Replacing Microsoft Lumia 640LTE Phone

[Muse]

Microsoft Lumia 640 Windows 8.1 Phone, 4G LTE 5 Inch Display 1GB RAM 8GB ROM

I'm OK with the phone, had it a couple of years, it was an upgrade from my Nokia Lumia 520 smartphone and cost me 1/2 as much at $30. But it's developed a problem with the headphone jack and I use that all the time. I see on Amazon I can buy one for ~$100 now, but wonder if that's the smart decision.

I still have the 520 and I can use that for listening to music but the SIMM is in the 640LTE now. Last couple times I went to the gym I took the 520. I don't use cellular much so I didn't miss the data connectivity. But I'm going out of town in 5-6 weeks, want data. Could take both phones but I obviously have to do something.

Is there an upgrade from the 640LTE that would be a smarter buy than another 640LTE (at 3 times the price I paid for the one I have now)?

Can I downgrade to the 520? Just swap the SIMM back into the 520, IOW? That would seem to be an interim solution. I don't think it supports Windows 10 (has Windows 8.1 now), but so what? I actually prefer the 520's music playing app in some respects. Also, the GPS app works, even without data capabilities. The 640LTE for some damn reason lost the audible component, which is a total bitch when driving. Haven't found a solution to that problem.

 

[quikah]

Well, if you really want to stick to windows mobile (I don't blame you, wish I could use it myself) the only thing worth buying now is the Alcatel Idol 4S. It is on clearance direct from MS for $99 (probably US only):
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/d/alcatel-idol-4s-unlocked/93t646gz04f7

 

[Elixer]

Well, if you really want to stick to windows mobile (I don't blame you, wish I could use it myself) the only thing worth buying now is the Alcatel Idol 4S. It is on clearance direct from MS for $99 (probably US only):
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/d/alcatel-idol-4s-unlocked/93t646gz04f7

Yeah, this is a pretty high-end phone for only $100 (the only thing on it that is marginal is the Camera). Killer deal for a Windows phone.

 

[Muse]

Well, if you really want to stick to windows mobile (I don't blame you, wish I could use it myself) the only thing worth buying now is the Alcatel Idol 4S. It is on clearance direct from MS for $99 (probably US only):
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/d/alcatel-idol-4s-unlocked/93t646gz04f7

Edit: Looks like it will work with my carrier and I'll have my credit ($330 at this point). I'm ordering now. Thanks a bunch for the tips!!!
- - - -
Will it work with my AT&T network?
-snip-

 

[sdifox]

it has GSM network: 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 2/4/5, LTE 2/4/12

AT&T is on 850/1900 for GSM and 2/4/5/12/17 for LTE. should work.

 

[Muse]

it has GSM network: 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS 2/4/5, LTE 2/4/12

AT&T is on 850/1900 for GSM and 2/4/5/12/17 for LTE. should work.

Thanks.My Airvoice wireless also told me it should work.

I just completed the purchase. It was fairly a hassle because although Paypal was an option, it wasn't working online! I called MS Store support and they had me register a CC with them. That wouldn't work either because the online form couldn't accept an expiration date. I then got the idea to change browsers (I was using Pale Moon), and I opened MS Edge, which I never use. Then I had to find my MS account password, another problem. That done, I was able to register the CC and was able to complete the purchase.

Anyway, it was worth the trouble not just because I'm getting a much higher end phone. I was able to clear up some confusion concerning my account. I had two different email addresses associated with my account and have never been clear why. Now, I can use my regular email address and forget about the other, so I'm told!

Am hopeful about the Alcatel Idol 4S GSM unlocked. Read a lot of reviews at Amazon. They are mixed. Some people have had major problems but that's a minority of people. Lack of apps isn't something I'll fret about off the bat. The only smartphones I've had are a couple of Windows phones (per the OP).

Would be nice if I could use Microsoft Visual Foxpro with it, but that's doubtful. It's said it supports Windows software but I figure that goes only so far. I use Foxpro on all my Windows PCs.

 

[Commodus]

Thanks.My Airvoice wireless also told me it should work.

I just completed the purchase. It was fairly a hassle because although Paypal was an option, it wasn't working online! I called MS Store support and they had me register a CC with them. That wouldn't work either because the online form couldn't accept an expiration date. I then got the idea to change browsers (I was using Pale Moon), and I opened MS Edge, which I never use. Then I had to find my MS account password, another problem. That done, I was able to register the CC and was able to complete the purchase.

Anyway, it was worth the trouble not just because I'm getting a much higher end phone. I was able to clear up some confusion concerning my account. I had two different email addresses associated with my account and have never been clear why. Now, I can use my regular email address and forget about the other, so I'm told!

Am hopeful about the Alcatel Idol 4S GSM unlocked. Read a lot of reviews at Amazon. They are mixed. Some people have had major problems but that's a minority of people. Lack of apps isn't something I'll fret about off the bat. The only smartphones I've had are a couple of Windows phones (per the OP).

Would be nice if I could use Microsoft Visual Foxpro with it, but that's doubtful. It's said it supports Windows software but I figure that goes only so far. I use Foxpro on all my Windows PCs.

There are only some apps that work on both Windows 10 Mobile and regular Windows 10 -- it's something you have to write for. As it stands, would you really want to program on your phone, even if you could use it in Continuum mode?

I hope the Idol 4S works well for you, and it'll definitely be a big jump. With that said, definitely be ready to move to Android or iOS with your next phone. Microsoft's mobile platform is effectively dead, and you don't want to be That Guy who's holding on to a 6-year-old phone because he doesn't want to change ecosystems. Microsoft has strong Android/iOS apps now as it is, so you don't have to give up everything cold turkey.

 

[Muse]

There are only some apps that work on both Windows 10 Mobile and regular Windows 10 -- it's something you have to write for. As it stands, would you really want to program on your phone, even if you could use it in Continuum mode?

I hope the Idol 4S works well for you, and it'll definitely be a big jump. With that said, definitely be ready to move to Android or iOS with your next phone. Microsoft's mobile platform is effectively dead, and you don't want to be That Guy who's holding on to a 6-year-old phone because he doesn't want to change ecosystems. Microsoft has strong Android/iOS apps now as it is, so you don't have to give up everything cold turkey.

I wouldn't want to program with the phone. I have a couple of self-developed applications that I use all the time. There's a ton of data in them and I access and add to the data continually. It would be grand if I could access the data on my phone. I have a couple of cheap tablets (bought the second when the screen on the first one broke, but I then replaced the broken screen) that run Windows 10 and do run my Visual Foxpro apps -- RCA Cambio tablet/laptops.

I've been researching the Alcatel Idol 4S Windows 10 phones, reading reviews. Those at Amazon, have read over 50, and read a professional review last night. Microsoft is one day shipping the Alcatel from KY and I should have it by this afternoon, if FedEx tracking is on target. I'm jazzed!

Well, I haven't followed things closely. It appears to me that there are differing opinions of just how dead or alive Windows Phone 10 is going to be going forward. It's a distant 3rd to iPhone and Android, no question, it's a matter of sales. Apparently, it's the lack of apps that's causing this and I gathered from a reviewer's comment that it has to do with MS not being legally able to basically copy popular apps from the other systems. Evidently they have ported some stuff, but the ports are less than the originals.

One sharp reviewer (Amazon) said that this phone will be the last higher end Windows 10 phone, a commenter said that a Surface phone is coming in a year or two.

The professional reviewer thinks that Windows 10 Phone will persist. Many are saying it's dead. I don't know what to believe. But I figure I should definitely be ready and willing to go to Android, or even iPhone if there are compelling reasons to go either way.

I backed up my 640LTE this morning, was surprised to see that the last backup had been in Sept. 2016! Automatic backup was enabled, but why wasn't it backed up? I do leave the phone in airplane mode a lot, both to save battery and to negate any possible deliterious effects from radiation if I have it in my pants pocket.

I don't regularly take calls on my smartphone, only in special situations, for the most part, when travelling, which I haven't been doing much at all. I will in a few weeks, hope to do more travelling, too. But normally, if I expect calls, I get them on my landline, not by wireless. So, having my phone in airplane mode is a habit with me. I turn on data/wifi when needed, turn it off after the need is fulfilled. I can go days without recharging doing that.

 

[Muse]

Here's a pretty good and extensive discussion of the issues of platforms going forward:

Microsoft finally admits that Windows Phone is dead...

 

[quikah]

No, you won't be able to run Visual FoxPro apps on Windows 10 Mobile. You would need to port it to .net or something. Wouldn't be a bad idea anyway, Visual FoxPro is long dead.

I don't think they will be making a phone again. There is some speculation that a Windows on Arm Courier type device would be created.

 

[Commodus]

I wouldn't want to program with the phone. I have a couple of self-developed applications that I use all the time. There's a ton of data in them and I access and add to the data continually. It would be grand if I could access the data on my phone. I have a couple of cheap tablets (bought the second when the screen on the first one broke, but I then replaced the broken screen) that run Windows 10 and do run my Visual Foxpro apps -- RCA Cambio tablet/laptops.

I've been researching the Alcatel Idol 4S Windows 10 phones, reading reviews. Those at Amazon, have read over 50, and read a professional review last night. Microsoft is one day shipping the Alcatel from KY and I should have it by this afternoon, if FedEx tracking is on target. I'm jazzed!

Well, I haven't followed things closely. It appears to me that there are differing opinions of just how dead or alive Windows Phone 10 is going to be going forward. It's a distant 3rd to iPhone and Android, no question, it's a matter of sales. Apparently, it's the lack of apps that's causing this and I gathered from a reviewer's comment that it has to do with MS not being legally able to basically copy popular apps from the other systems. Evidently they have ported some stuff, but the ports are less than the originals.

One sharp reviewer (Amazon) said that this phone will be the last higher end Windows 10 phone, a commenter said that a Surface phone is coming in a year or two.

The professional reviewer thinks that Windows 10 Phone will persist. Many are saying it's dead. I don't know what to believe. But I figure I should definitely be ready and willing to go to Android, or even iPhone if there are compelling reasons to go either way.

I backed up my 640LTE this morning, was surprised to see that the last backup had been in Sept. 2016! Automatic backup was enabled, but why wasn't it backed up? I do leave the phone in airplane mode a lot, both to save battery and to negate any possible deliterious effects from radiation if I have it in my pants pocket.

Microsoft's Joe Belfiore recently stated that developing Windows 10 Mobile isn't "the focus." They'll patch it, but they're not adding new features to it or making new hardware for it. Unfortunately, that's a euphemism for saying the platform is dead. As to why? It's not just Microsoft's inability to bring over apps -- it's that developers were just uninterested in writing for a platform that was late to the game and didn't offer a substantial benefit over writing for Android or iOS. If the money isn't there, the devs won't come.

I'd add that Microsoft/Nokia also had a terrible hardware strategy where you could never count on getting an upgrade to your phone at the carrier you want. Hey, here's the Lumia 920 on AT&T, isn't it great? But if you want to upgrade to the Lumia 930 next year, you'll need to switch to Verizon or buy an unlocked phone. Why stick with a Windows phone when you don't even know if your carrier will offer any Windows phones the next time you go shopping?

On that note: don't expect a Surface phone. The rumors aren't completely down on it, but Belfiore's comments suggest it's unlikely.

As for backups, those take a long while. You should probably leave the phone turned on and active considerably more than you do, and don't be afraid to leave it plugged in sometimes (I know some people who insist on waiting until a phone is near-dead to recharge) since it likely needs that power to back up. As for the radiation? Well, the truth is that there's no clear evidence in either direction on its effect. I've followed it -- it feels like every study claiming harmful effects has a plausible story suggesting otherwise. At any rate, I leave my phone on my desk or corner table when I'm not actively walking around with it.

 

[Muse]

Microsoft's Joe Belfiore recently stated that developing Windows 10 Mobile isn't "the focus."

Yeah, they show that stuff at the top of the very extensive and interesting thread I linked in my last post. I read maybe 30% of that thread over an hour plus. It's very interesting from my point of view. All these people like to assert that they have a strong informed sense of where the platform wars have gone and are going and they all seem to make a good case, AFAIK. They don't agree, but they are not at odds a ton. Not much in the way of ad hominem attacks, they are rather civil. It's impressive.

 

[Muse]

A lot of the owner reviewers say that a case is a must-have for this. I've bought quite a few cases for this and that over the years. Many have gone unused. I do have a case on my Lumia 640LTE, it's thin, not sure why I'm using it (I can't remember dropping a cell phone). More than anything maybe it's just so it's easier to spot. A black phone is easier to lose track of. Anyone know if this case is a good idea for the Alcatel Idol 4S? It's black, probably won't make it easier to spot, but they say the glass front and back makes for a very slippery phone and the case gives a much better grip.

There's a ton of cases out there for the Alcatel Idol 4S. The linked one has pretty high ratings and the customer reviews, though few (4) are more positive than I'm seeing for other high rated cases, and they sound sincere and honest.

 

[sdifox]

A lot of the owner reviewers say that a case is a must-have for this. I've bought quite a few cases for this and that over the years. Many have gone unused. I do have a case on my Lumia 640LTE, it's thin, not sure why I'm using it (I can't remember dropping a cell phone). More than anything maybe it's just so it's easier to spot. A black phone is easier to lose track of. Anyone know if this case is a good idea for the Alcatel Idol 4S? It's black, probably won't make it easier to spot, but they say the glass front and back makes for a very slippery phone and the case gives a much better grip. There's a ton of cases out there for the Alcatel Idol 4S.

I use a two piece orange and black case for my Honor 8, which is also glass front and back.

Like this

Huawei Honor 8 Case,Mama Mouth Shockproof Heavy Duty Combo Hybrid Rugged Dual Layer Grip Cover with Kickstand For Huawei Honor 8 Smartphone 2016 (With 4 in 1 Free Gift Packaged),Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LCHDY3O/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_AY9xAbKD4G58A

 

[Muse]

Received phone this evening. Won't try setting it up 'til tomorrow.

Just bought this case. Seems to be a decent chance I'll like it. Much more expensive at Amazon. This is black, less apt to disappoint like the clear one.