Advice needed - I want a wifi smartphone without data plan

[georgelam]

First of all, I know close to nothing when it comes to cell phones, so please bear with me if my question sounds idiotic.

I have had my cheapo Samsung phone from Verizon for just over 2 years now, and I am hoping to upgrade to a wifi phone that can also work as a PDA to keep my calender and other random stuff. The thing that stops me from jumping over the fence, besides figuring out which one I like the most, is the data plan required when buying it from the major carriers. Since I will be within the university's wifi range most of the time, I really don't feel like paying the $30, or $720 plus tax for 2 years for the data plan.

This brings me to my question: do you think it is better for me to buy a low end, unlocked smartphone from places like Amazon or eBay? If yes, then which one would you recommend? I have heard people raved about the fancy Nokia phones (N96 or something like that?), but then there's the astronomical price that comes with it. Also, will I be able to stay with Verizon if I go this route? I know they have a different network than, say, AT&T and T-Mobile. Any suggestions or comments will be greatly appreciated!

PS: I will be in Hong Kong this December, and I am wondering if I will find better prices and selections there.

[goofyGAguy]

You might want to PM member NorrisCell. He is the cell phone guru.

[ajkula66]

Agreed on NorrisCell recommendation, he knows his stuff, and has helped me out tremendously when I had certain cell phone/data service dilemmae...

Any phone that you may buy in Hong Kong would be useless on Verizon Wireless network.

Good luck.

[crashnburn]

T-Mobile Dash is going super cheap on Ebay.

[RealBlackStuff]

FYI: NorrisCell does not answer PMs.
Email him under norriscell at gmail dot com

See this about new Motorola Droid: http://www.cnet.com/8301-19736_1-103852 ... ag=nl.e404

[CallDon]

T-Mobile Dash is going super cheap on Ebay.

I wanted a T-mobile Dash when it first came out. But I got a Palm Treo instead of love it. And even the T-mobile guys told me it couldn't do what i do on Sprint!!! That was the clincher right there.

[ajkula66]

CallDon wrote:

And even the T-mobile guys told me it couldn't do what i do on Sprint!!

Experience hundreds of lost calls on a daily basis?

[crashnburn]

And even the T-mobile guys told me it couldn't do what i do on Sprint!!

Crappy tin can voice and customer service. Sprint was the BOMB