| Ablang 2005-06-10, 6:55 am |
| Cell Phones Under $60
Looking for an easy-to-use model that won't bust your budget? With
these GHI-tested, no-frills cell phones -- one from each of the major
service providers -- you won't have to fumble with tiny buttons or
squint at hard-to-read screens. (The prices listed are for phones only
and are part of a two-year service contract, unless otherwise noted.)
Samsung RL-A760 ($59.99; available through Sprint service). The large
raised buttons (the biggest in our tests)
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make dialing a snap. And this cell phone had the loudest ringer volume
in our test, so it's a cinch to hear even if it's buried at the bottom
of your tote bag. Plus, this model features a postage-stamp-sized
external display that lets users quickly check the time, date, signal
strength, battery life and caller ID. Caveat: The manual for this
phone lacks an index.
Samsung SCH-A650 ($39.99; available through Verizon Wireless service).
This flip phone has a big screen so you can clearly see phone numbers,
and our "typical consumer" tester found the menu a cinch to navigate.
The curved mouthpiece also makes the model comfortable to use, a plus
when you're on a call with a chatty friend.
Siemens CF62T (free with a one-year T-Mobile contract). Is the antenna
on your phone always breaking? The one on this model is housed in
sturdy plastic casing for extra protection. Plus, a strip along the
bottom rim of the phone lights up to indicate that you have an
incoming call. This phone also has an external display that shows
time, date, signal strength, battery life and caller ID.
LG C1300 (up to $40; available through Cingular service). Like to
travel light? You can easily stash this tiny cell phone, the smallest
model we tested, in your pocket or purse. Our favorite feature: The
exterior has a mirror, great for discreet teeth and lipstick checks.
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