Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

My cell phone is not working. The problem has persisted too long for me to think it's a network problem, so I guess I need a new phone. *grumble* a) I've got stuff to deal with over the next couple of days that will be a pain to do with my landline. b) If you're trying to reach me in the next couple of days, that's going to be difficult to do by phone. c) Depending on how I solve this, y'all may need to jot down a new phone number for me -- I'll let you know if that happens. d) I guess I should troll for suggestions WRT replacing it.

I'd been using a Motorola 120E -- at least that's what the sticker under the battery says it is -- and Verizon's prepaid service. Yes, I do know that the prepaid plans cost more per minute, but with my income being as irregular -- and sparse -- as it is, not having a fixed monthly bill racking up late fees and such is an issue. I've been seeing television ads for a "ten cents per minute all the time" plan that I was planning to ask about before my phone died; anyone have cautions or reccomendations?

I like the Motorola's size and battery life; it could stand to be a little larger, but not any smaller. (Yes, smaller is easier to carry, but then it feels awkward in my hand and is difficult to pinch between shoulder and ear when I need to.) I'd gotten used to its user interface, but the Ericsson I used years ago was much better on that front. (I got used to most of the UI -- I never did get used to the predictive typing on the Motorola and simply stopped trying to use it; I found it quite useful on the Ericsson.)

I use SMS more often than I place calls; this is partly a matter of preference and partly a matter of cost. Beyond the basic features -- SMS, alarm, phonebook with a UI I can learn to tolerate, and comfortable physical dimensions -- cost will matter a lot more than features. A UI I like would be nice, but "can learn to tolerate" is as much as I'll insist on.

Annoyingly, I first noticed my phone wasn't working when I tried to call 911 after a collision on I-95. (I am unhurt and the car functions. The other driver did not stop right away, though he did call the police while I was reporting the incident to an officer at a truck inspection station.) I did not make it to rehearsal last night.