Expert: DebiN - 10/26/2009

Question
Hey Debin.
I've recently decided to get a new cellphone and after doing research decided that the LG Renoir was the one for me. I understand that the only way to use this phone in the US is to buy it unlocked. I am currently on a AT&T network with a Blackberry Pearl. As I have never used an unlocked phone before, what would I have to go through in order to use the Renoir in its full capacity without issues? I mean I assume I could just plug in my SIM card and start making calls, but I want to be able to use internet, GPS, MMS, etc. If you tell me that I can use this phone on the At&t network with little or no problems, I will buy the phone tomorrow unlocked.

Answer
You need to be super careful if you are going to buy this particular device because there is a European version and a US version and the only way that this device will work on the AT&T network is if you get the US version. It needs to be the one that works on 850/1900 US GSM (and 900/1800 non-US) and also on 850/1900 HSDPA US. If it works on HSDPA 900/2100, it will NOT work on AT&T's network. I strongly urge you to reconsider buying this device or any unlocked device because it can really be a problem. It is much, much wiser to buy an AT&T phone from AT&T. You will get a 12 month warranty, the phones are guaranteed to work on AT&T's network, they are tested and certified for the network, you don't have to program WAP and MMS, your ringtones will work, etc. There are SO many phones that AT&T sells that I honestly can tell you that there are many phones that are far superior to the LG Renoir. If you want an LG phone, buy one of the LG phones that AT&T sells today. If you have a BlackBerry Pearl, why are considering moving to the Renoir? There is a huge difference between BlackBerry OS and Windows Mobile. Plus, this device was released over a year ago and there are newer and better devices out there today. If you are eligible for an upgrade, why not consider an iPhone? As an FYI, you would need to change your BlackBerry data plan to a PDA data plan with AT&T in order to not get charged per kilobyte for data. Think about it, if you will because I personally think you would be much better off with an AT&T phone that the Renoir. It's a cool phone, but there are better ones that AT&T sells today. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN