Suggestions for a simple phone for an elderly lady

[thecoolnessrune]

Hello all, I'm looking for options for a cheap cellphone that can be purchased for use on a US Cellular network.

The phone she has now is a Motorola v323i but it's starting to have a lot of problems so she's looking to get it replaced. The contract isn't up so they wont replace it at a discounted price and she can't really afford a new phone price. So I was thinking of getting something off e-bay that was simple and effective.

She prefers the clamshell form factor. From there the most important features are big buttons, and an easily read screen. That's pretty much it. She would *like* bluetooth but it's not a dealbreaker.

Any suggestions for something relatively affordable and basic for her? Remember she's in her 70s and just uses it to keep track of her daughter and granddaughter while she's busy thoughout her days. Cameras, notetaking, touchscreens, and all that jazz just aren't anything she's interested in. Just a simple phone with good reception that is easy to read as possible.

I dont keep up much with cellphones so I thought I would ask for the wisdom of anandtech instead. Thanks alot guys

 

[scott916]

What about those jitterbug phones that are specifically made for the elderly?

 

[thecoolnessrune]

At $150 its a bit too pricey to her unfortunately. US Cellular is also telling me that they wont take phones from other providers and put them on their network. Can anyone verify this? They're telling me they'll only accept a phone through them.

 

[cheesehead]

US Cellular uses CDMA for their network, and does not use a SIM-card system for their phones, similar to Verizon. They could, in theory, activate a Verizon phone; they're just refusing to because they're scum and want you to buy something.

I would recommend an old Nokia candy-bar-style phone, preferably with a black-and-white screen. They're easy to use, the buttons are pretty big, and they're nearly indestructible. And, since they're all several years old, quite cheap.

 

[thecoolnessrune]

Originally posted by: Cheesehead
US Cellular uses CDMA for their network, and does not use a SIM-card system for their phones, similar to Verizon. They could, in theory, activate a Verizon phone; they're just refusing to because they're scum and want you to buy something.

I would recommend an old Nokia candy-bar-style phone, preferably with a black-and-white screen. They're easy to use, the buttons are pretty big, and they're nearly indestructible. And, since they're all several years old, quite cheap.

That actually sounds like a great idea. Does anyone know any specific model? I had one like that with tracfone but I never knew what the model was and don't know if there's any other good choices.