...so that might not be what you're looking for.

But - there are a ton of phones that you can buy minutes for that will give you the capabilities you're looking for.

My local Vons, believe it or not, actually has a pretty big selection of reloadable-type phones. They have several that are web and email capable, and the "nicer" phones run about $50-$100. Every one of these companies have a type of "blackberry lite" type phone - full keyboard, email & web capability, just not a smartphone - and they're usually in the $50-$75 range.

I've known people who have been very happy with Virgin Mobile - they are quite cheap. ATT also has the "go-phone" that is very popular. The rates are ridiculous though for all the pay-as-you-go types.


I have MetroPCS personally because it's incredibly cheap, and everything is unlimited - including data, and they have 4G. Though for the occasional hobbyist that's probably "too much", they do have cheaper plans that do just talk & text for around $30/month, well worth it if you're a regular visitor of your local ladies. I also did not have to give an ID when I signed up - though that was about two years ago, MetroPCS is pretty.. hmm.. relaxed on those things LOL. They did want name/address/birthday, but it would be easy to put in whatever. I have never gotten something from them in the mail. The only reason they needed my info for when I called customer service.

But! You should not have to provide that info if you're getting the pay-as-you-go type from ATT, T-mobile, Boost or Virgin. All you do is buy a phone card with minutes on it & then activate the card and you're good to go.