[Novalug] OT: Unlocked Cell Phone / Provider Recommendations for France

[rogerb at bronord.com]

If you have experience with an unlocked cell phone - dual band GSM for use in,
e.g., Europe, I'd like to hear recommendations (as well as some to stay away
from). I'm after basic phone: for me, a good phone is sensitive and doesn't
drop calls, has good battery life, and is has an easy-to-read display. I don't
need bells and whistles like camera, music, etc.; not interested in a "world
phone" with international calling.

Secondarily, if you have direct knowledge of a good source for SIM cards for
France to buy over the Net, that would be good info too - from a widely used
provider with good rates. I used Vodaphone in Spain last year with excellent
service, using a borrowed phone. I'm after first-hand experience after having
done a lot of on-line research and finding, e.g., services that will sell SIM
cards here but have a really big markup.

Off-list replies are welcome unless this becomes a general interest topic.
-- 
Roger W. Broseus
  Email: RogerB at bronord.com
  Web Site: www.bronord.com

P.S. MY experience: much of the world (82%) uses "GSM" (not CDMA) technology
and phones are not locked / tied to a provider. Dual band phone operating at
900 and 1800 GHz are good to give more flexibility. By swapping-out a SIM
card, one can switch providers and countries in a snap. I used a Vodaphone SIM
card in Spain last year that my daughter bought in Barcelona. Took it along
and stepped up to a cigarette kiosk in Rota, Spain. Handed the guy 20 Euros,
he dialed-up Vodaphone on a specially equipped phone and plugged in my phone
number. Bingo, my phone rung and registered a credit. Holders of in-country
credit cards can do the same at ATMs. The only problem I had was figuring out
how to get prompts in English for voice mail - I had a Spaniard help with this
because I could not understand the prompts! Look up GSM on wikipedia for more
info.