[MarkInTombstone]

I'm looking at getting a phone for my 16 year old son for Christmas and lives in a cell phone challenged area and seems that Boost Mobile is the way to go in his area. Unlimited everything for teen is perfect for $50 a month.

Now I'm looking @ the available phones they have and I'm just a DA when it comes to those phones. And we decided that we don't really want him to have the 8530 they offer just yet. So I'd like some feedback on the phones they offer if any of you have had one of the phone models they offer.

Thanks for your help. Happy Black Friday

No Contract Phones & Prepaid Unlimited Plans | Boost Mobile

[markhunsaker]

Might I asky why not on the 8530? Are you worried about the power of the smartphone? I am noticing that most of Boost Mobile's phones are smartphones, but I would say the most solid phone is the Curve. I have had a Rant (back in the day) and it is great for texting.

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[BergerKing]

Might I asky why not on the 8530? Are you worried about the power of the smartphone? I am noticing that most of Boost Mobile's phones are smartphones, but I would say the most solid phone is the Curve. I have had a Rant (back in the day) and it is great for texting.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

2 words: Internet Pr0n. Really, a simple texting phone would probably be sufficient.

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[MarkInTombstone]

2 words: Internet Pr0n. Really, a simple texting phone would probably be sufficient.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

Internet porn is one reason we really don't wanna go that far into the technology thing.

Anyone know if the Incognito is a good phone? It looks ok on youtube reviews. But do they develope any problems.

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[1812dave]

Internet porn is one reason we really don't wanna go that far into the technology thing.

Anyone know if the Incognito is a good phone? It looks ok on youtube reviews. But do they develope any problems.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

to play devil's advocate, show me a 16 y.o who hasn't already seen plenty of porn. good lord, 11 year olds are already "doing it", so I'm not sure that the inclusion of a browser is the big bad wolf you are making it out to be. There are all sorts of ways for a teen to access porn. is it going to kill them? nah. not even close. what will you do when he goes to college? lock him in his room with no computer?

[vaahtera]

don't get him a phone he can use for porn - it's bad enough america's number one in rate of teen pregnancy (not that your son can get pregnant but he might get ideas).

BTW: unrelated question: is there anything that's "limited" in the US ?
seems everything is unlimited. all phone subscriptions are "unlimited" - ask yourself this: do you really need unlimited ?

I really doubt the average american uses more than 300 texts / 500 minutes and 300 MB of data. - that costs me 6,72 euros , 8,33 with 24% VAT which I don't pay because I'm a tax evader - and I don't even reach the limit no matter how hard I try - I have some friends which use the 12 euro plan with double those amounts and they are 24/7 on the phone and don't reach that limit. have you ever actually had a stat report on how many texts/minutes you used out of your "unlimited" plan and thought about making it your standard plan ? I mean why get "unlimited" when you don't need it ? "Just in case?" - Just in case happens maybe ONCE, if it happens more often get a bigger subscription but not "unlimited". For "just in case" it's not worth paying 100% and using 10%. estimative figure as I can't actually calculate the percentage due to the subscription being "infinite".

now ask yourself: do you really want to pay 50$ - 100$ or like some people do 150$ monthly when your only using like... 15$ worth of that ?

Just a thought: there are little to no carriers offering unlimited plans in Europe. Exception being UK which I guess was inspired if not forced to introduce such a feature due to the higher amount of US population being present in the UK (and even that plan offers only unlimited texts).

Anyway, now it's time to flame me. Go ahead. I'm just shocked that much of the carriers (if not all) offer no plan other than unlimited ones - doesn't that bother you ? aren't you bothered by not having the freedom to make your own plan according to your needs?

[jusdis]

don't get him a phone he can use for porn - it's bad enough america's number one in rate of teen pregnancy (not that your son can get pregnant but he might get ideas).

BTW: unrelated question: is there anything that's "limited" in the US ?
seems everything is unlimited. all phone subscriptions are "unlimited" - ask yourself this: do you really need unlimited ?

I really doubt the average american uses more than 300 texts / 500 minutes and 300 MB of data. - that costs me 6,72 euros , 8,33 with 24% VAT which I don't pay because I'm a tax evader - and I don't even reach the limit no matter how hard I try - I have some friends which use the 12 euro plan with double those amounts and they are 24/7 on the phone and don't reach that limit. have you ever actually had a stat report on how many texts/minutes you used out of your "unlimited" plan and thought about making it your standard plan ? I mean why get "unlimited" when you don't need it ? "Just in case?" - Just in case happens maybe ONCE, if it happens more often get a bigger subscription but not "unlimited". For "just in case" it's not worth paying 100% and using 10%. estimative figure as I can't actually calculate the percentage due to the subscription being "infinite".

now ask yourself: do you really want to pay 50$ - 100$ or like some people do 150$ monthly when your only using like... 15$ worth of that ?

Just a thought: there are little to no carriers offering unlimited plans in Europe. Exception being UK which I guess was inspired if not forced to introduce such a feature due to the higher amount of US population being present in the UK (and even that plan offers only unlimited texts).

Anyway, now it's time to flame me. Go ahead. I'm just shocked that much of the carriers (if not all) offer no plan other than unlimited ones - doesn't that bother you ? aren't you bothered by not having the freedom to make your own plan according to your needs?

Ok well don't be a hater cause of your sucky carriers. I send Waaaay more txts than that and browse waaaay more than hose limits. You know why? Because I can. Its unlimited.

Think about it, if YOU personally had an unlimited plan would you regulate your usage as I'm sure you probably do right now?

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[crownr0yal]

Internet porn is one reason we really don't wanna go that far into the technology thing.

Anyone know if the Incognito is a good phone? It looks ok on youtube reviews. But do they develope any problems.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

I work at Target and I sell a lot of the Incognito. It was on sale for black friday also. Its a great phone. Great for texting, cool little front screen.

And I agree. At 16, it is not yet time for a BlackBerry, but porn on the BB is not a problem, save for googling some pictures, which anyone can do anywhere.

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[jusdis]

I'm looking at getting a phone for my 16 year old son for Christmas and lives in a cell phone challenged area and seems that Boost Mobile is the way to go in his area. Unlimited everything for teen is perfect for $50 a month.

Now I'm looking @ the available phones they have and I'm just a DA when it comes to those phones. And we decided that we don't really want him to have the 8530 they offer just yet. So I'd like some feedback on the phones they offer if any of you have had one of the phone models they offer.

Thanks for your help. Happy Black Friday

No Contract Phones & Prepaid Unlimited Plans | Boost Mobile

Talk to a rep at the carrier. I have a friend whose little sister has a BB. BUT on her phone she can only use the phone and txt features. No bbm no browser. No social networks. No other messengers. What I DON'T know for sure is whether it was the phone seTtings itself or the carriers plan. So talk to them and explain your reasons.

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[klintoncloud]

If you can afford it, go buy him a BB. If you're concern about what he'll be using it for- say internet porn, then I think you should just be more open to communication with your son. I mean, if he really wants to see porn he'll make a way and find a way to see it. No amount of protecting him can really protect him from these stuff but proper education and open communication. ('least that's what I keep tellin" myself regarding my son

[BergerKing]

Well, I understand the 'arguments' that, 'they'll just do it anyway'. However, after catching our 16 yo using our BlackBerrys for that very thing, and using a Sanyo Katana for it also, we password locked the devices so he couldn't. You don't give a kid keys to a candy store, keys to a gun safe, or leave booze laying around, and implicit permission to 'do it anyway'.

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[cantjustcant]

Internet porn is one reason we really don't wanna go that far into the technology thing.

Anyone know if the Incognito is a good phone? It looks ok on youtube reviews. But do they develope any problems.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

I am a boost person! I love their service btw.

Let's start with the Incognito. I drove and hour and a half to get this phone when it first came out. I absolutely LOVE the thing. Email service was sufficient enough. Couldn't see a lot of pics in emails (mainly ones with puppies doing cute things or angels that were going to bring me money if I passed message on to 10 friends within 10 minutes) It's a great phone. I have dropped mine and it was never far from my reach. the only problem I had was the front touch screen with my nails...shouldn't be a problem with a boy...plus you can dial from inside...problem solved

I have the BB curve now. I have had it a month and am still getting used to it. I do love it. the service is the same but I may have to enter a 12 step program to stop checking my FB all day long. LOL

The Incognito may be a little too girlie with its mirrored front for a boy...

check Boost's programs though...the BB service runs an extra $10 a month...however with their new program it drops $5 a month every 6 months of payment....(at least here in Ohio it does)

Good luck!

[breakmedown]

have you ever actually had a stat report on how many texts/minutes you used out of your "unlimited" plan and thought about making it your standard plan ? ?

Yes, I do. AT&T allows me to see my usage for (atleast) the last 6 months. During those I've consistently used 5,000+ texts (with my highest ever in one month being 11,000), anywhere from 30 to 75Mb of data (you could probably add about 50Mb to that if I didn't use WiFi ever), but normally under 200 minutes of talk time a month. So while the minimal talk and data packages are ok, I certainly need unlimited texting.

While there are many people who could get away with a minimum, there are way more people that will buy into an unlimited plan, and the phone companies love that because they make money. It's a business strategy and it's worked flawlessly.

On the topic at habd, however, I'd definantely say a simple flip phone would do the trick. I'm on my phone so I can't see it, but something like an old Razr would be perfect. They're sleek and durable, yet T9 is great for texting!

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[breakmedown]

Afyer looking at those phones, I'd personally pick the Rambler. But as stated, I'm a flip and Moto fan.

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[reubenn]

I am 17, so I hope I can give you an opinion that would resemble your sons'. I would first and foremost get the BlackBerry. I love messaging and having the sense of connectivity. BlackBerries would be great for anyone who shared the same feelings. as for the p0rn.... Never watched it on my phone. And who's to say your son cannot do this at a friends' house or on a PC at home or on an ipod touch if they have one. For most male teenagers it is inevitable that they would come across such material. I know I would not like it if my parent is constantly up my azz that they would alter Christmas Presents because of such a factor. But that is totally your decision, I am giving the opinion of a teenage. I would want (excluding the 8530) in order of desire: Motorola l1 > Samsung seek > Motorola Ramblr > Samsung rant. In fact I wouldn't even want the last phone at all. I hope I have given you a different point of view, good luck.

[1812dave]

I am 17, so I hope I can give you an opinion that would resemble your sons'. I would first and foremost get the BlackBerry. I love messaging and having the sense of connectivity. BlackBerries would be great for anyone who shared the same feelings. as for the p0rn.... Never watched it on my phone. And who's to say your son cannot do this at a friends' house or on a PC at home or on an ipod touch if they have one. For most male teenagers it is inevitable that they would come across such material. I know I would not like it if my parent is constantly up my azz that they would alter Christmas Presents because of such a factor. But that is totally your decision, I am giving the opinion of a teenage. I would want (excluding the 8530) in order of desire: Motorola l1 > Samsung seek > Motorola Ramblr > Samsung rant. In fact I wouldn't even want the last phone at all. I hope I have given you a different point of view, good luck.

well said! I hope the OP gets some value from your post.

[1812dave]

Well, I understand the 'arguments' that, 'they'll just do it anyway'. However, after catching our 16 yo using our BlackBerrys for that very thing, and using a Sanyo Katana for it also, we password locked the devices so he couldn't. You don't give a kid keys to a candy store, keys to a gun safe, or leave booze laying around, and implicit permission to 'do it anyway'.

Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com

bad analogy: porn isn't equal in danger to a gun. gimmie a break. any guy who feels he was seriously harmed by reading/watching porn has bigger issues than having looked at porn.

[Laura Knotek]

I would be more concerned about sexting than about p0rn. A kid could be labeled a sex offender for life if he gets caught with nude pictures of girls who are his classmates.

[1812dave]

I would be more concerned about sexting than about p0rn. A kid could be labeled a sex offender for life if he gets caught with nude pictures of girls who are his classmates.

what the **** has the world come to that would make a criminal out of a young kid for writing sexy texts to his/her girl/boyfriend? that's twisted (and yes, I know about the laws--I've looked at laws for the various states). What's next? arrest kids for uttering four letter words? every teen would be locked up. government is getting way too "nanny" for my liking.

[Laura Knotek]

what the **** has the world come to that would make a criminal out of a young kid for writing sexy texts to his/her girl/boyfriend? that's twisted (and yes, I know about the laws--I've looked at laws for the various states). What's next? arrest kids for uttering four letter words? every teen would be locked up. government is getting way too "nanny" for my liking.

No. Not written messages. MMS.

Nude pictures of minors constitutes child p0rn, even if the sender and receiver are both minors. For Your Family: Sexting -- what are the legal consequences? | abc7chicago.com

[reubenn]

Sexting is something that is very rare among my peers and cliques. And as far as I know, the only sexting I see is on tv shows. That being said, it doesn't mean sexting exists. I imagine it does but mostly with younger, more immature teenagers. Sending nude photos, was more popular when the consequences were more hidden. I remember there was an episode on Degrassi where a girl got all her nude photos sent out to the school. She got suspended among other things. Many think that just because teenagers my age have no common sense and would do such things. We do experience shame, embarrassment, and yes we do think before we do things (that varies teenager to teenager). But may I remind you that sexting can be manifested through anything. Any phone, not just smartphones, facebook, msn, email, letters, phone calls. I just hope everyone realizes teenagers aren't as stupid as they appear to be. Each parent should sense if their child has the judgement to "sext' or look at porn. Like I said, don't let these factors alter the present for your son. Because he can look at porn and send risqu� messages through many many many communication options.

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[1812dave]

No. Not written messages. MMS.

Nude pictures of minors constitutes child p0rn, even if the sender and receiver are both minors. For Your Family: Sexting -- what are the legal consequences? | abc7chicago.com

Yes, I know that--but I think those laws will have serious, unintended (I hope they are unintended!) consequences for any minor given a criminal record for such things. As far as adults are concerned, then I'm all for stiff sentences if the crime involves a minor, or is ANY type of violent crime or crimes against property, which are of course, harmful to the victims. But to arrest and try a KID for sending his friends naked images? that's nuts.

[breakmedown]

No. Not written messages. MMS.

Nude pictures of minors constitutes child p0rn, even if the sender and receiver are both minors. For Your Family: Sexting -- what are the legal consequences? | abc7chicago.com

Quite frankly, I think that "sexting" and things related to it, especially among high schoolers, should be a different class than "child pornography". There is no sexual deviance in an 18yr old guy being sexually attracted to and having carnal knowledge of a 16yr old girl. Considering we all know how prone girls are to take pictures of *everything*, there is a good chance at some point it will involve nude and or explicit material. But as far as I can tell, it's really just another means.

Child pornography laws are made and catered to defend against sexual predators, like 30 yr old boys looking at 12 yr old girls. That is sexually deviant and can be very harmful both socially and pyschologically to everyone involved. "Sexting" among HSers isn't the same. They should have a different and specific set of consequences. I would think the ideal set of consequences would be related to not only the age difference of those involved, the viralness of the material, and how many offenses. To me, pegging an 18yr old a sex offender for life because he forwarded naked pictures of his 16 yr gf to his buddies isn't right and it also dulls down the effectiveness of programs that are meant to protect people from actual sex offenders.

[Jude526]

and you are with? can put him on your family plan and you can have his phone parent controlled......at least with Verizon you can......

[MarkInTombstone]

Thanks all for your input on the subject. We decided on the Incognito and my son loves it. Been on it all day. We did contact Boost about parental controls and we left it alone. But they we able to allow us to track all his internet viewings. We aren't really the type of people that infringe on his privacy but he knows that we can check if we feel the need to. So as long as his attitude doesn't change. We wouldn't snoop. So in the mean time we will trust him. But you know. So thanks again all for your help in our decision making. Merry Christmas!