Thinking of going w/ Cingular... which phone, Ericsson R278d or Nokia 5165?

[joshg]

Hey guys,

Soon I should be getting set up with Cingular services. My plan is to get the 250 plan and then getting an additional Family Talk line. According to the website, it says that with Family talk you get for free (I assume) either Mobile to Mobile calling or 3500NW, OR get both of those for an additional $10/month. One thing though, I went in to a cingular place the other day and asked the guy about that and he said that you have to buy Mobile to Mobile for an additional $10/mo if you want it... I think I'm going to go somewhere else and ask as well...

Anyway the guy told me that I could get a free phone with service, I asked for model numbers and he said "Nokia 5165 and this Ericsson model" .. I said, "Does the Ericsson phone have a model number?", "No, it's just 'Ericsson'".. haha

Anyway I did a little research and found that it's the R278d...

My question, does anyone have experience with either of these phones? I realize that the Nokia phone is most likely the most popular one, but I'd like to know which one would possibly be better. The R278d has wireless internet and messaging, plus the ability to add a keyboard if you want. Also, I can't tell but, does this phone have a backlit display? And, are there other button sets that are backlit and available for it as well?

What are the main advantages/disadvantages between the R278d and the 5165? Also, if anyone knows about the whole getting Mobile to Mobile for free, is this true and the guy I talked to was not very bright about it, or will I have to pay for this feature if I want it, in addition to the Family Talk line?

Thanks for the help guys!

- joshg

 

[joshg]

Also, I almost forgot... is Cingular a good way to go? Should I consider another service possibly?

Thanks again...

 

[geekender]

a) I have had extremely bad luck with Ericsson phones and very good luck with Nokia, so that for me would be a no-brainer.

b) From your profile, I see you are in Texas. I am in Georgia and Cingular has probably the most complete coverage in the state except for maybe SouthernLinc. Might want to talk to other people who have the service in that area for how good the coverage is. I have heard bad things about Cingular in California and New York. I have them and love them.

 

[Rallispec]

<< Also, I almost forgot... is Cingular a good way to go? Should I consider another service possibly?

Thanks again... >>



i used to have cingular- hated it.. the service was terrible and the customer support was even worse. I have heard some people say good things about it though.

currently i use sprint pcs- althought the coverage area isnt great in some areas-- it works every where i need to be, and in and around most major cities. I love it- clearest calls i've ever made on a cell phone- people often times dont realize i'm on the cell phone.

as for the phone- i'd go with the nokia... i have wireless internet and stuff on my phone and its just a hassle so i never use it. I think the nokia will be fine. And like you said, they're popular... so they must be doing something right with them.

 

[HermitGuy]

Anyway I did a little research and found that it's the R278d...

I've been using this phone for about a month, so far it's been fine but I only use it as a basic phone I can't see myself trying to access the net on that small screen and I don't get enough email THANK GOD to worry about using it for that. As to the mobile question I can't be much help there but I would be very surprised if you could get it for free.

Now about the backlighting, yes it does have it, I looked through the accessories booklet but I didn't see any other button sets available sorry!

Now the last thing wether cingular is any good or not, I can only speak for myself I've been using their service for about 18 months here in central Florida and for me it has been a good service. I should note that I'm not a very heavy phone user and that could make a difference if your someone who's on the phone allot. good luck.

 

[Goldfish]

If you plan on customizing the phone or getting many accessories, get the Nokia.

 

[dafatha00]

DO NOT GO WITH CINGULAR. It is the WORST service ever since so many mass people have been signing up for their service. My voicemail is down half the time, and between 8 PM - 1 AM on weekdays, its impossible to make a call (because of all the unlimited nights and weekends + free long distance). You'll regret it greatly if you do go with cingular....