For Tracfone, which is better, the flip phone or the slider and why?

[HappyGrace]

This will be my first cell phone so I have no idea which type to get! I'm not getting the cheapest one but the next step up that is I think $39.99. Thanks! I think they are both Samsung. (I'd be buying it at Walmart.)

[jplain]

I've been a Tracfone customer for 7 years. I've had candy bar style and flip style Tracfones, but I've never had one of their sliders. I really liked my Motorola flip phone (W260G), but now I'm back to the cheap candy bar style Samsung T105G ($10 included DMFL). I'm surprised by how much I like it! I don't need a camera or web browsing capability, so a no frills phone suits me just fine. The reception in my area and voice quality is very good, and comparable to the Motorola flip phone I broke and had to replace.

 

Edited to add: Google for online discount codes before you buy. Usually they apply to minutes only, but sometimes there are phone deals too. Never buy/activate minutes without a bonus code!

Edited February 14, 2011 by jplain

[HappyGrace]

Thanks, JPlain! I think the one-year 400 minute card says right on it that it gives double minutes-is that what you mean? I would love to find a phone discount too!

 

Great info-I should have mentioned that I need no frills-web or text or camera or anything.

[DarcyB]

I love the slider. It's more sturdy than the flip phones have been for me, and stays locked when it's closed, unlike the bar ones, and I hate having to key in a code to unlock the way I would on a bar phone.

 

We've both been really happy with our sliders.

[jplain]

...I hate having to key in a code to unlock the way I would on a bar phone.

Going back to a candy bar phone, I thought this would bug me too. But to lock the keyboard on the Samsung T105G, I press and hold the * key. To unlock it, I do the same. Couldn't be simpler. :)

 

I think the one-year 400 minute card says right on it that it gives double minutes-is that what you mean? I would love to find a phone discount too!

The 400 minute 1 year card for $99.99 does not include DMFL.

The 800 minute 1-year card for $119.99 includes DMFL.

So if you buy a phone that includes DMFL, you can buy the cheaper 1-year card, and you'll still get 800 minutes plus 1 year service.

 

If you anticipate using a lot of minutes, check out the web-only PowerPlus (1500 minute + 1 year, $200) and Super Saver cards (1000 minute + 1 year, $160). They do not include DMFL though, so you'd definitely want to make sure your phone has DMFL before buying one of those cards. If you choose a phone that doesn't come with DMFL and want a 1000 or 1500 minute + 1 year card, buy the separate DMFL card for $20 first.

 

For reference, I don't use my phone often. It is mainly for "urgencies," communicating with family while traveling, and as a means of reaching me at the coffee shop while my kids are at drop-off activities. ;) A 400 minute/1 year card on a DMFL phone is fine for me. That adds up to 1000-1200 minutes for the year, depending on how good the codes are when I purchase.

Edited February 14, 2011 by jplain

[HappyGrace]

JPlain-awesome info, thanks! I think the phone I was looking at was DMFL. I think it added up to $130 for the phone and one-yr, 800 min (after doubling) which is fine for my use.

 

Thanks for the heads-up on the web discounts-will check it out! :)

[lovetobehome]

I just got the cheap $10 package at Walmart. Phone, case, ear thing, chargers for car and home. Unreal, really. I like it just fine!