u/ClockNo6254

Figured I'd ask on Reddit but this can be deleted if not allowed.

Modern flip phones are hard to find these days. I just went to Walmart and tried to buy a Cymbal outright and they said I needed to put a line on it, even though it has a "buy out" price.

I haven't hit New Sudbury yet to see if anything is available there.

Does anyone know where I might be able to pick up a newer flip phone in town, without changing providers? I'm not looking for random suggestions, as I know all of the normal places to check. Just seeing if anyone has any first hand knowledge.

Thanks

Hello,

I have 2 dumbphones that I started with recently and they have helped a lot to disconnect from the smartphone rat race. However, I have some challenges that I'm trying to overcome, mostly connection based.

TCL Fip Go

I started with the USCellular TCL Flip Go. I really like this phone because it's very basic but I can use the browser in a pinch. I also loaded music and maps on it. I also believe the TCL is compatible with VOLTE (despite not being on the whitelist) as it doesn't drop down to 3G on calls (stays with 4G LTE) and calls are in "HD".

The Problem: No matter how much I mess around with the APN settings, I cannot get it to send/receive MMSs (images or group texts) consistently. Basically, I change the settings and I can send and receive one image, then it goes back to not sending and receiving. I'm with Public mobile and I've tried changing the MMSC data and ports to the alternatives and messed with the types, split the MMS from the other APN functions, deleting and adding, rebooting... changing just about every feature. It just doesn't stick permanently and I'm not sure why.

Cat S22

The Cat S22 is a little bit more than what I want from a dumbphone. However, I seem to be having similar difficulties with the APN settings as the TCL. I'm wondering if this is because the phone is from T-Mobil.

The main problem: Being on Public mobile, this phone doesn't have VOLTE.

I'm not sure if I can get either of these to work on a long term basis for me. I don't think there is a solution to make the Cat S22 VOLTE compatible. As well, I haven't found a magic bullet to fix the APN issues I'm having with the TCL Flip Go.

If anyone has any comments on either of these, please let me know.

Alternatively, I think the best phone out there currently, that would be modern enough yet still have the dumbphone feel is the XP3plus 5G. The main complaint I've seen with this one is the buttons suck but, for me, even though I would like buttons that work, the more friction there is in using it, the better :D

However, I would have to fork out $250-$300 to buy it out ($CAD) and then I'm just getting closer to the E-Ink phones, which I might just splurge for so I can have a great e-reader as a phone. Alternatively, I can pay $5 a month to Telus + $6 a month more than I am right now, for a 2 year contract.. then it's about a wash again.

Anyhow, any input appreciated.

Hello,

Trying to make some decision on where to bank as a couple.

We have a joint account at Tangerine but there are a whole bunch of reasons we are leaving. The Scotiabank machines in our area never work, customer service sucks and our "joint" credit card only shows one of us the purchases.

We want to switch online banks to get better customer service (if that's possible) and so both of us can see all purchases on the same credit card (if that's possible). I've heard good things about WS but isn't there a recent change that gave customers pause?

I also have an RBC account, as the fee seems to be the lowest of all the banks, at $4, not including the "keep money in the account to avoid a fee" schemes. I have this account because of the horrible success rate on Scotia atms, so I e-transfer to RBC and take money out there. I haven't looked into it yet but I'm wondering if we can both be on a $4 account?

Are there any other brick and mortar banks that have low fees if you are just using them a few times a year?

Thanks for any insight!

Hello,
I bought a used phone from someone that lives about 30 minutes from Barrie but will be in town. I'm from up North and will be driving through Barrie, but not at the same time the person is there.

Just looking at options here, I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions of a way for them to leave the phone in Barrie somewhere and I can pick it up the next day? For example, if someone were to do this in Sudbury, I would say possibly a locker at Science North.

Not sure if there is anything, but thought I would check.

Thanks!

edit: seller decided to change his itinerary and will be there when I am. I figure this is an interesting post all the same, as maybe someone else, even in a different city might need to think of some ideas.