Bargain Hunt: Unlocked Cell Phones
Hot new unlocked handsets will cost you a pretty penny, but their predecessors are still alive and kicking—and cheaper than ever.
There's no shortage of sub-$100 (or even free) phones out there if you're willing to sign a one- or two-year contract with a wireless service provider. But if you're willing to shell out some extra cash for an unlocked handset, you can take your business to your choice of companies. Unlocked phones also allow you to download more applications and upgrade the handset's firmware to fix pesky bugs and add features. And with just a SIM-card swap, you can take your phone overseas and switch between AT&T and T-Mobile service in the States.
You typically have to dig deep into your pockets to get all the perks of an unlocked phone. These four stellar options, though, have seen significant price drops in recent months, making them more tempting than ever.
Was: $749
Is:
Savings: $300 (40.1 percent)
Why You Want It: Sure, there's a newer US version of the , but it still runs close $700 and has some snags not found in its cousin from across the pond. The European import snagged our Editors' Choice award with its 5-megapixel camera, lightning-fast processor, GPS mapping, Web browser, multimedia capabilities, and on, and on, and on...
Was: $399
Is:
Savings: $154 (38.6 percent)
Why You Want It: Operating on the dead-simple Palm OS, the Treo 680, while not as speedy as the newer or , has yet to be replaced in Palm's smartphone line. Available in three colors, the 680 has plenty of memory (three times its predecessor, to be exact) for your favorite mobile apps.
Was: $799
Is:
Savings: $230 (28.8 percent)
Why You Want It: Go ahead, call the LG's designer-branded phone "so last season," which, while true, also means its "gotta-have-it" appeal (and price) have come back down to Earth. What haven't changed are the phone's awesome touch screen, slick music and video playback, and luxurious feel.
Was: $449
Is:
Savings: $89 (19.8 percent)
Why You Want It: Like so many unlocked Nokias, the E65 sports a great camera, Wi-Fi connectivity, superb Web browsing, and a sharp design. All told, it's a solid midrange business Symbian smartphone with the goods to keep up with everyday communication—and a little bit of media between meetings.
Find more smartphone deals of your own in our , and check out .