Cellphone recommendations?
 

My understanding is that ATT stopped network expansion once the deal was reached, and I have seen that in print in a couple of places. I'll try and find a link.

ATT coverage quality really depends on market. They suck donkey balls here in PHL, but friends who use ATT in other markets rave. The combined coverage promises to be spectacular.

And yeah, the t637 rocks. It's got everything that the v600 has in a candybar format. One disadvantage if you travel internationally, however, is that the t637 lacks the 900 mhz band that is widely used in Europe and south america.

International cell phone or walkie-talkies
 

I'll be in europe in September with about 9 people, does anyone have any experience renting/buying/etc.-ering a cell phone that works there (Austria/Germany)?

We were also think of going the walkie-talkie route, which, no matter how old you are, is always fun.

International cell phone or walkie-talkies
 

Do you currently have a GSM phone that supports eurpoean bands? Also, do you intend to use the phone substantially? If so, I suggest buying a pre-paid sim when you get to Eurpoe and plopping it into your current handset. It will be the cheapest way to go. Alternatively, you can activate international roaming and dialing on your current account (assuming it's GSM). This will be more costly, however.

International cell phone or walkie-talkies
 

It's been a couple of years since I've looked at this (see, generally, my posts to the kids board) but if you happen to have T-Mobile,* they have (or used to have) a relatively cheap add-on to their plan where you can use your minutes in Europe as well. It was like $5-6 a month. If you happen to be on T-Mobile, you might take a look.

*T-Mobile is a sub of Deutche Telecom, so they have prettty good EU coverage.

Cellphone recommendations?
 

I was recently looking for a new phone, and have almost settled on a v600. A point you didn't bring up is that it has bluetooth which maybe a feature one wants to look for if you have (or are considering) a car that is bluetooth equiped for handfree dialing/talking, or if one likes the idea of the wireless earpiece. Now if I can just get T-Mobile to give me one for free...

International cell phone or walkie-talkies
 

If it's like the AT&T plan, though, you pay through the (roaming) nose, about 99c/min. Good in a pinch, but not for high-volume calling. I'm told, also, with TMO specifically, that voicemail can be a bit hit or miss while over there.

TMO I believe also has a plan where they fedex you a phone for use in Europe--it costs more, but has cheaper minutes. Return upon return.

International cell phone or walkie-talkies
 

No, T-Mobile's plan was considerably better than that. I had a friend who was spending half his time in London and half in New York, and wanted to be reachable regardless. There was a monthly surcharge, but the per minute cost was the same. He had limited choices as to the phone he coud use, however, due to the differing GSM band issue.

International cell phone or walkie-talkies
 

An unlocked v600 solves that problem for you. In the US, Cingular is the only carrier that sells the v600 without a sim lock.

International cell phone or walkie-talkies
 

Jesus, man, you're like the Raymond Babbitt of cell phones.

International cell phone or walkie-talkies
 

I found this promotion:

This summer, cell phone rental firm TravelCell (www.travelcell.com) is offering a free week's rental, a $29.99 value. To get this deal, call 877/CELLPHONE and specify promo code FWFF-604. Order by August 31 for trips anytime in 2004 to get the special rate. This is the best deal you'll find right now for renting a phone to use in the UK, Europe or most of Asia.

You obviously still have to pay minute charges. It's recommended by frommers.com, which I trust.

Thanks for your help everyone.

International cell phone or walkie-talkies
 

Att sucks, definitely sucks...

Music
 

The stereo system belongs to the ex and I need a music source. I am not a huge audiophile or technophile -- all I want is a reasonably priced, versatile system (i.e., one that could be incorporated into a more sophisticated TV/"home theatre" system should I ever acquire one) with good sound.

Obviously I need a receiver, and probably a CD player should I ever want to play something on CD without having to convert it to an electronic music file, but I'd like to be able to hook my MP3 player into the receiver (I assume receivers all have this capacity now). I know I need good speakers, of course, and to start will need enough speakers for 2 rooms (the LR is right below the BR so speakers can easily be wired upstairs).

I don't know where to begin and absolutely refuse to set foot in Best Buy. So, edumacate me. What can I get for say, up to $1000, and is it possible to spend significantly less?

Music
 

I don't have specific recs on brands, but one place I've been very happy shopping on line is Crutchfield. Their prices are generally pretty competitive adn both their catalog and website, plus materials they'll send for free, are very good on educating you as to what you might want and how to set it up.

As for MP3 players, all you'll really need is a patch cord that goes from mini-jack out to audio line in. Radio shack has them for about $8, and if you're playing MP3s, you don't need any fancy quality.

Music
 

I'll let other folks address the receiver / speaker options, because they probably know more.

But instead of a CD player, consider a five disc DVD changer. It'll play CDs, DVDs, MP-3s (usually), and probably all the different DVD based high fidelity audio formats.

Every receiver is going to be able to handle your MP3 player, although you may have to get the right cord.

Music
 

Concur on the Crutchfield rec.