Electronics

[AuntG]

Never had a desire to own a cell phone, but now I need one out of necessity. DH has a procedure coming up and I must wait and they will call me. When I said I had no cell phone, I got quite a look. Okay, I know I should get a phone so I found a $99.99 Samsung Galaxy12 on HSN. It's a Tracphone which is fine by me. Someone once told me if I'm getting a phone, make sure it is unlocked. Could someone who understands the terminology tell me if this phone will work for me with minimal set up? Thanks to anyone who can help.

[Melvin-QVC]

---

@AuntG wrote:

Never had a desire to own a cell phone, but now I need one out of necessity. DH has a procedure coming up and I must wait and they will call me. When I said I had no cell phone, I got quite a look. Okay, I know I should get a phone so I found a $99.99 Samsung Galaxy12 on HSN. It's a Tracphone which is fine by me. Someone once told me if I'm getting a phone, make sure it is unlocked. Could someone who understands the terminology tell me if this phone will work for me with minimal set up? Thanks to anyone who can help.

---

@AuntG That term is usally referrring to another owner who is sellng their phone to you, you have to make sure it is unlocked.  If you purchase from a local store or a phone company it will definitely be unlocked.  UnIocked means there are no ties to a past due bill and you can access it with no issues.  That's my take on it.  I hope this helps.  

[Solar Is My Name]

NO ties to any carrier is an "unlocked phone". The online site "android authority" will give you information in depth.

Hope all goes well for your mate.

Be well, Solar 

[SilleeMee]

Tracfone phones are locked phones meaning you must use the Tracfone carrier to get phone service. Buy unlocked phones from places like Walmart, Target, Bestbuy and then you have the option to activate the phone by picking a carrier of your choice (including Tracfone carrier), provided that the unlocked phone you have purchased is compatible with the carrier you want to use. In other words not all phones work with every carrier.

You can unlock a Tracfone phone if you want to use a different carrier. You'll need to see the Tracfone Unlocking Policy to determine if it can be done with your Tracfone phone.

[Kachina624]

@AuntG    Get the phone, set it up then play with it a lot.  Sometimes the hardest part is learning how to answer it.  These phones are mini computers so getting a new phone is like learning a new computer system.  Sometimes a "smart phone" is not the wisest choice.

[Kachina624]

@AuntG   You might also investigate this Consumer Cellular flip phone which is a simpler instrument to operate.  I believe its sold by Wal-Mart and Target.

Product details

The Consumer Cellular Link II flip phone (Red) delivers a convenient way to talk, text and more. Capture and share photos with the 2MP front-facing camera, which can also shoot 720p video. Enjoy hands-free calling with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Navigation is easy thanks to the bright 2.8” and 1.7” dual screen displays, and dual microphone noise suppression adds clarity to conversations. A 1,600mAh battery provides long-lasting power, and the Link II’s compact, lightweight design—it weighs just 4.5 ounces—makes it easy to slip into a pocket or purse when it’s not in use. This device comes with a SIM card pre-installed.

Large, easy-to-use classic 12-key keypad

Bright, colorful 2.8” main display screen

Additional 1.7” external display screen

2.0MP digital camera

Supports up to 32.0GB microSD card (microSD card not included)

FM Radio

Bluetooth® 4.2

[Mom2Dogs]

---

@Kachina624 wrote:

@AuntG   You might also investigate this Consumer Cellular flip phone which is a simpler instrument to operate.  I believe its sold by Wal-Mart and Target.

Product details

The Consumer Cellular Link II flip phone (Red) delivers a convenient way to talk, text and more. Capture and share photos with the 2MP front-facing camera, which can also shoot 720p video. Enjoy hands-free calling with Bluetooth wireless connectivity. Navigation is easy thanks to the bright 2.8” and 1.7” dual screen displays, and dual microphone noise suppression adds clarity to conversations. A 1,600mAh battery provides long-lasting power, and the Link II’s compact, lightweight design—it weighs just 4.5 ounces—makes it easy to slip into a pocket or purse when it’s not in use. This device comes with a SIM card pre-installed.

Large, easy-to-use classic 12-key keypad

Bright, colorful 2.8” main display screen

Additional 1.7” external display screen

2.0MP digital camera

Supports up to 32.0GB microSD card (microSD card not included)

FM Radio

Bluetooth® 4.2

---

@AuntG    My husband purchased -from Consumer Cellular the red flip phone.  He had a smart phone but just could not get the hang of it.  He really likes the flip phone, easy to use.  I have a smart phone and do not use it a lot but sometimes I call my cell from our landline, because I forget how to answer it!!  I think the flip phone is easy...open it up to answer and close to hang up.  Hope your husbands procedure goes well.

[On It]

Has anyone used the Jitterbug Lively phone? They advertise a lot on TV about how it is easy to read and use. TV ads don't impress me much, but I was hoping someone here would know if that is a good choice for @AuntG.

[mspatmac]

@AuntG  I'm sure you're more confused then ever.  I strongly suggest you follow @Kachina624  advice about Consumer Cellular.  Go to Walmaet or Target to purchase and I would think they will answer your questions,  Walgreens also sells them but I wouldn't think they are as versed as Walmart or Target.

Read @Mom2Dogs  post too.  Good advice.  Good luck

[Mz iMac]

@On It  My mother has a Jitterbug flip phone.  CS is USofA based.  If you have any issues/problems they will take baby steps to help you.  My mother did not know she could take selfies or how to.

My mother always "take notes" so if the issue crops up again, she can handle it herself.  She's had the phone for a few years now & the "selfie" issue is the only time she called their cs dept.

The phone is very easy to use because it's made specifically for seniors.  My mother will be 98 this year.

I received a free flip phone for x-mas maybe 2 yrs ago?  Never used it.  I charged it up when I first got it, put it in my car & that is the last place I've seen it.  I guess I better charge it in case I witness an accident or I get in one.  

My landline w/an answering machine is all I need.  Plus I've never received a phone bill w/Comcast or Verizon.  Landlines are FREE w/them.