheap. if you're not about to renew your contract or you don't get discounted pricing, definitly go to ebay. even a basic phone will cost over $100 at full retail price from your cell phone company. on ebay, you will probably find many brand new phones for sale, just be careful: many sellers try to sign you up for a plan when you buy their ridiculously cheap phone.