any ideas re a basic phone?

[ellenrr]

I just asked a question on GD re if there is a forum on buying stuff like this to ask for advice.
Maybe other seniors also prefer the basics--

I want a phone that allows me to call people that live too far away to visit.
I don't need a phone that makes coffee.
ie, I don't need any bells and whistles.
I wanted a corded phone, bec. they are less harmful to the brain than cordless.

Last time I needed a phone it took a long time but I found an ATT model which suited me.
ok, it was cheap - I think $25.oo,
but the danged thing just gave out, I had it a little over a year.

so no more AT&T.
(The previous AT&T phone I had had lasted 20 years, but it was made in the era when things actually lasted).

I always check consumer reports for products, I will do that.
I wonder if they even rate the kind of phone I want, since no one much uses them any more.

any ideas much appreciated.

{I know I am a dinosaur, so pls don't tell me to get with it. I know what I want. }

thanks.

ellen

[TreasonousBastard]

1. Corded phones are easy to find-- corded service is not...

Around here, Verizon wants 40-50 bucks a month plus a huge setup fee for service that lets you call around town. Any "long distance", as it used to be called, service is another huge arm and a leg. The truth is that they want out of the basic phone service.

However, do you have cable? Our local cable company throws in phone service for peanuts, and it allows calling all over North America as much as you want for no additional charges. Calling overseas is relatively cheap, too.

There are other things, like Skype and Magic Jack that work well, but if your cable company gives cheap phone, that's a lot easier.

[ellenrr]

2. I have Optimum, for phone, internet and cable. Yes, inexpensive--

Phone is only $20.00/month, and I can call anywhere (US) anytime for free. Calls to Mexico were cheap too.
good customer service too.
I hate eVerizon

[TreasonousBastard]

7. I have Optimum, too, and...

I found a two-line (the second line is for Skype) corded AT&T phone at Staples that works great. A 20' handset line, and the speaker function, let me move around. I also have a couple of cordless phones for the other rooms.

I forget the prices, but the single line version was a lot cheaper.

BTW, I complain regularly about the enormity of my cable bill, but I have few complaints the service itself, Cablevision is in the process of being sold, so we'll see how long that lasts.

[ellenrr]

8. oh I"m sorry cablevision is being sold! In my experience - that usually

translates to worse service.

In recent months, two vitamin companies that I have dealt with for years - with great customer service - suddenly their customer service turned LOUSY. I discovered in each case - they had been gobbled up by a bigger company that has less concern about customers.

I agree, I also complain about the high cost - but ever since I switched from Verizon to Optimum (must be over 10 years ago) - I find Opt. customer service excellent. I never wait long to be answered and they usually do a good job whatever the problem is.

I HATED Verizon!

[TexasProgresive]

3. You might have better luck with this phone from Best Buy $35.99 with free shipping

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http://www.bestbuy.com/site/cortelco-itt-2500-v-bk-corded-desk-phone-black/3386786.p?id=1218397307823&skuId=3386786

[ellenrr]

4. I am really tempted...Someone on the other thread linked to this phone.. It

brings back memories.
I bet these last forever.
Now that I think about it, I dropped my phone a few times - that might have done it in. tinny piece of sh*t.

[ellenrr]

5. the other thing with my phone is

the number pad is on the headset, which always seemed like a stupid idea.
So when you gotta "press 1" for this, you gotta take the phone away from your ear.

I wonder if the phone you link to comes in any color you want as long as it is black.
Probably.
Now if it comes in red...

[TexasProgresive]

6. That'll cost you unless you go with Amazon.

Cheaper from Amazon $35.99 & FREE Shipping. Best Buy On Sale: $48.01 & Free Shipping


http://www.amazon.com/Cortelco-ITT-2500-V-RD-1-Handset-Landline-Telephone/dp/B0000510IW
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/cortelco-itt-2500-v-rd-corded-phone-red/3386304.p?id=1218397318707&skuId=3386304

[ellenrr]

9. beautiful! thanks for the links. My phone is now working.

I went to Walmart's on Dec 24 which is an interesting experience. Actually I got in and out faster than I usually do, but the parking lot was insane.
I bought the cheapest phone I could find ($6.!) to test my system, and when I started fooling around with the phones, answering machine and connecting wires, I found that my old phone works.
it must have been one of the wires, altho I thot I had checked them.

so now I have an extra phone, just in case.

[TexasProgresive]

10. I'm happy for you

That is often the case- no service to the instrument.

[ellenrr]

11. thanks! me too. :) nt