Expert: DebiN - 9/1/2009

Question
I remove my phone from the charger in the morning and sometimes carry it in my pocketbook when I have to go somewhere. Otherwise it is near me on a counter, desk, table, etc. Someone will try to call me on the cell and then call me on my home phone and tell me they can't get thru to my cell. I check it and it has turned itself off. I press the on button and it turns back on and seems fine. The phone is 2 years old. Do I have to alcohol swab something?
Second question - I was thinking of getting a new smartphone - like a Blackberry - what do you recommend ? I am middle-aged and only use the phone as a phone, and I don't even know how to do everything on this i560 phone. The camera, full keyboard, and a real GPS sound cool. I am concerned about the open face and that a button might accidentally be pressed, like if it rolls around in my pocketbook.
Thanks.

Answer
I would have to say that it is probably time to get a new phone. If the device is turning itself off consistently, there may be something wrong with it. I don't believe an alcohol swab will help. There may be something loose. If you really want to get a new phone and you are likely eligible for a lower cost one since it's been two years, then I can tell you that a SmartPhone is a very good idea. You can keep your calendar, contacts, more information that what you can do on a phone on them. You don't have to worry about them turning themselves off. You can lock the keyboard very easily and also you should probably just consider keeping it in a case. BlackBerrys should always be kept in their case (they come with one). The Curve comes with a sleeve and other BB's come with cases also or even a holster. You shouldn't keep it in your pocket without it being in a case. When you put a BlackBerry into a case (only put them into BlackBerry cases, because they have magnets that put the device to sleep and conserve the battery), you don't have to worry about them turning themselves on or off. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN