Expert: DebiN - 10/6/2011

Question
QUESTION: If I buy a Net 10 LG 900 and choose to do the $15/mo for 200 minutes, will I be charged for any free apps that I download via a data cable (assuming they are apps that don't access the web)?  Is there somewhere a list of choices of those kinds of apps?  I'm not interested in game apps.  I heard that you cannot download apps free for Net 10 anymore.  Any truth to that?

ANSWER: You would need a software program that works with Net 10 and your device on your computer and Net 10 would have to allow you to tether to download onto your device. If they allow that, then there would be no additional charge for downloading these programs from your computer to your phone. If you heard that you can't download anymore, then that is very likely true.

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QUESTION: Thank you for you advice.  Could I trouble you once more?  Would you recommend moving files from my computer to my LG900 phone using a data cable or a card reader (assuming that is possible)?  Any difference in using one over the other?  I would think that taking that ity bity memory card out of the phone and moving it back and forth from reader to phone might damage it, but some people say it's easier.  They say it's hard to find the correct data cable for your phone.  Other people tell me a data cable is a data cable, what's the problem?  So, I'm perplexed. What would you recommend?  I'd be moving music files, photos, maybe some ringtones, and rather simple apps if that is possible.

ANSWER: I would recommend that you keep the memory card in your phone and if you are able to get the correct software program from Net 10 that would allow you to tether your phone, then you can just plug the phone in to download pictures, etc. Otherwise, store to the memory card and occasionally use a memory card reader to transfer from the card. I'm not so sure about moving apps, but pictures and music would be possible that way. I hope this helps.

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QUESTION: I'm a little confused on some points.  When you say, "then you can just plug the phone in to download pictures, etc."  what am I plugging the phone into? and with what?  Is that connecting the phone to computer with a data cable?

Then when you say "Otherwise, store to the memory card and occasionally use a memory card reader to transfer from the card,"  I am confused because don't I have to use the memory card reader every time if I don't have a data cable (and not just occasionally?)  That little memory card won't fit into any slot on my computer.  Maybe newer computers have slots for those tiny little memory cards?  Sorry, I'm ancient and trying to keep up with these modern inventions.

Answer
Sorry for the confusion. I'll try to clarify: Plug your cell phone into your computer using the appropriate USB cable that was designed for your phone. You have to have the appropriate software for your carrier and phone and that may or may not be available.

The memory card does not fit into your computer, but it does fit into a memory card reader that will plug into your computer. A memory card reader uses USB to plug into your computer. If your computer has a slot for an SD card (like those used in a camera), your microSD card will fit into an mini SD card (should have come with one, but you can likely buy one also) and then it will work in your computer like a camera card one. None of the computers even new ones have a slot for the micro cards but they do for the mini cards and that's why they have made it such so that the mini cards fit into the micro card containers. Hope this helps. Thanks.