Nokia Lumina Phones work with Straight Talk Sim!

Straight Talk Makes it easier!

If you've wanted to have another phone besides what is offered on their website.   This is the time to invest in a phone of your choice to use with Straight Talk.  According to their website this is what they say:  "BRING AN AT&T OR T-MOBILE COMPATIBLE GSM PHONE, OR AN UNLOCKED GSM PHONE make sure it operates on our compatible frequencies".  Your probably wonder some questions.  I'm here to answer them.

What is the Compatible Frequencies?

The Frequencies range from 380 to 1800 spectrum and thus if your looking for an unlocked cell phone, you can pretty much buy a phone with that range and it should work.   So if your like me and wanting to go to Amazon [Affiliate Link] or other places that might have an unlocked phone, this is the first thing you should look for.  You will see something like this on Amazon : "GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900" which is what you are looking for.

Which phones work with the Straight Talk Sim card?

This will very from manufacturer to manufacturer but most of the time this will work with:

• Nokia Lumia 800 black 16GB (Unlocked) [Affiliate Link]


• Samsung Nexus S Unlocked Phone [Affiliate Link]


• Google Nexus One Unlocked Phone [Affiliate Link]


• Apple iPhone 4S 16Gb White Factory unlocked [Affiliate Link]

As you can see there are quite a few that you can use.   I've did some of the research but these are the ones that look promising at Amazon [Affiliate Link], although these aren't a guarantee this is at least a place to start checking out and maybe buying.   If you know of a good phone that works with Straight Talk, please leave a comment.   You will also need to buy the Sim card from Straight talk, which is 15$ dollars without shipping.   Although this could save you a lot in the long run.   You must decide if it is worth the cost or if you just want to buy a phone from Straight Talk directly and not worry about having an unlocked phone.

I've giving you the basic understanding of which phones SHOULD work but if they don't it isn't my fault.   I am just trying to help direct you in the right direction.   If you really have more questions you can leave a comment and I'll try to answer them.

Paul Sylvester

Related articles

• Four Phones/Devices that Straight Talk might release in 2012! (paulstechtalk.com)


• How To Unlock An iPhone (answers.com)


• Straight Talk SIM Card + iPhone 4S = $45 Unlimited Prepaid Plan (mymoneyblog.com)


• Straight Talk and Net10 add SIM-only option (prepaidreviews.com)

How to fight text message spam on your cell phone!

Fighting Spam is a Never Ending process!

I got a text message on my phone and it said:

Need a little extra $ today? Bills past due? We can help, visit www.24hrquickfunds.com, takes 5 minutes or less 0.9122046

After Doing some research, I found a pastbin file:

From: 7605147163
Sent: Jan 16 5:45pm
Message:
In need of some quick $? We offer up to $1200 instantly.
Its easy and takes 5 minutes, www.24hrloanvip.com

www.24hrloanvip.com,60.190.222.136

Announced By
Origin AS Announcement Description
AS4134 60.176.0.0/12 CHINANETZhejiang province network

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getholidaysfunds.com,60.190.222.136
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fastfundsatm.com,60.190.222.136
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secureholidaysfunds.com,60.190.222.136
vipholidaycash.com,205.189.71.207
vipholidaysfunds.com,60.190.222.136
fastlendtoday.com,60.190.222.136
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rushfundssafe.com,60.190.222.136

Contacting Straight Talk was a Waste of time!

I tried to call Straight Talk wireless since I am using their prepaid service.   So I was told they couldn't block it or do anything about it.  I decided enough was enough.  Since they weren't going to help me, I'd help myself.

The First step is of course finding the carrier that spammer sent the text message from.  This however will not help you since it requires you to have access to the phone in question.   So I thought I would help you find it another way.

If your looking for the spammers cell phone network, then you can do a reverse cell phone look up. I found a great little widget to find the network:

The widget searches public and premium listings. White Pages APIs are used for locating numbers. Unpublished and mobile numbers can be viewed via specialized directories while landline numbers are traced via public databases.

Now it is time to Email!

Once you know which network they are on, you can simply email the abuse department and have them investigate the text messages that are spam. Most companies have a NO Tolerance to spam with emails and thus have the same tolerance to spam as text messages. It is merely letting the right network know that it is going on. Here are a Few email address that can help you:

• AT&T and Cingular Wireless -- abuse@att.net, although I have read calling them can sometimes get you the help you need. It is however very difficult to speak to someone who can do anything about it. This way you can be sure that when you send it to the abuse department that it is being documented somewhere and somehow. You also retain a copy of the sent email for later on.


• Verizon -- Abuse@verizon.net, you may
  also email them using their website. There isn't an abuse subject like but you can always select other and then put the information down there.


• Sprint -- abuse@sprint.net, that seems to be the best approach. Although if your a sprint customer, you can simply block them from what I understand. If you have questions on that though. Please refer to sprint because they know what they can and can't do.


• T-Mobile -- forward message to 7726 (which spells “SPAM” on most phone keypads) if you have a T-mobile account with them. if not you will have to call 1-877-453-1304 and report the abuse that way. I am sure there is an email address but unsure as to where to send it.

There are probably other providers that you need to talk to but these are my top 4 that will most likely be the culprits of the sending the spam text messages. If you have any other suggestions feel free to leave a comment, I'm sure others are fascinated as to how to stop some of these types of abuses with getting spam SMS messages and not knowing how to fight for your rights.

Paul Sylvester

Related articles

• Crackdown on Spam Text Messaging (5min.com)


• VIDEO: Crackdown on spam text messaging (bbc.co.uk)


• Nokia Fined for Spam Texting in Australia (devicemag.com)


• Send SMS (text messages) via PHP script (mt-soft.com.ar)

How I buy a Prepaid Cellular Phone without worrying!

Image via Wikipedia

"Will this matter a year from now?" -- Richard Carlson

Let's face it, sometimes I often wonder if buying a cell phone will survive a couple of years.   You really don't want to have to replace every year and thus you try to find that one cell phone that will stand the test of time.

You walk into any phone store or grocery store and you will find either phones or cards to put more money on the account.   That makes me worry how effective the cell phones are going to last and the quality.

Buying prepaid cell phones can be even more hassle because of not knowing which network they are on or the capabilities of the cell phone.   If you been looking at their online store say for instants Cricket Wireless, you will see that there are many phones but yet no important information.    It's is like they left stuff out intentionally that should be there.

Looking Under the Hood!

Sometimes when I am looking for a cell phone to buy, I start my process off going to a wide range of sites like:

• Amazon


• Ebay


• Cnet


• Google Search

Let's face it, if you know the phone you are most likely wanting to buy then you will at least know the model number and thus you can use that to find the information your looking for.  Although that will provide the significant amount of the information, there will still be a few things that they will be able to tell you.    Which Network is that Phone one?

Network Usability

Most carriers have a limited amount of coverage around the US and the World and thus can be quite confusing going to their website and trying to determine if you are under their coverage area.   Why do they make it so hard?   I can't answer that but I know how I solve that problem for me.    I'll share a trick that probably no one else has thought of.   Just let your fingers do the walking.   Is this some kind of Joke?

I've found that just calling the local providers let's you know if they are reliable or not, if your really search savvy you can find out what others are saying about that carrier your local area.   This can be a great tool to judge if that phone or carrier is going to be a head ache or a really jewel.    Most times carriers will try to hide some of this so you may have to dig down deep to get to the good stuff.

What are your steps to buying a Prepaid Cell phone?

Paul Sylvester

Shop at Amazon.com!

 Related articles

• Finding out which network carrier you are using with Pre-paid Cellular Companies! (paulstechtalk.com)


• How to get the most out of Straight Talk phones (Tips and Tricks) (paulstechtalk.com)

Finding out which network carrier you are using with Pre-paid Cellular Companies!

Image by radiofabrik via Flickr

Not all Carriers are the Same!

Hey Let's face it, you thought it would be so simple to have a prepaid cell phone account. You just can't figure out why your signal or speed is just so terrible. If your like me, when you create an account with Tracfone, Straight Talk, Jitterbug, Movidas, MetroPC and Cricket Wireless.

Although you might of thought it wasn't going to be all that hard to figure out why.   It  could just be simply your wireless network that you are being leased or rented from.   Those prepaid companies don't really have any actually networks, some of them might work different in each region and you will only know by trying.

Finding out your Network

If your in a hurry, you can always go to whoismycarrier.com and have them text you your carrier information.   I however feel that might not be the best approach because of Privacy and there is no way to know what they do with the number once they have it in their database.   I prefer to find it out myself.   Here is How I find out which carrier I am on when I need to know!

Create an Account with Google Voice

 

After Setting up a Phone Number!

Tell Google Voice which number you want to forward to!

Once you Verify Cellular Phone Number.

Go into your Setup!

Just Click on the Sprocket and Settings!

Go to the Phones Tab

Edit Phone Number

Click check operator!

Once you update that, You will see which Carrier you are using!

That's It!

If you follow this tutorial, you will find out which network you are on.   You won't have to worry about spam from unwanted companies and thus.   It will however cost you minutes but if you don't mind spending a few minutes on your phone you will find out just as quickly as anyone else.   You may have to wait an hour or two before you can find out the carrier but mine was instant.   It will be different from carrier to carrier.

If you are using Straight Talk, please feel free to visit my other post and tell people what phone your using and which network you are using to better help others find out what to expect.

Paul Sylvester

Need Glassess? Try GlassesUSA!

Related articles

• How to get the most out of Straight Talk phones (Tips and Tricks) (paulstechtalk.com)


• Four Phones/Devices that Straight Talk might release in 2012! (paulstechtalk.com)


• First Impressions of the Samsung T404g (paulstechtalk.com)

 

How to find the right Tech gift your significant other (Christmas Tips)

Image by swarna rajan - ஸ்வர்ணா ராஜன via Flickr

We have all been there!

I know this type of year is always the hardest with some people and I am no exception to the rule!   Christmas is around the corner and your probably still trying to find that perfect gift.   I've been there and so has many others out there.   Unlike most others you don't quite know what He or she will want but do know they like Technology.    If I am betting man I'd have to bet that your sweating in your seat because your are so stressed over finding the perfect gift.

Before I start suggestions, I must tell you some things NOT to do.  Here are some very important points to this:

• Don't GO overboard with the gift.   (Not to expensive)


• Don't buy an item because you think it is cute.  (Guys don't want cute)


• Avoid buying accessories. (You might buy an accessory that doesn't go with the tech gift!)


• Don't buy things from sites that are NEW.  (Your just asking for problems)

These are just a few things that you shouldn't do.   Nothing is set in stone but you are going to have to figure out what you are going to and stick to it.

Get inside your Tech sweet heart!

Now this isn't trying to be literal but figuratively speaking.   It is however important to know what he or she likes and buy accordingly.   Some technology gurus like big things and others just like the useful things.   It really doesn't mean the size of the gift is the most important or the price of the gift.   It however is just that, the thought that really counts.  If you know your other half is complaining about their Cell phone, maybe it is time to think about buying a new plan or even buying an unlocked cell phone.   Have they commented about liking the Kindle Fire?  Or Maybe they like the Ipad, they may even have said they like to have an android device?  Nothing is really set in stone per say but it can be helpful if you think about what your are buying and ask your self this question "Is this something that he will truly love?"

Perfect gifts are all their cracked up to be!

Just because you know that might be the perfect gift for your doesn't always translate well to the other.   If your like me sometimes the  best approach is to let them decide what they want to buy.   So here are some great ideas:

• Give Giftcards -- They let him buy what he wants when he wants and where ever he wants.   This is something like a good way to give him permission to buy that tech toy that he always wanted but felt you would not allow because of money or some other reason.


• Prepaid Credit Cards -- This is something that is even more simpler than buying a gift card from one site or store.   This allows him to go to any store he choices and buy there.   Again this means you must accept the consequences if he buys something you don't like or want.   Sometimes men just have to be boys.

I've not forgotten about you females!

Although I am a male, I haven't forgotten about what you might like and though this is mainly a mans perspective and what men would really want that doesn't mean that you should be left hanging.   So I thought I would try to give some good technology suggest to the men to buy for women.

• Tablets are great gifts for women -- I really hate to say this but I have found my family who are all females simply want to be able to surf the web and do other stuff without the need for a laptop or desktop.  They also like it to be able to read their books while traveling or go to basketball practices.


• A GPS is good for women --  I for sure know this to be true.   My sister sometimes can't go anyplace with her GPS to tell you how to get there and for that matter my mother who isn't good with directions will use a GPS to get to where she needs to go.

If any doubts about it it then you can always refer back to prepaid credit cards for women also and let them choice the perfect gift.   This isn't going to be rocket science but it is something that everyone has to decide on when it comes to buying that perfect gift.

I hope this helps but I know it is an ever changing world and something new will pop up next year or even before Christmas that they may want.

Merry Christmas

Paul Sylvester

Related articles

• The 5 Worst Tech Gifts To Give This Christmas (gizmodo.com.au)


• Top Tips - Don't go out of control this Christmas (moneyexpert.com)


• Christmas Buying Suggestions for 2011 (socyberty.com)


• Christmas Gifts - Looking for a Christmas Present for Someone You Love (socyberty.com)


• Christmas Presents for Girlfriends (socyberty.com)


• Tips for Buying Christmas Gifts This Year (socyberty.com)


• Greatest Christmas Present to Get a Wife or Girlfriend in 2011 (socyberty.com)

Reviewing the Captr II from Cricket Wireless!

Click on Image for More information

I recently bought the Captr 2 and I must say from everything I have done with this phone,  I am really impressed.   So before I begin with my observations, I will at least tell you the specifics of the phone itself:

• Bluetooth Capable


• Camera phone


• Mobile Web


• Tri-band

The Retail Price of this phone is $59.99, even that can be a good thing.    I simply love this phone because of the durability of it and how reliable it has been for me.  I have been using a Plantronics Explorer series Bluetooth headset with this phone for quite some time and have great success with many of the features that come with this.

“What Have I tried?”  you may ask.

I will put it to you this way.   On other phones that I have used a head set on I have had very little success with voice dialing.    After you have trained you phone with your own voice could you dial a number without having to even touch the phone.   I like the fact that I could have it call any number I said and it rarely got it wrong.

The Pro’s of the Phone:

• Obviously the Voice Commands —  They have fixed common problems with voice commands and it works even better.


• Size —  I am one of those who like to have a small phone, don’t need any bulky phone to show off.


• Battery life — Having used it for over 3 weeks.   The Battery life is really good, Only having to charge it every couple days.


• Cost — It being a low cost phone, almost anyone can afford it.


• Great for College or Highschool Students —  It being limited on web browsing this is good for cost and still keeping it touch with your kids.

The Con’s:

• Screen size — If you are used to a big screen then this is something that you will have to get used it.


• Memory size — The phone memories isn’t as big as an Iphone, so you can’t have unlimited contacts or messages on the phone.

All in all, This phone is great for anyone who is on a tight budget.    I have been really pleased with it.   I definitely will recommend this phone to anyone who might need a low cost phone and still be on a budget.   I have not had it dropped calls from this phone and the signal strength has been over 2 bars anywhere I have went.   Go check out the Captr II for yourself and you will be happy with it like I am!!

Related articles

• Finding out which network carrier you are using with Pre-paid Cellular Companies! (paulstechtalk.com)


• Cricket's Muve Music anniverary one big chest-thump (ces.cnet.com)


• Plantronics Savi W745 headset - a review (ericbrown.com)


• Tips for Use a Bluetooth Headset (cf780126.typepad.com)


• Plantronics Marque M155 Bluetooth Headset Review: Designed for Smartphones (brighthand.com)

Apple reports there earnings for the quarter!

After all that happened today, Apple decides to talk about there earnings for today.  Some things to consider are:


Apple ships more than 2.6 million Macs and 6.9 Billion Iphones.   Now let's do the numbers on this 6.9 billion Iphones at an average over 500$ a piece would mean quite a earnings for Apple.  This according to Applewatch and I've got to think is this showing the real economy or is this all hype from Steve Jobs?

[ad]

According to M&G Business they are up 24 per cent this fiscal year.  Which means that they have gain ahead from the recent problems in the stock market.  Are they going to be able keep that going?

Last but final least saying of the day Gizmodo is stating : Steve is on the call, says that iPhone is now 39 percent of their business, Apple is now world's "third largest mobile phone supplier."

Now what about the Google Phone is that going to out sale the Iphone?  I would like to know the current status of how man Google phones they have estimation sold on pre-orders?  Are they going to be able to out do the Iphone or is it going to be even more of a problem when they release the final numbers on the G-phone!!

[ad]

Has the Mac ads been helping fueling the Iphone sales or have they been Hindering?  People are assuming they are helping the notebook sales and possibly helping the iphone sales?  What do you think?

Google Notebook Adds Mobile Features

Google quietly added mobile functionality to its Notebook web clipping tool recently, giving phone browsers some of the functionality of Notebook and its recent Bookmarks integration. The mobile version lets users add notes to a "Mobile Notes" notebook and browse their existing bookmarks and notes. That's about it, unfortunately—no adding of bookmarks or labels, note editing, or searching from the smaller screen. But for devotees of the Notebook—and those using it to Get Things Done—it's a nice tool to have on the go. Like most mobile Google webapps, Google Notebook requires an XHTML-compliant browser that also allows SSL traffic.

Google Notebook Mobile [via Google Operating System]

Well now this looks intersting, I'm going to check this one out this weekend when I get time but it looks quite nice!!