Moto Razr questions: T-Mobile or Cingular?

[Demon Hunter]

I'm about to drop $200 on the Razr and I was wondering:

I can't find many differences between T-Mobile and Cingular. They both have good coverage in my area (Minneapolis), although I couldn't find a Cingular plan for less than $39/mo. This is a problem, because T-Mobile offers me a $19 or $29 plan which better fits my needs (I am a light user, perhaps I just answered my own question). Also, the T-Mobile contract is 1-year, and Cingular is 2-years.


What do you guys think of Cingular and T-Mobile, since they both offer this phone for the same price now?

Is it true that neither of them restrict Bluetooth, in any respect? I am leaving Verizon for this (and other reasons).

Is the Razr 100% compatible with Tiger now? If not, what doesn't work (iCal, Address Book)?

EDIT: Apple claims it works with everything except To-Do lists and Address Book pictures.


Until the first Apple cellphone descends from above (probably accompanied by Jesus... or better yet, Jesus using an iPhone as he descends from heaven... "sup Father. Can you hear me now? Visibility is good, I'm on schedule." :D), the crappy iTunes mobile can bite me.

Thanks. :)

[XNine]

T-Mobile. Cingular sucks. Their customer service (as well as phone) is horrible, and msot of their phones are cheap, stripped down versions of other carriers.

No phone company is great, but Tmobile is better than Cingular.

[nels0360]

I have a RAZR on T-Mobile in the Cities. I love it ... great reception.

I would go with T-Mobile...nothing but good experiences especially around here.

[ckeck]

T-Mobile. Cingular sucks. Their customer service (as well as phone) is horrible, and msot of their phones are cheap, stripped down versions of other carriers.

No phone company is great, but Tmobile is better than Cingular.

None of your points are valid. Cingular's GSM network is not only bigger, but better and more tested. Cingular & AT&T both built out their GSM network before T-Mobile.

None of the phones are cheap either, and now with Cingular being the largest provider in the US they get to pick and choose from the best. It is other companies like T-Mobile who get stripped down versions of Cingulars phones, not the other way around.

The T-Mobile network isn't bad - its a good quality GSM network, the problem is its SIZE. They don't have much coverage outside of large cities...its that simple.

Rate plans are probably what it comes down to for you. $39.99 w/ Cingular isn't bad for what you get, but if you use less than 100 minutes a month you could get by cheaper...

What is your usage like?

[Demon Hunter]

Appreciate the responses.

I have a RAZR on T-Mobile in the Cities. I love it ... great reception.

I would go with T-Mobile...nothing but good experiences especially around here.

Cool...

Rate plans are probably what it comes down to for you. $39.99 w/ Cingular isn't bad for what you get, but if you use less than 100 minutes a month you could get by cheaper...

What is your usage like?

Yeah I do like Cingular's network size, if I ever go out of the midwest. I'm a student so most of my calls are quick and from the city, ex. "pick me up the station", calls to profs, friends, occassionally longer calls with friends but I figure I can save those for weekends.

What's with the blue "m" dot on the Razr? It's silver on some photos and blue on others. I'm nitpicky. :p

[SLCentral]

Well, first off, don't drop $200 on the Razr when you can get it for FREE. I believe buy.com, amazon.com, and tigerdirect.com give it to you for free after rebates.

I've had both T-Mobile and Cingular, and right now I'm using Cingular with my Razr. I found them to be very comparable, but customer service wise, I give T-Mobile the edge. The edge goes to Cingular for signal, as it is significantly (but not a deal-breaker) better for reception.

[mkrishnan]

The T-Mobile network isn't bad - its a good quality GSM network, the problem is its SIZE. They don't have much coverage outside of large cities...its that simple.

With my T-Mobile phone, it automatically uses Cingular's network without charge when a Cingular signal is available and a T-mo one is not. (I know because my phone lets me set the banner at the top to the service provider, and so says Cingular at the top during this time).

[AmbitiousLemon]

With my T-Mobile phone, it automatically uses Cingular's network without charge when a Cingular signal is available and a T-mo one is not. (I know because my phone lets me set the banner at the top to the service provider, and so says Cingular at the top during this time).

This is what I was going to point out. With T-mobile you get free roaming on Cingular's Network. So In terms of network size T-mobile is better since the actual size is that of T-mobile plus Cingular. -- choice seems obvious to me.

[ckeck]

With my T-Mobile phone, it automatically uses Cingular's network without charge when a Cingular signal is available and a T-mo one is not. (I know because my phone lets me set the banner at the top to the service provider, and so says Cingular at the top during this time).

This is true in CERTAIN markets only. Some areas like South Texas, Cingular & T-Mobile have roaming agreements.

[mkrishnan]

This is true in CERTAIN markets only. Some areas like South Texas, Cingular & T-Mobile have roaming agreements.

Ahhh, I see. Thanks. :) I believe I have used this feature in: Florida, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois and California, too. But I guess I'm not surprised it's not true everywhere....

[Demon Hunter]

Well, first off, don't drop $200 on the Razr when you can get it for FREE. I believe buy.com, amazon.com, and tigerdirect.com give it to you for free after rebates.


Thanks for pointing that out, but here's the thing about Amazon's "deal": you have to buy a service plan of $39 or more (says something about cancellation fees) for a year, so total ownership costs $468 or $150 up front. Compared with a total ownership of $428 or $200 up front with T-Mobile's $19/mo for 1-year. So, not that much savings unless you need the minutes. What's worse, you have to wait something around 4-5 months for the rebate check. I'm sure there is an endless number of these crazy deals.

[besler3035]

Might be the only one who says this, but I've had HORRIBLE support and service from T-Mobile. Got rid of em a little while ago, and now with Alltel. But I do know people who have Cingular phones and they love them :)

[DavidCL23]

I recommend getting a Moto E815 (it's a decent phone, as good as a razor feature-wise, just not as flashy looking) and go with verizon based on their excellent service. I just went over my minutes and had an overage fee of about $85, instead of being nasty - as tmobile did when I had the same situation as I was switching jobs, except with $340 in overages which they made me pay, so I promptly cancelled my account and ate up their insane cancellation fee too! Great way to treat someone out of a job! - verizon let me backdate my upgrading to a higher plan of just +$20/month and all is good :)

[puckhead193]

I recommend getting a Moto E815 (it's a decent phone, as good as a razor feature-wise, just not as flashy looking) and go with verizon based on their excellent service.
how do you like the Moto E815 i was thinking of getting it but heard rumors of the razr coming to verizon.... I like the looks of the razr but it seems too thin to handle, i never used or touched one... :rolleyes:
How do you like the E815 is it too big. when i felt it in the store it did seem big compaired to the LG 6100. I'm at a lost of what to do... My LG6000 hindge broke, it still works but i want a new phone... lol should i wait until the thing dies or just get the E815

[Demon Hunter]

I recommend getting a Moto E815 (it's a decent phone, as good as a razor feature-wise, just not as flashy looking) and go with verizon based on their excellent service. I just went over my minutes and had an overage fee of about $85, instead of being nasty - as tmobile did when I had the same situation as I was switching jobs, except with $340 in overages which they made me pay, so I promptly cancelled my account and ate up their insane cancellation fee too! Great way to treat someone out of a job! - verizon let me backdate my upgrading to a higher plan of just +$20/month and all is good :)

I haven't dealt much with Verizon's service... my whole family's been on their plan for a while. I just can't stand the fact that they restrict Bluetooth. If I didn't need a phone so badly (picture this: 4x the size of the Razr, vintage PDA "smartphone") I might wait and see what ensues from the class-action suit. I'm just generally tired of their "GET IT NOW" scam... and I'm in love with this Razr phone. But thanks for the info!

[Demon Hunter]

how do you like the Moto E815 i was thinking of getting it but heard rumors of the razr coming to verizon.... I like the looks of the razr but it seems too thin to handle, i never used or touched one...

According to this (http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/cellphones/motorola-cdma-razr-thicker-no-bluetooth-103499.php), the rumored CDMA version has no Bluetooth and is a hair thicker (1mm). The pluses are very intriguing though, if accurate... 128MB of internal memory instead of 5MB, and a 1.3 megapixel camera instead of VGA (which I know nothing about). Hey, I might just take that. Anyone have more details?

[wako]

My black razr phone that I got imported from europe when they were first introduced and werent in the states, works perfectly fine on my PowerBook.

I HIGHLY advise getting Tmobile. Although their coverage area is smaller than Cingular, I definately perfer their customer service and customer retention policy.

Their customer service is actually VERY helpful. I have called COUNTLESS times and everytime I get a very respectful representative that address my needs quick and easily within 2-5 minutes of being on hold. Their customer retention plan is also SUPERB. Basically after your year contract is up, phone them up and tell them you are thinking of switching. They will do everything possible to keep you, from giving you way more minutes, free messaging, even a new phone.

I personally have a family plan with Tmobile. After our contract was up we called them and said we were thinking of switching to Cingular. They sent 3 new phones that we chose, gave us 500 more minutes, and free messaging. Only to sign another contract with them to stay for another year.

[Demon Hunter]

They sent 3 new phones that we chose, gave us 500 more minutes, and free messaging. Only to sign another contract with them to stay for another year.

Wow! :eek: Hey dad... tell Verizon we're gonna switch...

[chucknorris]

Might be the only one who says this, but I've had HORRIBLE support and service from T-Mobile. Got rid of em a little while ago, and now with Alltel. But I do know people who have Cingular phones and they love them :)

I used to work for T-Mobile, so I take this a bit personally.

It's completely possible to receive terrible service from any company (after all, you often get what you pay for with low-wage call center help), but it is much, much less likely at T-Mobile.

The culture there is extraordinarily customer-centric, they make it very difficult to get hired, the quality control is murderously stringent, they refuse to outsource, and the centers are staffed much better than the competition.

In the face of all of this though, many apathetic lamebrains manage to slip through the cracks.

Personally, I hated the job. My goal is medical school, so I obviously don't like the lack of creative control inherent to most entry-level jobs.

It it is what it is however, and T-Mobile is the fastest growing U.S. carrier for a reason.

[chucknorris]

I recommend getting a Moto E815 (it's a decent phone, as good as a razor feature-wise, just not as flashy looking) and go with verizon based on their excellent service. I just went over my minutes and had an overage fee of about $85, instead of being nasty - as tmobile did when I had the same situation as I was switching jobs, except with $340 in overages which they made me pay, so I promptly cancelled my account and ate up their insane cancellation fee too! Great way to treat someone out of a job! - verizon let me backdate my upgrading to a higher plan of just +$20/month and all is good :)

I would have given you credit. If you were nice, that is. :p

T-Mobile policy even allows it. ;)

[Sutekidane]

I had my razr for a week before the WOW! factor completely wore off and I realized how impractical it was. Don't laugh, but I remember, when I was talking on it, and was doing a bunch of other stuff, and since I didn't want to hold it to my face with my shoulder (for fear of marring its delicate finish) I held it with my hand. Well, it slipped out of my hand and the bottom part landed in my mouth while I was talking, it was sooo funny lol. A friend of mine put his razr in his side pocket (not back, and he wasn't wearing tight pants at all.. baggy shorts) and he shattered the screen when he sat down. I returned my razr, and am now happier with the cheaper phone I got.

[Demon Hunter]

I returned my razr, and am now happier with the cheaper phone I got.

I guess it goes with the territory... same thing with my PowerBook. It's so damn nice that you don't want to slam the lid shut, throw it in any old bag, or eat/drink near it.

[chucknorris]

I guess it goes with the territory... same thing with my PowerBook. It's so damn nice that you don't want to slam the lid shut, throw it in any old bag, or eat/drink near it.

It pains me that you would make such a comparison.

Buy a Razr today, and you'll need a new phone (due to defect or obsolescence) in a year's time. Buy a PowerBook, "outdated" as it is, and you'll be happy for several years to come.

The Razr, and damn near every hip new cell phone, is a gimmicky piece of overpriced garbage (IMO!).

Get a true free phone, one through the carrier itself, and be glad you did.

[ckeck]

I used to work for T-Mobile, so I take this a bit personally.

It's completely possible to receive terrible service from any company (after all, you often get what you pay for with low-wage call center help), but it is much, much less likely at T-Mobile.

The culture there is extraordinarily customer-centric, they make it very difficult to get hired, the quality control is murderously stringent, they refuse to outsource, and the centers are staffed much better than the competition.

In the face of all of this though, many apathetic lamebrains manage to slip through the cracks.

Personally, I hated the job. My goal is medical school, so I obviously don't like the lack of creative control inherent to most entry-level jobs.

It it is what it is however, and T-Mobile is the fastest growing U.S. carrier for a reason.

I agree with some of your other points, but T-Mobile is not the fastest growing US carrier. In fact, their gross adds are slipping and they are kind of desperate. Giving away tons of extra minutes, etc is exactly how AT&T went under...that and the whole LNP mess back in Nov '03.

From my internal information, Cingular will most likely aquire T-Mobile in the near future, is the govt will allow it. Time will tell...

[wako]

Even though Tmobile might not being the best growing cell service, it sure is the top ranked customer service and customer satisfaction :)

[wiseguy27]

I don't know anyone using Cingular, but when I tried AT&T last year the service and coverage (across the country) were pretty good. What I like about Cingular is "rollover" - everybody else screws the customer with fixed minutes that either lapse on non-usage or with huge charges for overages.

As for T-Mobile, I know someone who has a T-Mobile connection and I hate it because it's "out of range" most of the time - all the while the phone is within the same town (no, that person does not travel far often). So I would rate T-Mobile low in coverage and signal strength even in towns where they do provide service.

But in this age of lousy customer service across all corporations/services, I would prefer T-Mobile just because so many people vouch for their good service. I personally would be happier to move outside the apartment or office to get a signal compared to putting up with lousy customer service that spoils entire days (or weeks). As infrastructure improves, signal issues might get resolved, but customer "care" is something most companies don't seem to even bother to understand.

Choose on customer service and you'll be happier for longer. :)

[bodeh6]

I have Cingular and Love them. If I were you, I would get Cingular. In Metro Detroit, MI where I live they are very good. They are going to build 30 new sites in Minnesota this year so your reception will only improve.

http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/micro_stories.pl?ACCT=918358&TICK=CINGUL2&STORY=/www/story/08-23-2005/0004093170&EDATE=Aug+23,+2005

Cingular will be very good in about a year when they have completed the tower integration with ATT and have just one big nationwide network.

[chucknorris]

I agree with some of your other points, but T-Mobile is not the fastest growing US carrier. In fact, their gross adds are slipping and they are kind of desperate. Giving away tons of extra minutes, etc is exactly how AT&T went under...that and the whole LNP mess back in Nov '03.

From my internal information, Cingular will most likely aquire T-Mobile in the near future, is the govt will allow it. Time will tell...

Ehh...I guess I'm just behind the curve. Thanks for the correction, ckeck.

BTW: When I worked there we were told such speculation was ridiculous, but we've all heard that before. (What? Why would Time Warner want to merge with AOL?) ;)

[furryrabidbunny]

Cingular SUCKS. I was with them for two days. Returned and cancelled to go to my new carrier. Their return policy was clear. If you return in three days, no termination fee and full refund, only a prorate for the days you used. Well, I went through hell to get a termination fee taken off. I was finally billed correctly yesterday, and i cancelled in the beginning of July (the seventh to be exact). I actually filled a complant with the better business bureau of arizona if you want to research.

[PaRaGoNViCtiM]

Overall, I think Cingular is pretty much the best Wireless Phone company. The only thing that sux about Cingular is their customer service.

[KittenKrusher]

I have Cingular with my Razr and I am very pleased so far. I took my Razr to work with me (I work in a bar) and it got soaked with all kinds of liquids and grease. Lets say the phone didn't work very well after that. I called Cingular and they sent me a new phone in the mail and I just sent them the old one in the same box. They even paid for shipping.

As far as the service, I get signal, so far, everywhere I go. Friend of mine has the Razr for T-Mobile and pretty much gets a signal where I do, but I notice his is weaker. If we go into a movie theater where they block phone signals, I can still get a few bars where as his just doesn't.

Only downfall I can see is that Cingular is more expensive, but you get what you pay for I guess.

My vote is cingular.

[ckeck]

Overall, I think Cingular is pretty much the best Wireless Phone company. The only thing that sux about Cingular is their customer service.

I wouldn't say the customer service sucks - but there is always room for improvement. ;)

**This goes for some, but not all...just because Cingular does not give you extra minutes or beg you to stay if you call to cancel does not mean the customer service sucks.**

[ph0rk]

T-Mobile. Cingular sucks. Their customer service (as well as phone) is horrible, and msot of their phones are cheap, stripped down versions of other carriers.

No phone company is great, but Tmobile is better than Cingular.


Unless you actually travel; Tmobile's coverage isn't -that- fabulous.

I haven't had much trouble with cingular - though I know people that have (usually with the cheapest phones available, buy a decent phone and things are fine. Buy the $.01 phone and expect dropped calls with full signal.)

I guess it goes with the territory... same thing with my PowerBook. It's so damn nice that you don't want to slam the lid shut, throw it in any old bag, or eat/drink near it.


The difference being a powerbook is a ~2-3k piece of hardware, a razr is just a damn phone - it should be able to take 2 years worth of abuse.


I tried the razr for about a week; and I just couldn't get used to it (especially the phonebook software); I guess I am just a nokia guy.

[512ke]

I was looking at new cell phones yesterday... I think I'm also going with T-Mobile... Is it really worth it to get a Bluetooth gadgety phone? Will it really do anything useful? I mean, will the address book port over to the phone etc? Or is this actually more an impractical status thing for the "cool" factor? I don't mind "cool" by the way... but I'm in the same boat you are... and wondering if there is any practical value to having a Bluetooth cell phone to go along with my Bluetooth Apple laptop...

(I don't mean to turn your thread in another direction. It seemed like a question that intersected yours.)

[ckeck]

I was looking at new cell phones yesterday... I think I'm also going with T-Mobile... Is it really worth it to get a Bluetooth gadgety phone? Will it really do anything useful? I mean, will the address book port over to the phone etc? Or is this actually more an impractical status thing for the "cool" factor? I don't mind "cool" by the way... but I'm in the same boat you are... and wondering if there is any practical value to having a Bluetooth cell phone to go along with my Bluetooth Apple laptop...

(I don't mean to turn your thread in another direction. It seemed like a question that intersected yours.)

The best feature when getting a bluetooth phone are the bluetooth headsets, IMO. Once you start using one, you will never want to hold the phone up to your head again...

The other options (syncing, etc) are just extras :)

[wako]

I was looking at new cell phones yesterday... I think I'm also going with T-Mobile... Is it really worth it to get a Bluetooth gadgety phone? Will it really do anything useful? I mean, will the address book port over to the phone etc? Or is this actually more an impractical status thing for the "cool" factor? I don't mind "cool" by the way... but I'm in the same boat you are... and wondering if there is any practical value to having a Bluetooth cell phone to go along with my Bluetooth Apple laptop...

(I don't mean to turn your thread in another direction. It seemed like a question that intersected yours.)



Bluetooth is just another extra added benefit to a phone. Nothing really necessary. However it can make things easier. For example, before I got my PowerBook, if I even wanted to get any pics off my phone I would have to either plug in a USB cable or email it to myself. Both of them were a pain.

Ever since I got my PB I just make it connect I can extra load pictures much more easily, without dealing with the cables or typing an email addy (do you know how much a pain it is to type a email addy?!!!!)

[Demon Hunter]

Thanks for all the advice guys... now I'm wondering... what about the software that T-Mobile/Cingular put on the phone? Is it obnoxious/ugly? Not much choice here I suppose, unless you get an unlocked phone.

And now I'm have second thoughts... those N-series phones by Nokia look absolutely gorgeous, in interface design and styling...