My kids are not yet ready for cell phones, though they ask almost every day if they can please please please ย pretty please have one.
And as often as I explain to them that no, no, no they cannot have their own cell phone (. . . or television or computer or tablet or iPad in their bedroom), I often hand them my phone to play games or find the nearest geocache or to chat with their grandparents or aunts or uncles or cousins.
The fact is that my kids donโt need a phone at their tender ages–8, 7, and 5.
(And the fact is that cell phones aren’t really just cell phones anymore, right? They’re mobile devices. So that our little worlds can mobilize and everyone on our lives can reach us at any time, any where.)
But, I–their mama–need a good mobile device.ย ย The fact is that a lot of the work I do is online, so I really wantโand need— a device that is reliable and fast and gets me to where I need to go quickly–and consistently.
And I need a phone that helps me stay organized, connected, and on top of what our family needs.
I am pretty sure I found everything I want in both a mobile device–and a carrier–and I’m thrilled to share it today because part of what I love doing here is sharing what works for us in the hopes that it helps another little familia.
Not only do I have a fab T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G to give away to one awesome and incredible (and lucky) teach mama reader, but I also want to share why I really like what this company has goin’ on.
Here’s the skinny. . .
- T-Mobile for Families (and Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G Giveaway!): I had a chance to chat with some folks from T-Mobile this past spring and summer, and quite frankly, I’m surprised at the options T-Mobile has for families.
Having never really looked into their family resources–having not really needed them–I was floored.
The Samsung Galaxy S Blaze 4G is a perfect fit for my hand. I totally heart this phone.
My husband and I are longtime T-Mobile customers (over 12 years now!), so knowing that we’ve invested our time and money into a company who has lined up a ton of resources for families makes me. . . well, just pretty darn happy.ย Because it means we can get nice and comfy here where we are and not have to worry about finding new mobile carriers when we decide to get phones for Maddy, Owen, and Cora.
Some of the ways T-Mobile helps families stay organized include a bundle of really awesome apps and services, like:
- MobileLife Family Organizer — T-Mobile has partnered with Cozi (a company I totally heart) to create resources and apps that help families stay organized.ย With this free organizer, you can not only create calendars, to-do lists, shopping lists that sync with your Microsoft Outlook calendar, but you can also create a family journal, photo collages, and more.ย It’s crazy. So easy, and everything you do on your desktop can sync with your mobile device.
And the super-insanely cool thing is that the app is available for download in four marketplaces: Google Play, Amazon Appstore for Android, Blackberry App Worldโข and the Apple App Store, anyone in the fam can use it, regardless of the type of device they are using.
- Family Allowances — Keeps costs under control by setting upfront limits on minutes, messages, and downloads.
- Price and Plans — I think they’re more than reasonable, especially for the reliability and quality of service.ย And though at this point my husband and I are on the Family Plan–plain and simple–we’ve found it makes for easy upgrades and a plan that works for us.
My happy little organized phone makes me so very happy.
And some ways T-Mobile helps families stay safe (which I think is muy importante once kids get their own cell phones. . . ):
- Lookout Security — T-Mobile has also partnered with Lookout Inc. to hook up their phones with some serious security.ย Lookout has antivirus, malware protection as well as services that help you find your phone when it’s lost, even when the phone’s ringer is off.
- FamilyWhere — A service that lets parents know where kids are by the location of their children’s phones.ย Family members ‘check-in’ when they arrive at different locations, and parents can set up notifications and alerts for when children are supposed to arrive, be picked up, you name it.
- WebGuard — Allows parents to monitor their kids’ time on the web. Parents can activate this to restrict adult content on the web, with settings for Child, Teen, and Young Adult, which I think is super-awesome and smart.
- Message Blocking — Parents can activate this feature to prevent children from downloading unwanted messages and content.
- T-Mobile Mobile Backup — A feature that does just that: backs up the photos, videos, and information on the device because. . . goodness knows sometimes we need it.
It’s just a stepping stone, but I’m happy to share–and though every family is not the same, it’s what works for us now and what I believe will work for us down the road!
Some photos from some recent T-Mobile events
GIVEAWAY: T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Blaze 4G
Do you want your very own super awesome incredible T-Mobile Samsung Galaxy Blaze 4G?ย Seriously? Who wouldn’t!?
All you have to do is leave a comment here telling me what YOU look for in a cell phone.
For extra entries, get creative!!:
- Tweet this:ย
- Win a @TMobile Samsung Galaxy Blaze 4G on @teachmamaย http://wp.me/p1NAxy-2fe #weteach #giveaway
- Share this post on your Facebook pageโvery easy!
- Share this post with a friend (just tell me who you shared it with!)
- G+ย this poston Google+ย (Use the G+ button below post!)
By entering this giveaway, you are demonstrating your understanding of and compliance with the Official Sweepstakes Rules.
This giveaway ends Friday, October 19, 2012 at midnight ET. Winner will be chosen by โAnd the Winner is. . .โ and will be notified on or around 10/19/12.ย Winner must respond within three (3) days of notification or forfeit the prize, in which case an alternate winner will be selected.ย All Official Sweepstakes Rules apply.
fyi: This is an unsponsored post.ย All opinions are my own, influenced only by my three little cell-phone coveters, my husband, and I, as longtime T-Mobile customers.ย I am grateful to have received my own cell phone along with one to give to one of my readers.
Catherine
I’ve never had a cell phone, but I’d look for a long battery life and a decent sized screen.
Kathryn Mendham
I look for a qwerty keyboard and reliable call quality – I am new to smartphones so anything extra is just for fun!
KD {Mom of 3 Dolls}
I need a phone that is faster to launch a screen that I touch. Mine takes about 5 sec or so for anything to happen, including texting!
Misti
Good size screen and a great camera!
Heather
My current cell phone is dying on me so I am looking for a new one. I am looking for longer battery life and a qwerty keyboard (or touch screen). I think anything would be better than my old school phone. Yours sounds great.
Cblayloc
I would like a great camera on my phone : )
Nicole
Sadly, I still have an old flip phone. I am dying to get a new phone but have no idea what kind to get. This phone actually sounds
Perfect for me.
Angie K
Good battery life and excellent reception wherever I am.
Thanks for the chance!
Angie K
https://twitter.com/queenofthesnot/status/256586770513289217
Bonnie
I have had T-mobile for almost 2 years now, and I have not been disappointed. I look for reliability and ease of use. Also, that “find your phone even if your ringer is off” feature sounds like it could save me a LOT of headache!
(I also tweeted this and shared it on my facebook!)
KD {Mom of 3 Dolls}
https://twitter.com/momof3dolls/status/256783251279073280
KD {Mom of 3 Dolls}
share on FB
http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=364610230291677&id=175058855864430
KD {Mom of 3 Dolls}
pin at http://pinterest.com/pin/266627240410457734/
PragmaticMom
I need a phone that connects to my google calendar.
Staci A
I look for something easy to use and durable.
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin)
I look for one that has a long battery life and has options I would use. I also need one that is pretty easy.. don’t have time to figure lots out.
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin)
tweet https://twitter.com/fancygrlnancy/status/256902294535286784
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin)
posted on facebook https://www.facebook.com/Fancygrlnancy/posts/190073747784572
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin)
I shared this with my mom. We both need a new phone.
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin)
I pinned it http://pinterest.com/pin/417638565414006140/
fancygrlnancy (Nancy Partin)
posted on google+ https://plus.google.com/103776227599410081642/posts/gz7EiaFDKDq
Charissa
Both my husband and I are in the market for new cell phones! I’m looking for something that’s easy to use, simple, and durable. ๐
J Wright
ease of use
J Wright
https://twitter.com/jeepnie1/status/257149754037903360
Tabathia B
I look for easy social networking apps and if it has a camera/video camera
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Tabathia B
tweet
https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/257214736742088704
Cat
All I’ve used is a pay as you go phone so I don’t have a lot to compare to, but I think I would like a large screen, a good camera, voice to text, easy contact info, and a long battery charge. I would also love those family connections you mentioned. With me spending 450 miles a week on the road back and forth to children’s therapy appointments, one teen who is starting to drive and another one just around the corner, it sounds like we could benefit greatly!
Cat
Sending an email to friends and family.
Rick M.
I am frequently juggling several calls at once, so what I look for in a mobile phone is something that easily allows me to make 3-way calls and put calls on hold.
Rick M.
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JustSpecial2/status/257304115351285761
Tamra H
I look for a phone with the latest gadgets, a great camera, and that is fast!
Tamra H
Pinned on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pin/313915036496154966/
Joye Rast
I look for long battey life and simple to learn to use.
Joye Rast
Shared on google+ https://plus.google.com/100537002625198596911/posts/g6fThJYpdiz
Joye Rast
Shared on facebook https://www.facebook.com/joye.rast/posts/286775191433389
Joye Rast
I look for a phone with long battery life and easy to use.
J Wright
https://twitter.com/jeepnie1/status/257588664270471170
Tina
Oh, do I need this giveaway. I currently have one of those “old” flip phones that just does phone calls. I know ancient. I need to move into the modern world. Thanks for the great giveaway.
Linda Kish
So far, I have only used one for calls and texting so easy use for those two tasks and long battery life. Any other options would be wonderful additions that I would learn to enjoy.
lkish77123 at gmail dot com
Mychiana B
I look for battery life time and the size of the phone. I don’t want a phone too small or too big!
Mychiana B
I shared the post on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/mychiana.banks
Mychiana B
I G+ the post: “MP Banks
Mychiana B
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/Moneyplusbanks/status/257654591661932545
Mychiana B
I pinned on Pintrest. Username: moneypbanks(ideas for my future)
Rick M
Shared on FB : https://www.facebook.com/settings?tab=account#!/rick.mcclenthen/posts/294640007304903
J Wright
https://twitter.com/jeepnie1/status/257894115310706688
Barbara
I look for ease of use in a cell phone as well as being able to play music and audiobooks (a life saver for my kids when waiting!).
Holly
We got our very first cell phone this summer just before a cross-country drive and it was literally a lifesaver! We just looked for for something affordable.
J Wright
https://twitter.com/jeepnie1/status/258348114509983744
Teh Doll
Quality and good service ! Don’t want it breaking or dropping calls.
dollhousecreation(at)gmail(dot)com
Teh Doll
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/mommyluck13/status/258587103783419904
@mommyluck13
Shannieteaparty
dollhousecreation(at)gmail(dot)com
J Wright
https://twitter.com/jeepnie1/status/258655255422713856
Theresa J
I look for reliability and long battery life in my cell phone
Theresa J
https://twitter.com/tweetyscute/status/258723602273296386
Theresa J
http://www.facebook.com/theresa.janke/posts/292396080860462
Theresa J
http://pinterest.com/pin/47710077273902794/
Theresa J
https://plus.google.com/u/0/101397496620037221470/posts/5VuNFVArvCt
J Wright
https://twitter.com/jeepnie1/status/258986031544684545
Colleen
I look for a phone that fits great in the palm of my hand and that’s easy to use! I’m also a big TMobile fan, have been for years!
Maurice
I’m looking for a great quality phone that can keep up with my lifestyle. I need fast and reliable. I have been with T-Mobile for over 13 years and my current phone is almost three years old. I would love to try this new beauty!
J Wright
https://twitter.com/jeepnie1/status/259315149918306306
Taylor
I look for fast and efficient loading when it comes to cell phones. Good battery life and large storage space.
Rick M.
Pinned
http://pinterest.com/pin/212795151114669787/
Rick M.
Tweeted https://twitter.com/JustSpecial2/status/260460511869677568