Cell phone help: Off-topic discussion forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

Subscribe get a full year for only $19.95 Sample get a free issue—no strings attached

Nov. 1, 2009 7:42 p.m. Appleseed Dork

So in addition to all the fun things that happened this weekend, I also managed to crush the screen on my phone. It still works, but I can't see anything.

I have Verizon. What do I need to be on the lookout for as far as replacement phone computability? I'd like to up/downgrade to a flip phone. The squashed phone was a Samsung Sway. Do I need to stay with Samsung? The E-Bay adds I've seen also mention "good EMS." What's an EMS, and why should I be concerned?

Thanks for the advice in advance.

Appleseed.
Nov. 1, 2009 10:25 p.m. mtn SuperDork

Do Verizon's have sim cards? IIRC, you need to stay with Verizon, so the sim card will work. Look for a Samsung, or Motorolla, or LG, or whatever the F else there is out there that has Verizon. Although I'm not sure, you might be able to use any phone, but just for safety, just stay with something that was originally Verizon.
Nov. 1, 2009 10:33 p.m. EvanB HalfDork

No SIM card, Verizon uses CDMA. You don't need to stay with a Samsung as long as it is a CDMA phone.
Nov. 2, 2009 12:48 a.m. Appleseed Dork

Yup, no SIM card. If it was, fixing the problem would be a snap.

CDMA is? I really don't know crap about cell phones.
Nov. 2, 2009 5:42 a.m. jrw1621 Dork

The ebay ads do not say "good EMS." What they say is "good ESN" (electronic serial number.) A bad ESN is one that has been reported lost/stolen or the ESN was associated with an account that was not paid. In these instances the phone can not be turned on again since they are on the "bad ESN" list.

Try visiting an independent retailer in your area, especially if that retailer represents more than one phone company. These retailers often take equipment in as trade-ins when people switch from one company to another. That same retailer can often facilitate the entire swap of service for you. If you buy off ebay, be sure to not just buy a CDMA phone but choose a phone that was clearly on Verizon originally.

CDMA: Code Division Multiple Access is one of the 3 current methods of sending a digital phone signal. The others are GSM (Global Systems for Mobile) and IDEN (Intergrated Digital Enhanced Network.) You need a handset that works with not only your phone companies digital method but then you also need it to work on your companies frequencies. It is because of this combination that I recommend buying a phone that clearly worked with Verizon in the past.
Nov. 2, 2009 3:13 p.m. Appleseed Dork

Thanks, everyone. I looked at adds that said "Verizon, blah blah blah" just for that reason. Good ESN. Make sure on that. Got it.
Nov. 2, 2009 6:47 p.m. pigeon HalfDork

Might be cheaper to get yours fixed at a local cell shop that can swap a new screen in, or to get the part off ebay and install yourself. Other than that, yes, get a Verizon phone with a clean ESN, preferably at a local shop where you can call Verizon and verify the clean ESN before you put your money down. If on ebay get the ESN before you pay and call Verizon to confirm its clean.
Nov. 2, 2009 7:34 p.m. Appleseed Dork

I'd be willing to fix it, but after squashing the screen, I'm leary about full faced LCD phones. I want a flip phone. Maybe I can sell the current phone for parts.

Thanks for the input.
Nov. 2, 2009 7:43 p.m. ignorant PowerDork

Ebay is like phone rip off central. I got ripped off 2 times before I finally got a good seller and a working phone. If you buy a phone on ebay, make sure you get it from a company that is reputable. There are many scammers. Many Many scammers.

CL also might work, because you ask the guy to meet you at a verizion store and they can check to see if the phone is good.
Nov. 2, 2009 10:27 p.m. Appleseed Dork

Yup. I'm leaning toward that exact thing. Meet me a the store and will check this phone out.
Nov. 5, 2009 10:53 p.m. Appleseed Dork

So I find a deal on CL. Drive 130 miles (yes, things are that far around here). I call the dude and set up a meet. And he flaked on me. A CL guy flaking. Who knew? I think the phones were hot.

When dealing with E-Bay, what to look for? I assume sellers that have quite a few sales and good feedback? Silly to ask this, but I rarely deal with E-Bay. Seems like a huge hassle with lots of ripoffs.

One last thing: if I ask about the ESN, and I'm dealing with someone who doesn't know where to find it, how do I get the ESN? Is it on the phone or does it have to be brought in to a store?
Nov. 6, 2009 7:30 a.m. jrw1621 Dork

The ESN is printed on a sticker on the back of the phone , usually under the battery.
Typical example: http://www.justcellularstore.com/help/CricketActivation.html

Try visiting the independent retailers in your area as I recommended above. Many will have used (maybe repaired) phones available and you will have a source to take it back to if needed.

If you are not sure where, call some of these:
I got your city out of your profile. I am in the business and have resources. In no way is this an endorsement of any of these retailers. I do not even know what products these retailers represent but if you follow up on them I bet more than one of them can meet your needs.

Wireless Park of McHenry 3815 W. Elm St McHenry, IL 60050 (815) 363-9933

CallPlan4U Inc 309 Crestwood Ave McHenry, IL 60051 (815) 349-5640

Activation Point 525 Auburn Dr Island Lake, IL 60042 (847) 487-7300

Air 1 Wireless Inc. 2450 Us Rte 12 Ste F Spring Grove, IL 60081 (815) 675-2477

The Cell Shop 2214 N Rte 12 Spring Grove, IL 60081 (815) 419-1157

LuzCom 223 N. Cedar Lake Round Lake, IL 60073 (847) 548-4000