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[ToxicAdam]

My wife and I have had a long running arguement on getting a second cell phone. I had one for 2 years, hated it, and don't want a new one. She insists that we get one now that we have children, it is important that she can get a hold of me at any time.

I don't want to get roped into a cell phone plan for a phone I would maybe use once a month and have to keep track of it at all times.

A good solution seems to be those disposable phones. Does anyone have any experience with them? Do they work fairly well?

 

[human5892]

I have one from Virgin Mobile now. It works well for me because I only use my cell phone for emergencies or quick calls to straighten out plans, so it sounds like it'd work for you, too. The phone itself isn't fancy or anything, but it serves its purpose and gets decent reception. Refilling minutes is as easy as going to their website, buying a preloaded card and entering it in right from your phone, or registering a credit card with them and buying more minutes right from your phone.

Really, the only way you can go wrong is if you end up using your phone more than you bargained for -- I don't know about offerings from other companies, but Virgin Mobile doesn't really seem to be set up for lots of chat unless you're willing to pay out the ass for it (it'd be cheaper to just get a regular cell phone plan).

 

[cloudwalking]

I have a Virgin Mobile phone too. I don't use it too much at the moment, but it served its purpose for me very well when I needed it. Like human5892, I used mine simply for emergencies, and so that my family could easily get a hold of me anytime, and vice versa. It's definitely not made for long talking sessions.

To break it down:

Pros
- You control exactly how much you spend on your phone. No contract.
- Minimum to keep your number activated is $20 every 90 days, which is much cheaper than your standard phone plan.
- Flat rate to anywhere in the US.
- No roaming charges.
- Great reception (uses the sprint PCS network).
- Good selection of phones in a wide price range.
- You basically get $5 free if you sign up with a credit/check card.
- Very easy to top-up the phone, from anywhere. Just select it from the phone menu, enter the amount and your password, and you're done.

Cons
- Rate is the same all of the time. No free nights/weekends deal.
- Not a good phone to use for long conversation. A TERRIBLE idea to use as your main phone line.
- Costs you money to check your voicemail from the phone (I always thought this was so stupid). Best to do it from another phone.

All in all, it's a great idea for what you're planning to use it for.

 

[ToxicAdam]

Thanks guys, I will definately check one out this week.

 

[ChrisReid]

Don't forget to look into family plans. For like $10 a month extra, many carriers will give you a second phone that leeches off your main plan's minutes. Not sure if you can get a disposable phone for effectively less than $10/month, because the minutes you charge those phones with tend to expire after a few months unless you recharge the phone with more time.