Buying a Droid 1 - Some Questions

[Toyosauras]

Hopefully the way in which I ask this hasn't been done before, so, a few questions. A little back-story:
I plan on buying a Droid pre-owned then rooting it; I tend not to buy anything anymore that cannot be hacked. Anyways, I'd like to buy a Droid because I'm going to have to pay for a phone anyways, so I might as well get something decent. Thing is, I'd rather not lock myself into paying an arm and a leg for the next 2 years, so:

1) Can I replace normal calling with Skype without 3g (using only wifi)?
2) Is there any replacement for 3g (I'm assuming 3g is impossible without paying for a data package or something expensive) that would allow non-wifi calls or texts while on the move?

In summarization, could my Droid function normally via wifi if I bought it used and did not pay Verizon's fees? And, is there a cheap/free replacement that would allow on the move calls/texts? If not, I understand. I just can't afford the $40 fee + the $30 data package every month, but would be willing to use my phone only at wifi spots.

 

[jimmyco2008]

You need a calling plan and an unlimited data plan. Which I believe is at least 70$ a month. Texting, there's apps in the market for texting via WiFi and or 3G. Of course you'll have to pay that contract or not.

Sprint let's you have a data only plan btw...

Sent from my Incredible using DroidForums App

 

[rustydogg]

Hopefully the way in which I ask this hasn't been done before, so, a few questions. A little back-story:
I plan on buying a Droid pre-owned then rooting it; I tend not to buy anything anymore that cannot be hacked. Anyways, I'd like to buy a Droid because I'm going to have to pay for a phone anyways, so I might as well get something decent. Thing is, I'd rather not lock myself into paying an arm and a leg for the next 2 years, so:

1) Can I replace normal calling with Skype without 3g (using only wifi)?
2) Is there any replacement for 3g (I'm assuming 3g is impossible without paying for a data package or something expensive) that would allow non-wifi calls or texts while on the move?

In summarization, could my Droid function normally via wifi if I bought it used and did not pay Verizon's fees? And, is there a cheap/free replacement that would allow on the move calls/texts? If not, I understand. I just can't afford the $40 fee + the $30 data package every month, but would be willing to use my phone only at wifi spots.

AFAIK there are two Skype apps for the Droid. There is the Mobile one which uses your minutes from your phone and the regular Skype app. With the regular Skype app you can make calls over WIFI but not over 3G.
Also there are other apps like Fring which can use 3G.
There is also ways to use google voice for free calling on the Droid but its a bit complex in the set up and use I think.

Not sure what your budget is like for your phone plan but have you looked into Page Plus?
They use the Verizon network but its prepaid. I use the $29.95 a month plan for 1200 anytime minutes, 2000 texts, 100mb Data on the my Droid 2.
They also have an $80 dollar plan for 2000 minutes that you can use within a year.
As long as the ESN is clean you can activate the Droid on the Page Plus network. No need to pay an arm and a leg for the next two years.

 

[CursedArmand]

1) Can I replace normal calling with Skype without 3g (using only wifi)?
2) Is there any replacement for 3g (I'm assuming 3g is impossible without paying for a data package or something expensive) that would allow non-wifi calls or texts while on the move?

I got this: If you buy a smart phone, it will work perfectly fine with just wifi, but you will not be able to do anything Verizon related like telephone calls, texts, 3G data, etc. that requires an actual phone number.

You can guy it, turn on the wifi AND the GPS still works. Skype calling works, skype texts/chat, email, google maps, everything still works just like an iPod Touch would. It's just as soon as you are out of wifi range all the data stops (except the GPS, it just needs data/wifi to render the maps for visual navigation)

I owned 2 Droid Eris's at one point intending to sell 1, and they both worked in my home over wifi. When I got an email they both gave notifications, but obviously only one will ring if I received a phone call at my cell number.

Now, i bet there is a way to get maps for navigation on the phone like a Garmin or retail GPS units, but I haven't put much thought into it.

Also look into cheap alternative cell plans like Cricket, etc. Cricket is mostly West Coast, i believe, and runs a CDMA network like VZ. A lot of cells on ebay are getting "Flashed to Cricket" because of bad ESN's, so you might be in luck there. Again, haven't put much thought into it.

 

[Nickchapa]

Getting a droid 1 now..... Can you say behind in times... Save your Lack of cash and get a crappy not smartphone.

Sent from my DROIDX using DroidForums App

 

[Jeyho]

I have only had my phone for 3 days and I noticed yesterday when my husband called me that his phone number came up unknown. His number is saved in my phone, his is not the only one that does this either.

 

[Toyosauras]

Getting a droid 1 now..... Can you say behind in times... Save your Lack of cash and get a crappy not smartphone.

Sent from my DROIDX using DroidForums App

It's one of the cheapest models plus it's overclockable which should make it almost comparable to one of the more expensive models. Also, I believe there are better rooting mods for it as opposed to newer Droids, correct? The only big difference is that the specs are slightly different for each Droid anyway.

Also look into cheap alternative cell plans like Cricket, etc. Cricket is mostly West Coast, i believe, and runs a CDMA network like VZ. A lot of cells on ebay are getting "Flashed to Cricket" because of bad ESN's, so you might be in luck there. Again, haven't put much thought into it.

Thanks for your input, very helpful, but sadly, Cricket isn't available in my area (east coast).

Not sure what your budget is like for your phone plan but have you looked into Page Plus?
They use the Verizon network but its prepaid. I use the $29.95 a month plan for 1200 anytime minutes, 2000 texts, 100mb Data on the my Droid 2.
They also have an $80 dollar plan for 2000 minutes that you can use within a year.
As long as the ESN is clean you can activate the Droid on the Page Plus network. No need to pay an arm and a leg for the next two years.

If using that, could I buy a Droid used then use that as my plan? And, will the $30 a month be the only fee? Another question (probably obvious, but I'd like to make sure): Wifi does not affect my data limit, correct? And lastly, will 3g be available using PagePlus?

 

[rustydogg]

Not sure what your budget is like for your phone plan but have you looked into Page Plus?
They use the Verizon network but its prepaid. I use the $29.95 a month plan for 1200 anytime minutes, 2000 texts, 100mb Data on the my Droid 2.
They also have an $80 dollar plan for 2000 minutes that you can use within a year.
As long as the ESN is clean you can activate the Droid on the Page Plus network. No need to pay an arm and a leg for the next two years.

If using that, could I buy a Droid used then use that as my plan? And, will the $30 a month be the only fee? Another question (probably obvious, but I'd like to make sure): Wifi does not affect my data limit, correct? And lastly, will 3g be available using PagePlus?

That's correct you can use a Droid and use the $30 plan as your plan. Its prepaid so no extra fees.
The drawback is that if you run out of minutes and you find yourself in a bind you will not be able to make calls unless you have/add extra cash in your account.
WIFI does not affect your data limit. I use it often to make international calls, watch videos online, browse the net and other data intensive tasks.

AFAIK 3G is available with page plus well at least according to my phone. There is a thread over at SL about this plan.

$29.95 1200 anytime minutes / 2000 texts / 100mb Data on Verizon Wireless Network! (Page Plus) NO CONTRACT! - Slickdeals.net

 

[Toyosauras]

That's correct you can use a Droid and use the $30 plan as your plan. Its prepaid so no extra fees.
The drawback is that if you run out of minutes and you find yourself in a bind you will not be able to make calls unless you have/add extra cash in your account.
WIFI does not affect your data limit. I use it often to make international calls, watch videos online, browse the net and other data intensive tasks.

AFAIK 3G is available with page plus well at least according to my phone. There is a thread over at SL about this plan.

$29.95 1200 anytime minutes / 2000 texts / 100mb Data on Verizon Wireless Network! (Page Plus) NO CONTRACT! - Slickdeals.net

Thanks. The only real drawback for me is that it doesn't give free calls to Verizon and vice-versa. Sadly, everyone I know has Verizon, and would hate me if I called them. I'd have a kool phone for an amazing deal, but no more friends to show it to.

 

[Droid DOES!!]

They use a few towers but that's not the same as actually being Verizon (hence no mobile to mobile).

That's correct you can use a Droid and use the $30 plan as your plan. Its prepaid so no extra fees.
The drawback is that if you run out of minutes and you find yourself in a bind you will not be able to make calls unless you have/add extra cash in your account.
WIFI does not affect your data limit. I use it often to make international calls, watch videos online, browse the net and other data intensive tasks.

AFAIK 3G is available with page plus well at least according to my phone. There is a thread over at SL about this plan.

$29.95 1200 anytime minutes / 2000 texts / 100mb Data on Verizon Wireless Network! (Page Plus) NO CONTRACT! - Slickdeals.net

Thanks. The only real drawback for me is that it doesn't give free calls to Verizon and vice-versa. Sadly, everyone I know has Verizon, and would hate me if I called them. I'd have a kool phone for an amazing deal, but no more friends to show it to.

DroidForums Junkie!!