Ab Work Outs: AT&T Nokia Prepaid Cell Phone

AT&T Nokia Prepaid Cell Phone - Silver (2610)

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I recently bought this because the cost of a long-term cell contract doesn't make sense for our minimal usage.I know someone well who has used the prepaid AT&T (former Cingular) GoPhone for five years and has no complaints with service or call quality.

The Nokia 2610 handset is simple to use, intuitive, and easy to configure to your liking (I did it all in under an hour.)The volume is fine.Though the handset lacks an external volume-control button, you can configure a navigation key to adjust volume easily without looking at the keypad while talking on the phone.The speakerphone works extremely well; I don't even need a headset or earpiece/mike to talk hands-free with great clarity.The reception in my area (metro DC) is excellent, even inside the house.The keypad is well-designed; the menu and navigation keys are easy to use without pressing adjacent keys.The pad locks automatically after ~ 30 seconds of idleness so you can't accidentally activate features while you're carrying the phone in your pocket.It unlocks easily with the MENU* combination.

Activating the phone via the Web and getting your new phone number is simple, too.If you have an active AT&T SIM card you can just insert it in the Nokia phone and use this handset if you want to retire an existing one and wait until your contract expires (though, of course, you wouldn't buy the prepaid minutes via this particular offer.)

One note... for this $35 Amazon offer you're paying $25 for the airtime card and $10 for the handset.The ten extra minutes airtime are free from AT&T if you buy $25 of mins (using the airtime card you're buying here) within a week of activating the handset.And that's true no matter where you buy the AT&T GoPhone, not just on Amazon.I mention this in case anyone thinks that he's buying $35 of airtime and getting a free handset.When I was shopping for the handset recently it was $20 at local retailers and AT&T stores.

I really don't have any complaints with the phone so far.Other users in online reviews complained about the video contrast making the display unreadable in the sun.This is certainly true in the default setting.However, I set the contrast to max and can read it in bright sun by tilting it a bit.It's not abig deal to me.In fact, all of the user complaints I read about in various reviews could have been avoided if the user simply took the time to run through the menus and configure the phone according to taste.

This phone is very good value, in my opinion, if you just want a simple phone for making calls and if call quality is more important than phone features such as a big screen for Web browsing or anticipatory recognition when typing text messages (I don't text at all.)The option value of being able to terminate the service at any time with no penalty (and almost nothing invested in the handset) is a great benefit.

I did a lot of research before choosing this handset and plan, looking at prepaid handsets and premium handsets tied to 2-yr contracts.The Nokia 2610 has been around for more than two years and gets good marks from many users as a durable, simple phone with high call quality.I've used it a great deal since I bought it.It's very easy to configure and a pleasure to use.I prefer it to nearly all the slide and flip phones I tested.

Four final warnings...

First, don't confuse this handset with the newer Nokia 2600.That one gets far poorer reviews than the older 2610.Reviews noted that the 2600 has a very slow menu interface, feels cheap and has a poor speakerphone.I tested a 2600 set at an AT&T store and agree with that assessment.The 2610 is a far better phone.

Second, once you set up your new AT&T prepaid GoPhone choose your rate plan carefully (two are available: either a flat $0.25/min OR $1.00 per day used + $0.10/min.)Once you activate the phone the fine print on the Web site under your user account info tells you that you may change from one plan to the other at any time.The first change is free; thereafter it may (which I assume means WILL) cost you at least $10 (if not more) to change again.

Third, note that the prepaid phones (whether on AT&T, Verizon or T-Mobile) have far spottier signal coverage than contract phones do.(This is yet another way they discourage users from buying prepaid service and try to lock us into long-term contracts.)Check the applicable coverage map that the provider offers, especially if you live in the middle sections of the U.S. where providers have huge coverage gaps in certain regions, to ensure you'll get an adequate signal for prepaid service where you'll use the phone.

Finally, the AT&T cellular business has a rather unfavorable customer service reputation according to recent reviews, such as the one in Consumer Reports last January.The convenient thing about the prepaid phones is that you can manage the account entirely online or automatically over the phone, recharging the account with money via credit card whenever you like.You never have to deal with a customer service rep.I haven't factored customer service into my review because I don't anticipate having to use it much.If it's really awful then I have little invested in the phone account and I can terminate my service easily.If, however, you require regular service attention you may want to consider the value of smooth interactions and look elsewhere.

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Product Description:
With its easy-to-use features, the Nokia 2610 simplifies your life and keeps you connected when you're away from home. And with AT&T's GoPhone pay-as-you-go service, you pay for just the minutes you use without having to sign up for an annual contract--this phone even comes with $35 of airtime included. You can easily refill your minutes via prepaid cards or the Internet, or choose to prepay each month and roll over unused minutes.

Pay for just the minutes you use and get $35 of airtime to start off with.

The Nokia 2610 offers a large keypad, integrated speakerphone, and text messaging capabilities. Offering advanced media and calling features without breaking the bank, the 2610 is an easy-to-use device that combines multiple messaging options including email, instant messaging, and more. You can even download MP3 ringtones, graphics, and games straight to the phone, or surf the Web.
AT&T GoPhone Service
AT&T's pay-as-you-go GoPhone plans are wireless plans made easy. Simply pay in advance for what you need. No long-term contracts, credit checks, or surprise bills--just all the benefits of wireless, with no complications. In addition, AT&T's Rollover Balance feature lets you carry over your unused account balance when you purchase refill minutes before your balance expires. Other great features include no long distance or roaming fees across AT&T's national service area, the ability to track usage via text messages with an updated balance after each call, and the ability to refill your minutes 24-hours a day, 7-days a week. You can also cancel any time without penalty.
With the Pay As You Go option, you'll choose the rate plan that fits your needs and then start dialing. Your balance is lowered each time you make or receive a call or use services such as text messaging. You can then refill the minutes in your account via the Internet, using your phone (by calling 611 from your cell), or purchasing a pre-paid card in denominations up to $100.
With the Pick Your Plan option, you'll set up monthly, automatic payments with your credit/debit card or checking account. If you need to make more calls or you use up your balance during the month, just add minutes to your account at any time--you'll pay the same per-minute rate as your plan. You can buy more minutes in increments of $15 and $25 using your credit/debit card or checking account.
Phone Features
Compact and stylish, the 2610 features a candybar design sporting a bright 128 x 128 pixel display capable of displaying over 65,000 colors. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a center toggle on the control pad. A standard hands-free headphone jack is provided, as are volume control keys, and there's even a "Go-To" button that can be assigned for quick access to favorite applications. Lastly, the included speakerphone allows you to talk handsfree, and because the phone sports an internal antenna, there's nothing to snag or break off.
The 2610's built-in address book can store up to 300 contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers. This phone supports 24-chord polyphonic ringtones as well as real-music MP3 ringtones. There's also a vibrating alert for when you want to be discreet.
If you need text messaging capabilities, the 2610 has you covered as support is built-in for sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages. Instant messaging is also supported too, and comes preloaded with AOL, Yahoo!, MSN and ICQ IM clients (additional fees may apply). When it's time to connect to the Web, you can do so quickly over the supported GPRS data protocol. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built-into the unit--a plus for text messaging users.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the 2610 including a calendar, a calculator, and an alarm clock. The 2610 lets you carry these tools wherever you go so you can create appointments and view your schedule at a moment's notice. The 2610 also allows you to dress up the phone with different custom graphics and wallpapers--a great way to add subtle flavor to an otherwise boring day.
Vital Statistics
The Nokia 2610 weighs 3.21 ounces and measures 4.09 x 1.69 x 0.71 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.0 hours of digital talk time, and up to 12 days of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS 850/1900 frequency.