basic sim card cell phone system?

[sarpesius]

I hope this question is not too naive, but I am something of a Luddite.

Is there a simple sim card cell phone system that can be used for local and LD, even if it is a bit more expensive than signing a long-term contract?

I have a motorola GSP handset I got in Taipei in 03. I would just prefer to continue using it for all my phone needs if possible. Hopefully the systems are compatible. Unfortunately it has short battery life.

Or perhaps another gadget is available that would obviate the need for shady contracts.

[discobay]

Each mobile network has a number of prepaid sim card options. Peoples, for instance, offer something like 10 different prepaid sim cards. All you need is payment. No ID, no proof of address no blah blah blah. Peoples is popular with our foreign domestic helpers who use the cards for local and long distance calls.

[humanbeing]

I hope this question is not too naive, but I am something of a Luddite.

Is there a simple sim card cell phone system that can be used for local and LD, even if it is a bit more expensive than signing a long-term contract?

I have a motorola GSP handset I got in Taipei in 03. I would just prefer to continue using it for all my phone needs if possible. Hopefully the systems are compatible. Unfortunately it has short battery life.

Or perhaps another gadget is available that would obviate the need for shady contracts.

Which model? Aftermarket battery [NOT the FAKE one] ranges from $2x up

[sarpesius]

Which model? Aftermarket battery [NOT the FAKE one] ranges from $2x up

I don't want to replace the battery, because a new one for this model would probably last the same amount of time.

I just wanted to know if the model I have would work in HK, or if I should get a new one, and if so, which one.

My model says "talkabout" on the front, and is model "t2988."

[humanbeing]

OLD one works !!!

T2988 spec:
GSM 900/1800 Standard battery:600mAh [Aftermarket 700 mah up]

Best Value
old model [BRAND NEW IN ORIGINAL PACKING] from trading comapany: Just HK$70 [1000 mah]
/spec:http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_cd930-72.php

[sarpesius]

OLD one works !!!

T2988 spec:
GSM 900/1800 Standard battery:600mAh [Aftermarket 700 mah up]

Best Value
old model [BRAND NEW IN ORIGINAL PACKING] from trading comapany: Just HK$70 [1000 mah]
/spec:http://www.gsmarena.com/motorola_cd930-72.php

that is about $9 US. Hopefully it will be unlocked and usable in other asian countries.

It says on the spec sheet it has no "card slot." I assume this means no sim card, but it could mean no credit card slider to buy more time that way.

It has 270 minutes of talk time = 5-1/2 hours.

[seamale]

Each mobile network has a number of prepaid sim card options. Peoples, for instance, offer something like 10 different prepaid sim cards. All you need is payment. No ID, no proof of address no blah blah blah. Peoples is popular with our foreign domestic helpers who use the cards for local and long distance calls.

Just check out the People IDD Store card charged 0.25 pm to UK and PCCW 0060 IDD charge 0.38 pm (off peak) and 1.99 pm (peak). A lot cheaper using sim card for IDD. Thanks for sharing this info.

[humanbeing]

NO memory "card slot" in cd930
<used phone is very cheap in HK - I won a "Siemens A55" in Yahoo! auction for hk$12 recently as a backup GPRS modem>
-
low end mobile [below us$80] - new & w/ 1 year warranty
motorola c139 /Nokia 1600 isn't too bad [network opreator gives it FREE when you sign a 1 Yr contract ]