So, I finally dropped my old pay-as-you-go hobby phone one times too many, and now have to get a new one.  I was just wondering if there are any brands/types in particular that any of the chicagoland folks swear by.  I only need to be able to call and text on it; no internet access needed.  It also needs to be a pay-as-you go and not a monthly plan kind of service.  Suggestions?

T-Mobile works pretty well for me.  I suggest getting a compatible phone from Amazon (or elsewhere) and then just signing up for a prepaid plan.  I like a keyboard so that narrows my choices.  I have a friend who uses an old version unlocked i-phone with TMobile prepaid and it works well for him.

I have also been considereing using a Google Voice account tied to my regular cell phone.  I still trying to figure out all the pros and cons of that approach.

Good luck.

to get a virgin in the hobby.
I have used virgin for many years now. Just top up $20 every three months.

I like google voice, if you already have a smart phone this is super easy and there is no charge if you have a plan with data.

$100 /yr for AT&T go phone ($90 if you buy a refill on-line). They have a $4.99/mo for 200 texts. That leaves you 30 min/mo for phone calls.

T-mobile is also $100/yr, but they don't have the text package. Also, refills are only discounted by 5%.

Phones are dirt cheap (under $20?) at best buy, or where ever. You can also pick up a phone with a keyboard for $50 used on e-bay or craigs list.

To stay a little more anonymous, pay for your phone with cash.  It is possible for a phone service to ID your phone, which can be traced back to a credit card purchase on Amazon.  Also, it is becoming too easy for LE to get your info:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48115009/ns/us_news-the_new_york_times/#.T_qa3u0XgyM

The service-coverage is good.

You can buy a decent phone for 10-20 dollars, then it's 40 dollars for 400 minutes, 80 dollars for 900 minutes ...

I've been considering Tracfone, but answer me this...how long are the minutes you buy good for?  I hobby infrequently enough that there are some times when 2 or 3 months go by between appointments.  I'm just curious if the minutes I buy in July will still be good in December if I haven't used them all.  Either way its still a good buy for the service (from all the reviews, anyway), but if my minutes are use 'em or lose 'em, I'll only buy a small amount at a time.