[co4nd]

I ordered a Sim from H2O wireless for prepaid access, the original intent was to use it for my wife's off contract iPhone 3GS, so the kids could have a phone if they need it, however when I took the iPhone out of it's case, I noticed the expanding battery problem. So I removed the battery before any major damages. Pretty intense operation. Anyway my options now are buy a new battery for the iPhone ($14.95), or resurrect my old Blackberry Curve 8300 with a new battery ($12.95), or buy a new feature phone ($22.95). I also noticed some off contract os7 BBs that are more current, but I would really like to keep it under $30. Thoughts?

[BergerKing]

How do you plan on using the Curve? Will your prepaid plan include BIS so that you can use it as a smartphone on your network? Do you mind that it isn't 3G or doesn't have Wi-Fi? All questions well worth asking, and not knowing your usage habits, came to mind before I could recommend re-activation. Me, less than 3G would be frustrating, but the way I use a phone exceeds what all of the other members of my family uses their phones for, combined. So, give us some insight, and we'll see where it goes.

[co4nd]

Just as a phone for the kids (Voice Only) in case they need it, we axed our land line years ago, The kids are at the age where we can actually leave them home by themselves, currently they communicate with us via their iPod touches and iMessage though Wifi but I would like to have a phone as backup. Will the curve work without BIS? Do I have to unlock it?

[Brewer James]

Where did you get a Blackberry battery for $12.95?

[co4nd]

It's here at shop Crackberry. Did a search, you can get them cheaper but I'm not familiar with many of the vendors. Amazon has them at 24.95.

[Brewer James]

If it's just for kids to make calls I would definitely activate. $12.95 your kids got a functioning phone.