Question for cell phone experts.

[kiva]

I'm looking to upgrade from my two cans and a string system to either an iPhone or Blackberry. Several carriers have data only plans for what I assume is a reasonable price. My question is whether I can purchase one of these plans and then just buy a pre-paid sim card for phone service. My current pre-pay provides me with 1000 minutes for $100, and it takes me about 9 months to use them, so it seems pretty wasteful to pay $30-$45 per months for more minutes than I need. Talking to providers (AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile) is fairly useless since they all want to sell the phone service and aren't interested in telling me if I can do without part of their service. Any responses would be helpful, thanks :hi:

[HopeHoops]

1. Tracfone is $99 for 400 minutes (expire after 365 days).

I just renewed my mom's phone and got a free 200 minutes by doing it online so she got 600 minutes for $105.99 (tax). That's better than any freakin' plan, especially since she used less than 100 minutes last year.

[kiva]

2. Sounds like your mom and I have similar cell phone habits.

The plan I have with T-Mobile is good - 1000 minutes for $100 - but I'm looking for something with good internet access, like an iPhone or Blackberry; are Tracfones internet capable (showing my cell ignorance here)?

[HopeHoops]

3. Um, not that I know of - she needs it because of my step-dad's health issues.

Her needs are simple - it needs to place a call and receive one. Do you REALLY need Internet access? If that's more important than the phone, I think you can actually save money in the long run with a $300 netbook and a tracfone (two devices).