cheap phones.. good idea?

[abcdjzmcbt]

im going to buy a T-Mobile Wing with 2y plan, so im shopping online to find it cheaper than the store prices which are $300 http://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/Detail.aspx?device=acc8102d-4506-4eaa-bc2f-9c7b8ec1b1e0 .. but then there are websites like LETSTALK.COM that offer it for $50 http://wsf3.letstalk.com/product/product.htm?prId=32869&search=wing ... i heard these websites only sell refurbs, but honestly if they offer any kind of warranty or insurance isn't it a smart move? what do you guys think? any advice helps..

 

[fmguru]

Had really bad experiences with TMobil - no coverage anywhere - even though they admitted they had no caverage, they would cancel service - my advice DO NOT SIGN WITH TEH - but then, I coulod be wrong LOL

 

[abcdjzmcbt]

ok i see where you're coming from fmguru. but do u have any exp on buying phones online in general?

 

[Wino]

I have Cingular/AT&T. I buy unlocked phones on ebay and install the SIMS card and off and running. I do not have a contract of any nature with AT&T and can drop them at any time. My first ebay was a Nokia, the last was Motorola RAZR. Removed SIMS from Nokia, installed in RAZR and haven't looked back. If memory serves me well TMobile & AT&T Cingular have interchangeable SIMS cards as they use the same GSM protocol.

My experience buying phones (new) on ebay has been good. Any problems that arose were handled quickly and to my satisfaction.

When i had to drop my old analog phone, a Cingular phone rep told me to pay and get a new phone from them (this way, no contract), then go on line and buy an unlocked Cingular ready phone, install the SIMS card and return the original phone to Cingular for credit (you have 30 days to do this). I did. It saved me about $50 + I got several accessories that AT&T would have charged me for (car charger, hands free earbud, belt pouch).

Hope this helps.