Sanyo Zio by Kyocera for Cricket Wireless

The Sanyo Zio by Kyocera for Cricket Wireless also known as the M6000 is the most impressive handset we have seen for Cricket to date.  Don’t get us wrong, it is by no means a “perfect” handset and by all measures it is still well behind the competition.  However, what it shows is PROMISE.  That the “little” provider that could, is in fact following through with its promises.  With a leased nation-wide 3G network and plans for a 4G network in the future things are looking bright for CricketWireless!  This handset is an amazing Android based handset that has almost every feature you could ask for from a modern day smart phone.  (READ MORE…)

Video Review:

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Summary:

Sanyo Zio for Cricket Wireless has almost everything you want from a modern day smart phone.  However, it does lack some desired functions for an Android handset and it is fairly expensive ($300 with a one month pre-payment at the time of writing this) . I’ll start off by listing the short comings…. Outdated Operating System, no flash, significantly slower processor/ram than most new smartphones, lower resolution screen.  Shortcomings aside this is by far the BEST handset that has ever stepped foot on Cricket Wireless territory.  It is a very functional handset offering amazing call quality, full web functionality, Android Market place, 3.2mp camera/camcorder and stereo bluetooth.  It works off MicroSD and can be expanded to have 32GB of memory.  Using the Android Market the app opportunities are literally limitless.  Although this phone won’t give an iPhone a run for its money, it will serve 98% of users needs very well.  My main complaint was the responsiveness of the on-screen keyboard which can be fixed with a number of apps out there or perhaps in a Froyo (Android V2.0) over the air update.

Overall this phone was a relief from the otherwise entry-level line up that Cricket offered, that is except for the always exciting and new Blackberry Curve.  It is a sign of hope that this carrier has some huge potential left in it.  That potential will come from Android & Blackberry handsets and will become evident real soon.  At $55/month for an unlimited everything nationwide smart phone plan, they are really onto something.  The nearest competitor can’t even come close to this.  (READ MORE…)

Pros:

• Best SMART Phone ever offered by Cricket Wireless
• Android Operating System
• Fast & Full Web Browsing Capabilities
• 3.2Megapixel Camera/Camcorder & Stereo Bluetooth

Cons:

• Old version of Android OS.  (it’s possible that they will issue an over the air update for this)
• On screen keyboard is horrible.  However, you can download several apps to fix this.
• Slower Processor/Ram than most new smart phones
• Expensive

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The Sanyo Zio by Kyocera also known as the M6000 is Cricket Wireless‘s first Android based handset.  Check out our video review here:

Click here to view the embedded video.

(Click here to read our full review.)

Cricket MSGM8 Cell Phone Review

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Summary: The proprietary Cricket MSGM8 cell phone is wonderfully simple mobile device.  On the outside it looks strikingly similar to a Blackberry.  With it’s full keyboard the aptly named MSGM8 makes texting and mobile e-mailing a breeze.  As a basic phone it functions reliably well with a decently loud speakerphone, bluetooth, and headset input jack.  It has some bonuses you would come to expect such as voice control functionality, 1.3megapixel camera for your MMS needs, and larger than usual LCD screen.  Some things it lacks are the ability to expand memory with a MicroSD slot.  This also means you won’t be listening to your MP3′s or watching movies/youtube on this small device.  Overall if you’re looking for a great basic phone that just plain works and e-mails/texts exceptionally well then you should choose the Cricket MSGM8. (Read Full Review…)

*** Special Offer: Buy Cricket MSGM8 Online and Save. ***

***HOT DEAL ALERT***

Unlimited provider Cricket Wireless has a HOT weekend sale going on.  They are offering the Samsung U340 Camera Phone for only $29.99.  This is 50% off the normal selling price.  Cricket is doing this to celebrate their recent announcement of expanding service nationwide. That’s right!  You can now use their unlimited talk and text cell phone services mostly anywhere in the US.  The Samsung U340 has great extras like a front-facing camera and bluetooth. (Read More…)

Offer Details: No promo code or coupon code is necessary simply click the links above and get Free Shipping & First Month of service free.

Offer Ends: April 5th, 2010

Everyone wants unlimited cell phone plans and they want them cheap!  Well here is  your chance.  Right now, you can buy a cheap cricket cell phone for only $29.99 + first month of service free + free shipping + no signed contracts.  Then you can sign up for their awesome unlimited talk & text plan for the low low price of only $25/month.  It really doesn’t get much better than that folks! (Read More…)

Phone Features:

• Front Facing LCD Screen
• Bluetooth
• 1.3Megapixel Camera
• Speaker Phone
  

This offer is available for only a limited amount of time.  No promo code or coupon is necessary to get this awesome deal.  Simply click above and save on this great unlimited cell phone plan and cheap phone.

Cricket Broadband Review

Check out our review of Cricket Wireless 3G broadband mobile internet:

Click here to view the embedded video.

We’ve now tested both of Cricket’s modems the UM185C (as seen in the above video) and the A600.  Overall, the mobile internet is perfect for supplemental internet use.  Recently we traveled from San Diego, CA to Las Vegas, NV using Cricket Wireless broadband internet quite successfully at both destinations.  The bottom line is Cricket Internet is perfect for light internet browsing, e-mailing, chatting, social networking, occasional song downloading, youtubing but do not expect to download giant files.  Cricket Internet Speed Tests show that the service is on par with entry level DSL.  These sort of speeds are to be expected for most mobile broadband providers.  If you’re looking for an alternative provider Virgin Mobile provides prepaid broadband to go. (Read Our Full Review & SpeedTest…)

Pros:

• Perfect if you are traveling anywhere Cricket has Broadband Coverage.
• Very Easy to install and use.
• Works perfect for light web browsing, checking e-mail, chatting, social networking, etc.
• Ultra Portable
• PC & Mac Compatible
• No Contracts

Cons:

• 5GB Data Transfer limit before your data connection is throttled.
• Somewhat slow connection (on par with entry-level DSL)

(Read More…)

[ad#428x60 Cricket Wireless]

External Links:

• Our Cricket Internet SpeedTest video
• Another YouTube Review
• YouTube shows you how to connect Cricket Mobile Internet to your Xb0x360 (not recommended)

Unlimited Cell Phone provider Cricket Wireless has a couple really great promotions going on right now that you might be interested in.  Check our coverage map to see if they have service in your area…

1. Samsung U340 – $29.99 + Free Shipping + First Month Free – This is a great reliable and affordable cell phone.  Check out our review in the Free Cricket Cell Phone guide.

2. Cricket TXTM8 50% off + Free Shipping + First Month Free – This one is for all you TXT-a-holics out there.  Texting and e-mailing your friends is simple with the full keyboard on this handset.

3. $25/Month for Unlimited Talk & Text – Hurry up and sign-up for this limited time offer.  Cricket wants to show you just how great their service is.  Try it for this low low price and you won’t regret it.  Click here to read more about their unlimited service plans.

Recently we’ve had some time to sit down and do a full video review of our Samsung Messager II cell phone using Cricket Wireless phone service.  This tri-band CDMA phone works great across several networks including MetroPCS.  However, this video review was conducted in Las Vegas, NV on Cricket 3G cell towers.  (Read Full Review…)

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Samsung Messager II is available today @ MyCricket or Shop MetroPCS Phones.

Please leave any questions or feedback about the handset in the comments or on YouTube.  Thank You!

Samsung Messager 2 Review

Video Review:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Summary:

Samsung Messager II for Cricket Wireless is an amazing cell phone.  It is easily one of the best handsets Cricket has to offer.  It nails the basic functions with consistently clear call quality, a full-keyboard for easy text messaging/e-mailing, and tremendous multimedia functionality.  If you are looking for a candy-bar style phone that just plain works great than this is the mobile phone for you.  It pairs excellent with Cricket’s unlimited calling / text plans with no contracts.  One of the only negatives was the fact you have to purchase MicroSD card, USB Cable, and bluetooth handset separately.  However, this is to be expected.  The other issue was a candy-bar style handset needs to be locked/unlocked to prevent in pocket dialing.  It also makes for an uncomfortable positioning in-between your shoulder/ear when going “makeshift handsfree”.  The bottom line is the Samsung Messager 2 is an excellent and affordable handset that just plain works great.  (READ MORE…)

Pros:

• Great All-Around Cell Phone.
• Expandable MicroSD Slot.
• Multimedia Functions (2.0MP Camera/Camcorder/Music&Video Player/MobileWeb/Social Networking)

Cons:

• Doesn’t come with MicroSD card or USB computer cable.
• Candybar style phone (Must lock/unlock phone or risk pocket-dialing people, difficult to neck/shoulder handsfree talk)

Complete Review:

The Samsung Messager II is one of those cell phones that just plain works great.  It really feels great in the hand, not too heavy and at the same time enough weight to make you feel comfortable.  A simple elegant slide reveals the full size keyboard hiding underneath the main handset.  The battery lasts forever, it has an expandable MicroSD slot, a quick access multimedia button and much more.  It is simple to use for the “basic” user yet it has tons of features for those willing to explore.  The phone utilizes cricket’s widget dashboard which gives you quick access to the mobile web, weather, sports, chat, news and more.  However, if you want to access the traditional menu it can be done simply by pressing the default menu button on the top left corner.

Which brings about a good point.  After purchasing this phone you will want to quickly access the settings from the default menu and disable the key button sound.  It gets soooo annoying sooo fast!  The way you learn more about this phone is just by playing around with it.  In only a few minutes time you should easily be able to be sending out picture texts to all your friends.  One great feature is when you slide out the keyboard the screen automatically flips from portrait to landscape mode.  This makes typing out lengthy e-mails or texts a breeze.  You’ll probably want to buy a 4GB MicroSD card and load it up with some MP3′s, videos, and other multimedia.  For the demo we loaded the Samsung Messager II with tons of songs.  This phone is somewhat special in the fact you can use MP3′s on the MicroSD card as your ringtone.  Therefore you don’t have to waste money purchasing ringtones!  If you don’t end up buying a MicroSD card that’s alright read our guide to downloading free cricket ringtones.  Overall, you really can’t go wrong with this handset.  The best way to put it, is it just works.  It’s affordable and functional.  This is easily one of Cricket Wireless & MetroPCS best phones.  (Read More…)

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Lowest Price Unlimited Plan with Cricket Wireless.

A lot of people ask me this question…

Q:What is the lowest priced unlimited talk & text cell phone plan?

A: Cricket Wireless currently offers the lowest priced unlimited talk & text monthly plan.  They offer unlimited talk and text for only $25/month.  However, this is a limited time offer and it could change at anytime.

The great thing about Cricket Wireless is that you could potentially save a lot of money with them.  If you purchase your mobile online they offer the first month free, free shipping, and no signed contracts.  Read our Free Cricket Wireless Cell Phone resource guide to learn how to save money on the purchase of a new cricket phone.  You don’t even need a promo code or coupon code to save this money.  Simply sign-up for a new plan online through Cricket Wireless and save. (Read More…)