PCS vs GSM

What is the difference between the two ? I used to be on T-mobile but switched to Sprint (got married and joined hubby's family plan)

I have a V300 with T-Mobile, can I unlock and use it with Sprint or is the sim card vs no sim card going to be an issue ?

2 different technologys... sorta like AM and FM radios... do the same thing but a different way

no sim card is not an issue

So I can use my V300 on Sprint if I unlock it ?
Sprint Customer support said I can't...liars ?

no...you cannot use the t-mo phone on sprint. sim card phones can only work on GSM networks, the big ones being CINGULAR and T-MOBILE.

if you're a new line on sprint, they offer free/discounted phones for new activations. I'm sure you're aware, but i'd check what they have to offer.

Do you know if the reverse is true? Can I use a sprint phone on the T-Mobile network? Even if the phone was unlocked?

no....gsm phones have to be with GSM providers. CDMA phones have to be with CDMA providers

Forgive me if this is out of place-- I've spent the past few nights reading through posts trying to research my own next phone purchase, and so far, this thread seems to be the most helpful to what I need to know.

I know _nothing_ about cell phones, computers, etc. What I _do_ know is that I want a cell phone with a decent camera. My research has suggested that I should have moved to Korea.

Alltel is my only option for a provider; no one else gets reception at my house. Believe me; I've tried everyone that offers something in this area through various friends' phones.

The data coding, the broadcast info, all that-- it's not a language I've ever heard.

From what I _think_ I have learned, I believe I want to try to get the Sony Ericsson t650i. Well, let me rephrase that: I _want_ the 10 MP samsung, but I don't live in Korea. From what I've learned reading here the past few nights, the t650i _appears_ to be compatible with Alltel.

Yes; I know it's not out yet. That's fine; I'll wait.

It _seems_ like it is compatible function-wise with the info posted here about Alltel.

How can I be sure?
I've yet to find a manufacturer that includes a really useful tidbit of info to Joe Average consumer:
Compatible with "X" providers. Oh, but that would be helpful.

I have also seen discussions here that indicate no matter what I want for a phone, even if it's compatible, unless the carrier already offers that phone, then I won't be able to use it anyway.

Can someone explain to me in layman's terms what I need to know or look for before shelling out for a phone from a manufacturer or other source outside my provider? Even the kids at my local provider's storefront have no idea.

I know I want a phone, and I know I am pretty much stuck with Alltel. I just don't want the horrible little 1.3 MP poor-to-no flash, low-resolution cameras that they offer.

I'm old and confused and begging help from any kind soul.

alltel is a CDMA carrier. ergo you need a CDMA phone

all their phones are listed here.

http://www.alltel.com/phones/index.html

Thank you.

If I were to get a CDMA phone from a manufacturer with the features I wanted, does that guarantee compatibility with Alltel, or am I stuck using one of the phones from that list?

PCS vs GSM

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