[floridarandy]

I've never owned a Windows Phone and am interested in getting a feel for the OS before purchasing a new phone this spring. I'd like a phone that can run 8.1 at a minimum in hopefully its latest update. If it did run Windows 10 that's OK but its not really what I think I need to really understand how I'd use the Windows OS in a phone.

I'm on the Verizon Network so the device must either be locked to Verizon or unlocked and compatible with their 4GLTE network.

As background I've used every smart phone since the originally came out. I have a thorough working knowledge of 8.1 on PC and have Androids and Blackberry's in my household so I'm really looking to see the usability of the phone OS itself and how it will integrate with my Microsoft PC products (8.1, Office, Outlook, etc).

And, I'd like to spend less than $100 for this test device. I don't care about camera for this purpose so that's not a big factor.

I've a lot of time over the years on Mobile Nations with Palm, Blackberry and Android so I know there's a bunch of you who can easily steer me in the right direction. I look forward to your input.

Randy in Florida

[worldspy99]

If you are on AT&T or Cricket for that matter, go ahead and pick this device up - you will not be disappointed.

AT&T Nokia Lumia 635 prepaid smartphone - Walmart.com

[floridarandy]

Sorry...forgot to add. Needs to run on Verizon 4G LTE.

[Blkacesvf41]

I don't think the 635 will work on Verizon. Heck! I'll sell you an 822 if you want. I'm on att now so I have no use for it.

[Blkacesvf41]

Or, just go to eBay and get yourself either an 822, 925 or 928. All Verizon phones.

[tgp]

Or, just go to eBay and get yourself either an 822, 925 or 928. All Verizon phones.

Or the Icon, but you'll have to spend more than $100. I don't believe the 822 has Denim either (I'm not too familiar with Verizon's WPs). Get the best you can afford.

[jlzimmerman]

I had the 928 and Icon for Verizon. The 928 would be better suited simply because your costs would be lower, then less painful if you decide not to go with WP. You could go with a uber cheap 5xx or 6xx and see, but I have an 520 and while it as an entry-level phone does great, it doesn't leave as healthy of an opinion of the OS as the 928 would.

[xrs22]

+1 on the 928, good phone. I had it before I went on the edge program and got the Icon.

[Blkacesvf41]

Or the Icon, but you'll have to spend more than $100. I don't believe the 822 has Denim either (I'm not too familiar with Verizon's WPs). Get the best you can afford.

That's why I didn't mention the Icon, knowing it won't be so cheap.

[Nogitsune Micah]

Maybe try the Samsung odyssey
http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&page...pUvbUpU2992951

It's like 90 bucks. If you want the best experience, buy a Lumia but since you're testing it out...lumia or Samsung are good.

[TrustySnooze]

I just bought myself a used HTC 8X and like it better than my 928 that fell apart. However the 8X doesn't have glance screen. But you should easily be able to pick up a used one from eBay for less than $100.

[aximtreo]

I have had the 822 and the 928 both on Verizon and both recently updated to Denim by Verizon. I would suggest the 928 but the 822 will give you a good indication of WP on Verizon. I now have the ICON and will stick with it until new high end Win 10 phones become available.

No matter which you choose, we are always here to help you get started.

[horseybob]

I'm on Verizon and started with the 822 and then the 928, both of which run 8.1 with Denim very nicely. The 822 has a removable battery and can accept a MicroSD; the 928 does not. The 928 will do wireless charging; the 822 you'd need to also buy the optional wireless charging back cover. The 928's camera is considerably better than the 822's and overall the 928 is my strong preference of the two. Either way, the OS functionality and integration with OneDrive, PC's, etc. will be the same.

By the time my 2 years was up, the Icon was already discontinued, and saw that the HTC One M8 is really a VERY nice Windows phone, so if you can find one of those cheaply (unlikely), you'd be in great shape. Given that the next cell phone release cycle is next month, I'm currently waiting for the next batch of high end phones coming out post-MWC. And which ones happen to be picked up by VZW of course. ;-)

[Nogitsune Micah]

I drove my friend to get a Lumia icon on Craigslist for about $230

That's a good price for Verizon's best high end phone.

[Big Papa Smurf]

I picked up a 928 about this time last year for $200(can be found cheaper now). Never really had an issues. Dropped it a few times but works like a champ. Do miss the SD card, but got used to it. The camera is great(still think its better than my 1520). Everything runs smooth. No wifi or touch issues of any kind. Would definitely recommend one if you can find one.