cell phone question

My current contract with cingular isn't up until December. Problem is I would like a new phone now... if I were to buy a new unlocked one off Ebay, can I just pop in my current sim card and use it without any hassle with Cingular??

I'm not really sure how this works.

Most unlocked phones will work as such, or just get one that is supported by cingular...

I'm in the same boat, because I jumped in the pool with mine in my pocket the other day...

I'm looking at a razr, pretty sure those work fine with Cingular.

What are some quality phones?

I accidently broke my old cell phone eariler this year (while at my friend's wedding/ the skins playoff game in tampa) so I bought a new one on eBay. I got it for about $140, which was a good bit cheaper than the cingular store. I guess it's worth it from my point of view.

I'm looking at a razr, pretty sure those work fine with Cingular.

What are some quality phones?

Be careful with the razr, its sleek and looks cool, but its breaks really easily. I am happy with my Nextel phone, it might be big, but it has survived every single drop, and i get free incoming calls.

There's a phone out there that looks alot like the RAZR that isn't, and I don't remember who makes it, but it is a much nicer phone... The camera is on par with my digital camera, and the buttons are nicer than the RAZR...

Just my 2c...

shouldn't have any problems with any unlocked GSM phone...just be wary of the shadier eBay listings, as the phone could possibly be stolen.

the RAZR has it's ups and downs. i have one through Verizon, and it's decent...i've dropped it several times and it still works. i was spoiled by the ease of the menus on the LGs that it's been tough getting used to the Motorola. and not sure about the Cingular ones, but the one I have doesn't have an option for Vibrate+Ring, which is crucial in those loud bar or redskins game atmosphere.

check out howardforums.com for all your cell phone questions. or check out phonescoop.com for latest models and reviews.

The only downside to using an unlocked phone is that you will often have issues accessing the internet through the phone or sending picture messages, not sure if you do those things though. Also you should check with a local store because here in MD as long as you're in the last 6 months of your contract you can get the full discount off the RAZR, requires new 2 year contract, which is $49.99 after $50 mail in rebate.

The only downside to using an unlocked phone is that you will often have issues accessing the internet through the phone or sending picture messages, not sure if you do those things though. Also you should check with a local store because here in MD as long as you're in the last 6 months of your contract you can get the full discount off the RAZR, requires new 2 year contract, which is $49.99 after $50 mail in rebate.

Thanks for that tip, I'll check with a store before I do anything.

damn 6 months? I know with Verizon it's like 2 or 3 months beforehand you can update your phone. I can't complain about my Razr too much, I got it for free after rebates and my NewEveryTwo.