VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Tom Test · DC Joined: 23 Jan 2007 Posts: 629 Location: Chicago, IL

Since I work mostly from home (I've had my own studio since 2003), I use very few cell phone minutes - less than 100 minutes/month. So a dumb phone and a pre-pay plan of less than 10 cents/minute has always worked perfectly for me - until now. I've been using a dead-simple Samsung that makes calls and takes crappy pictures.

However, here in Chicago many of my agents have taken to sending e-mails to inform me of audition opportunities, rather than calling my cell phone (this is an issue for on-camera work more than for VO). I can see this is the wave of the future, so I won't try to fight it. So now I must get a new mobile phone that I can check e-mail with.

Look, an iPhone is overkill for me. I just don't think I would use the cool bells and whistles it has often enough, since I am not away from home more than 10 hour s a week on average. Same is probably true for a Droid. So what, should I get a Blackberry? I'll need to stick with T-Mobile or possibly Sprint, since other carriers aren't strong enough in my home (amazingly, I live a mile north of Wrigley Field, so I'm not in the boonies!).

I'm hoping that my new mobile phone can replace the business landline I've had for 20 years. I pay $50+ a month for it, and get very few calls on it (it's either e-mail or cell phone anyways most of the time!). Thanks for any advice you can give me. Tell me if you need more information from me, and forgive my ignorance about cell phones and calling/data plans.
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Tom Test
"The Voice You Trust"
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2010 9:01 pm Post subject:

Get a BlackBerry or anything else that lets you get email and you will be hooked. I don't care if you never leave your home. You will be able to be in the front yard watering - or on a bike ride to the market - and never miss a thing! Keep up with all the exiting action on Facebook - can never get too much of what someone is eating or drinking or watching or listening to! (I jest!!!) But not about the email part - that has saved my sanity now that I spend a lot of my time seven blocks from my studio over at my mom's house.
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paddyo · CM Joined: 12 Jul 2006 Posts: 975 Location: New York City

I also recommend blackberry. I have had a few and have one now. I am soon upgrading and plan on getting the blackberry 9700. My service is t-mobile. You can go to the t-mobile sight and check out their phones. I think bb is what you are looking for.
Good luck

Paddyo
www.thepatrickoconnor.com
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Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Just bought a Droid from Verizon, not the new Incredible, but the one they are discontinuing for $99. Just as good as an iPhone or better because multiple programs can run at the same time. Great phone, very user friendly and built like a tank.

JBarrett · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 4:10 am Post subject:

jasbart · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 5:33 am Post subject:

I've used a Blackberry/AT&T for around 6 years. Much of my family still lives in and around Chicago, and the reception seems good. Just upgraded to a Blackberry 9700 and it's the best one I've ever used.

Jim
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Jim Barton
Barton Voice & Sound
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Scott Pollak

SoundsGreat-Elaine Singer · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:45 am Post subject:

I love my Blackberry 9700.
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Elaine
The Youthful Mature Voice (Emeritus)
Senectitude is not for the faint of heart.

todd ellis · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:54 am Post subject:

my phone is dumb as hell, i'll sell it cheap.
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Deirdre · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 8:08 am Post subject:

I've got a Motorola Droid which is a dream to use, but I am looking to dump it later this month in favor of keeping my pay-as-you-go little cell phone and a regular, old-fashioned hard-wired phone.
I'm already paying $50 for high speed internet at my apartment.
I refuse to pay another $30 for internet for a phone.
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IMDB

SilverSurfer3001 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 12:48 pm Post subject:

I've got a phone that's as dumb as a post. But that's okay. My general monthly usage usually clocks in at around 15 minutes.

I'm on a contract, but as soon as it expires I will be paying WalMart a visit to subscribe to their pay as you go deal, and I will still not likely use the minutes on a 60 minute card in time.

I'm right there with ya, Ms Cooper: I have a pretty smokin internet connection at home. I see no reason to pay 30-bucks a months to be able to look at the intertube while I'm driving. Cuz if I'm away from the house, it's for an appointment at which I shouldn't be looking at the cyberspaces, or am on my way back home - at which point I should keep my eyes on the ACTUAL highway.
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Jody Silvers
VOSilvers.com

Lee Gordon

Dan-O · The Gates of Troy Joined: 17 Jan 2005 Posts: 1638

Having an internet capable phone freed up my life immensely. If I had a session an hour away, needed to run an errand or take a lunch with my wife; I was no longer concerned with the "What Ifs?" If a client or agent needed to get a hold of me, they could and I could respond appropriately.

There were times when I was an hour away from my home studio and a session came up that needed to be taken care of immediately. I was able to schedule in a session time at an area studio to handle it.

In today's world of "I need it five minutes ago...in one take"; I see this as a necessary customer service.

Diane Maggipinto · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 3:20 pm Post subject:

yep. having the blackberry allows all that, above, what dan-o says ... and feeds a slight addiction to getting. information. now!

but i have sore thumbs from texting and emailing ... honestly.
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JTVG · Backstage Pass Joined: 21 Jun 2007 Posts: 433