Originally Posted by
Vintage Schwinn
May I suggest a "prepaid" no contract smartphone cell service, specifically MetroPCS (they are owned by T-mobile, and are on the T-mobile network).
T-Mobile $40 bucks a month, for unlimited normal phone stuff, and 10 gigs of data. It's a tough price to beat the last I checked. I would never use anything but prepaid plans because of the rates. Anything else is a rip off.
As for service providers, if given a choice, it would be Verizon for sure. They have the best network hands down on coverage, and that's coming from a mountain state living. I have traveled all over the U.S. with different providers and coverage is the best on Verizon. If I was to go into a place for emergency's, and could only rely on one network service, it would be Verizon.
But for price and descent coverage, T-mobile is the second best choice if you are cost conscious.
I think you will get a smart phone free as they always have such promotions.
I will look at their stuff. From a quick glance, I see Iphone 6s for $80. I would rather an Iphone if given a choice. You can buy an Iphone 7 for $200'ish or less, and put it on a $40 a month plan. It's better than tying yourself into a contract anywhere. Stay a generation or two behind, and you can pick up phones that were $1k 2 years ago for $200 and have great technology, with great camera's.
I will check out what they have though. Thanks.
Keeping your smartphone charged and your Laptop (or Tablet) charged will become a difficult task, as you begin to use them for lengthy periods without access to any AC outlet. You'll need to explore what can lessen that problem.
Carrying the bulk of a modern laptop on a bicycle today is a very minimal problem compared to how you'll keep those rechargeable batteries charged so that you can keep them operational. I don't have an answer for you about that.
Yes...now putting this post up and thinking about it more, you are right. It's going to be a constant issue for me. I know with a smart phone, battery bank, and dynamo hub, it won't be an issue for me long term. But sitting on small screens constantly, for extended periods of times, drives me nuts. I am more worried about having a descent size screen with me during down time when I know I will have access to be able to plug in. Maybe a campground, hostel, or even temporary place I am staying in to explore the city more. During those times, I know I will want serious screen time. I spend a lot of time in front of the screen when I am not doing much, and I don't really want to change that, just bring it with me somehow. I am not worried about it when I am on the move a lot, tired at the end of days, and want to rest anyway. It's when I am staying put for a bit or resting is when I know the small screen on a phone will drive me nuts. And seeking out something or someone else's is not the alternative.
I need to think this through more.