Buying cell phones on ebay?

[TWilkening]

Has anybody bought a new cellphone from eBay? My phone was submerged and now is junk. I would save quite a bit of money by buying one online. I know I have to get one compatible with me service (US Cellular). What does it mean if the phone is unlocked? Any tips or comments would be appreciated.

 

[nickleinonen]

What does it mean if the phone is unlocked?

that is something i had done to my motorola. .



when the phone is unlocked, you can use it with any provider. . just move your sim card from one phone to the next... i payed to have mine unlocked, but you can download software off the net and with the usb cables, crack the lock on your phone to work with all sim cards



if i would have found the software before i payed, i would have did that...



[mine was unlocked so it could be used with a different sim in europe - my phone is a quad band so it basically will work on any phone network in the world]

 

[bighammer]

I have bought quite a few off eBay. (I'm on a $10/month plan with Alltel and don't intend to change it) Most have been pretty good and $20 or less.

I think the "unlocked" means you can use it with other providers but it has to be the same type. (mine is CDMA format) You could probably call your customer service and ask what would work.

Also make sure the phone you get is 911 traceable. (gives your location thru a GPS type of technology) Old phones without this can't be activated and there are a bunch of them on eBay.

It helps to have a model number in mind to aid your search.


Good luck,
Pete

 

[TWilkening]

What I had was a Motorola v265. I had good luck with it minus the fact it isn't a fish. I'm looking at a Moto V710. We'll have to see what it goes for. If I get this, what do I have to do to get it rolling? Can I just take it to US Cellular and have the activate it over the phone, or is it more involved? My dad mentioned something about making sure they are paid off, or you have to pay their bill before you can activate it??? Know anything about this? Thanks

 

[bighammer]

I just called Alltel when I wanted one activated. They give you a set of codes to enter into the phone and they ask for the HEX number on the back. Then you make a test call to make sure it's working.

 

[JApol]

I have the v710. The best thing i like about it is that it actually has a metal case. That phone will take some knocks and keep ticking. It is also very easy to use, the keys are a decent size and easily one hand operable when using it when your not supposed to

 

[Spooled-up]

I was wondering why the Motorola Razors were $200 plus when you can get one for $50 from Cingular. I found out it's because you avoid the 2 year contract. I guess it's worth it to not be locked in, but the fee for getting out of your contract is around $200 (at least to get out of a Sprint contract)