Not exactly a computer problem, but sorta a tech issue

[Sooz]

Hi everyone!  Happy Friday!

I'm having some issues with my cell phone.  I had a Verizon LG VX 8300 flip phone whose casing cracked, so I used duct tape (yes, duct tape, chewing gum, and baling wire DO work for most things!).

Anyway, I ordered a replacement of the exact same flip phone ($63.), but the toggle switch on the side was sticky so I sent it back for an even-Steven replacement.  The next "new" flip phone I received was fine, but then I noticed the battery life was really sucky, so the Amazon related vendor sent me a brand new battery.  

Now, THAT brand new battery doesn't seem able to hold a charge, which makes me think perhaps the battery I sent back wasn't the issue, perhaps instead it was a phone-sucking-battery-charge issue.  I've sent the vendor an email about this new issue.  Today, after a full charge yesterday evening, I saw that the battery has a full charge, and today, I made one short phone call and !BAM! it's at 75%.   Then, I make a note to myself on the notepad and send a text, and it's down to 50%. Then, it goes up (magically) to 75%.   Lastly, I made two phone calls to hubs and get the warning tone that the battery is exhausted and the battery light is blinking!

I'm about ready to chuck this phone (returns honored for replacement or refund, for 90 days from date of purchase) and get something else.

First, is it likely that this phone is a battery suck?  My duct-taped phone (the very same Verizon LG VX 8300) never was a battery suck.

Second, since I really do feel I need a cell phone, and since I usually don't use any more than 200 minutes/month, does anyone have any recommendations for a basic, good, reliable phone with a good battery life that is relatively free of issues?  My own cell bill for my phone usually runs $30 - $35/month -- so with my phone & hubby's phone (also a Verizon LG VX 8300--thankfully, he can HEAR one of the ring tones for incoming calls!!!!), the total we pay is about $70/mo.  

I know this isn't specifically a tech-computer-iMac etc question, but I figure the combined minds here, as well as all of your experience as consumers, would have some input for me.   I'm not *married* to Verizon, but the Friends-and-Family stuff--free calls to others who also have Verizon--has been a plus. I realize that if I had a cell phone that included a free data plan, I'd probably get used to using it as more than just a phone!  A nice qwerty keyboard feature would be a plus, too.

Thanks in advance for any help, insight, recommendations, etc.

Smiles,
Sooz

[Paddy]

First of all, Sooz, there is definitely something wrong with either the phone or the battery - as you can see from the specs, you should be able to get a LOT more talk and text time out of it than you have!! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LG_VX8300

If you don't want a data-capable phone, then I'd definitely look for one with a proper keyboard. I had an LG Xenon GR500, which I loved...until I got my iPhone.

If you want to stick with a basic phone and want a keyboard, I'd just get one of these: http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/c...dContractTerm=2

Surely you qualify for an upgrade from Verizon by now? Of course, that means having a contract, which you may not have. Some of the smart phones offered by Verizon are actually less than the basic phones, but of course, the plans cost more.

[Sooz]

Thanks, Paddy!!!  

I do qualify for an upgrade, and I currently don't have a "locked in for 2 years" contract.  Time for me to do more research, and I think you again for the input as it's a place to start!

Smiles,
Sooz