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Cell phones forum: Can I use an unlocked cell phone without a SIM card for web?

by: hidesome March 16, 2010 8:28 AM PDT

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Can I use an unlocked cell phone without a SIM card for web?

by hidesome - 3/16/10 8:28 AM

I'd like to be able to check my email on the run, and maybe look up a quick thing or two online. If I buy an unlocked cell phone with a browser and wi-fi, and just don't put a SIM card in it, could I use it for this wherever there is wi-fi access? Is this a dumb idea? Is there a cheaper way to do this? Seems like I can get an unlocked, wi-fi phone for less than $100, which is much cheaper than a netbook.

Thanks!

Katie


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Yes, but YMMV by model/make

by Pepe7 - 3/16/10 9:43 AM

In Reply to: Can I use an unlocked cell phone without a SIM card for web? by hidesome

It's a great idea, but you have to test the particular model to see if it actually works. The T-Mobile Dash (running windows mobile) is a good example which you could find online fairly easily IME.


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Thanks

by hidesome - 3/16/10 12:27 PM

In Reply to: Yes, but YMMV by model/make by Pepe7

Thanks for the advice. A follow up--I have a Tracfone. Could I take the SIM card out and put it in the T-Mobile Dash or other phone I get, and it would them make calls and use my Tracfone minutes?


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Re Tracfone. That's a no.

by R. Proffitt Moderator - 3/16/10 12:42 PM

In Reply to: Thanks by hidesome

No Tracfone cell phone I found issued by them has wifi. So that's a dead end.

And I tried the Tracfone SIM on a few other handsets. None worked with that SIM.


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