[geeks] a cell phone that doesn't suck

[Lionel Peterson]

>From: Shannon Hendrix <shannon at widomaker.com>
>Date: 2007/11/24 Sat AM 12:34:53 CST
>To: The Geeks List <geeks at sunhelp.org>
>Subject: Re: [geeks] a cell phone that doesn't suck

>On Nov 23, 2007, at 5:26 PM, Lionel Peterson wrote:
>
>>> If I do not want to be tracked, that's my decision, and I'm willing  
>>> to
>>> pay the consequences if I so choose.
>>
>> I just heard a news reader on CNN talk about how the government can  
>> track cell phone users location (to within a block even if the  
>> phones are turned *off*!
>>
>> Uh, no. I don't think that cellphones work when they are turned  
>> off... You have to be able to turn phones *completely* off on  
>> airplanes, for instance...
>
>NOTE: I'm not saying they are right, but consider:
>
>As long as it falls below a certain emission rate, off can be defined  
>as something most of us here would not define as off.

uhm, "On is the new Off"?

>Have you actually powered a cell phone off and checked it for  
>emissions, or for that matter, checked the data stream and verified it  
>never sends video data without being asked?
>
>No?  Then you don't really know.

Well, yeah, if you exclude the possibility of applying logic to the question, then yes, you are right - I don't really know.

<snip>

>Aside: I've been noticing quite a few unlocked phones being sold in  
>places like CompUSA.  Anyone ever buy one?  Sucks that they cost so  
>much more, but then having a phone with *ALL* features turned out  
>would be kinda nice.

The prices are way too high to justify, IMHO - Personally, I tend to fall into the "I just want a phone" category, and as such I often wonder why cell phone companies don't offer "refresh kits" for older phones when you renew your contract - i.e. kits that contain a new faceplate, battery, and maybe a carry case. While the cost would be minimal in comparison to the $100-150 or more in subsidies when you renew your contract, if they could cut some money off the monthly fee I'd consider it.

Lionel