inexpensive reliable cell phone & service ?

[just-some-guy]

my wife wants to get one. i know nothing about them. no need to, until now.

like i said, the cheapest, reliable, no BS, cell service to get.
buy phone with service ? or buy phone, then find a service ? idk. so many options, i figured i would ask those that have been through all this = you guys.
this will be basic local use only.

thanx

 

[Stereodude]

Take a look at this Prepaid Comparison Chart and this Hybrid Prepaid Comparison Chart.

Prepaid phones are typically the cheapest way to get a cell phone, but your usage pattern can make them no better, or more expensive than a traditional contract setup also.

 

[gkaste]

For the best deals check out www.fatwallet.com/c/18


Personally I have a work cell phone, which I use for most things. But when I want to escape, I use net10. For about $20 you can get a cell phone, 300minutes/60days, plus an additional 300minutes/60days.

 

[j_garcia]

I love Verizon's service, but not so much their phones. They are finally starting to get some decent new choices. When they match AT&T with variable or pay as you go web plans, I will upgrade to a HTC Incredible. You can't just buy any phone and have it work on a particular service, so you need to factor that in, not to mention that you will usually get the best deal on the phone when signing up for new service.

 

[just-some-guy]

we are going to look into this one.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Samsung-U350-Prepaid-Wireless-Phone-Verizon/12534599