Online Shopping (since its "off topic")

[freeek]

Does Anyone Know Any Good Sites To Buy Cellphones From The States?

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[Jerrek]

Phones tend to be locked to one network operator, and you have to subscribe to a contract. I have not tried to buy a newer phone without a contract, but regardless, if you want to try, I assume you would want a GSM phone. That leaves you with AT&T Wireless, T-mobile, and Cingular. Do not buy from any Bell (Verizon) company, or Sprint, or Telus Mobility. They sell CDMA phones (which I have). Also make sure that the phone you're buying is NOT locked to a network operator, and supports the GSM frequency in South Africa (800, 1,800, or 1,900 MHz).

As for sites, no I don't. 99.9% of us decide on a provider, and then sign a contract. I signed a 2-year contract with Telus Mobility and got the LG4600 phone for free, but it is locked to Telus.

[jgoosen]

Got my self a Nokia 3300 in the uk on pre-paid from orange in dec...
So i got here and it was locked no prob i just took it to a local cellphone shop and they unlocked the network lock for R140

[Mux]

Just one warning. I was surprised with my recent visit to the USA to find out that they don't use SIM-cards. This is probably why Jerrek say they are "locked" to a service provider. The European phones (yes, UK is included here) make use of SIM cards.
Just verify this before buying from the USA.
On the other hand, I could be completely wrong.

You don't know what you don't know.
Mux

[jgoosen]

[quote]<i>Originally posted by Mux</i>
<br />Just one warning. I was surprised with my recent visit to the USA to find out that they don't use SIM-cards. This is probably why Jerrek say they are "locked" to a service provider. The European phones (yes, UK is included here) make use of SIM cards.
Just verify this before buying from the USA.
On the other hand, I could be completely wrong.

You don't know what you don't know.
Mux!!

Mux you are right about the phones out of the usa the sim cards are built into them....

[Jerrek]

GSM phones use SIM cards.

With the coming of the newer CDMA system, SIM cards are no longer required or needed. Hence, my Telus Mobility phone (LG4600) has no SIM card.

Since you're looking for a GSM phone, I can't think of a phone that won't have a SIM since GSM needs it to function. Keep in mind that Nokia isn't a big thing over here so it might be cheaper to buy from Nokia-land.

<font color="blue"><b>The clock is ticking................... <i>1,174 kb/s</i> - I brake for no one</b></font id="blue">
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[freeek]

HI

Im looking for A Nokia 6600, N-Gage And A LG E700(E715 for u guys)
If its network lock, its kewl I can get it unlocked but it has to be compatable on the "GSM frequency in South Africa (800, 1,800, or 1,900 MHz)". Thanx For the replies guys


..- dot dot dash ;)

[freeek]

i meant Samsung E700

..- dot dot dash ;)