Saturday, April 3, 2010

Wal-Mart Straight Talk Cell Phones

A little over a month ago I decided to get a cell phone with Wal-Mart's Straight Talk plan. I was a little skeptical at first, and did my due diligence, reading numerous reviews about the program before I took the plunge. I wanted a phone that would allow me to access the internet, so I looked at what was available and decided on a Samsung slider. For less than $100, it's a nice sturdy phone that is attractive and easy to use. The only problem I had was that it was out of stock at every store in my area. I ended up ordering it online and had it in about a week. I ordered my phone card at the same time, then activated it online when it arrived. It was an easy process, and my phone was working within 5 minutes. One of the nice things about Straight Talk is that you can port your existing phone number, either cell or land line. I thought that was a great feature. So far, the service has been awesome. They use the Verizon network, which is the most reliable in the rural area I live in, and it has been exceptional. I did not sign up for the automatic monthly renewal, which was a mistake. I forgot to buy another month, and my phone was shut off at midnight on the due date. I was horrified, because the website says that you will lose your phone number if you let it run out. Much to my relief, when I renewed, I got my previous number back. I am now signed up for the convenient monthly autofill plan, so that won't happen again. I chose the $30 plan, which gives me 1000 minutes, 1000 text or picture messages, and 30 mgb data transfer. I wasn't sure this would be enough, but at the end of the first month I didn't even come close to using it all. They also have an unlimited usage plan that is $45 a month for all of prolific texters and callers. So far, the only drawback is that there are limited ringtones and wallpapers available, however, there is a site called My Tiny Phone that has them specifically for Straight Talk phones. I got some pretty good ones from them. As far as I'm concerned, you can't go wrong with Wal-Mart's Straight Talk cell phones. After all why give Verizon or Sprint $1200 more than you have to over the two year life of a contract, when you can get the same service cheaper?