Unlimited Talk Text and Data/Web with Walmart Family Mobile

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidaysAreCalling #CollectiveBias #ad #cbias

I’m busy making my lists and checking them twice because in less than two weeks I’ll be flying across the country. I’m traveling from Florida to California the week before Christmas and I can only bring one carry on.

What I’ve realized over the last few long-distance flights is that I actually don’t like carrying my 17″ laptop across the country with me. Really, it’s only a three day trip and I would only use the laptop to Skype with my kids back home. Couldn’t I get something that is less bulky for travel? Of course. So, what’s a girl to do? Go shopping! Yep, that’s what I was thinking, too.

Unlimited Talk Text and Data/Web

First on my list is a new phone, preferably one that I can use to Skype with the family back home. I went to my local Walmart and browsed the different phones. There were lots of different phones available, all with different features. I found the LG L90 smartphone and it had all the features I was looking for and the price had been lowered! Normally $179.88, the rollback price was only $119.00.

Not being a Walmart Family Mobile customer already, I also picked up a starter kit for $25.00. That included the SIM card and activation code. The sales representative asked if I wanted them to activate it for me, but the kids were tired of shopping and were ready to go.  You know how little ones can get when they’ve been shopping all day and are ready for a break.  I purchased the starter kit and phone and took it home to activate it. Although, it was nice to know that I had the option of activating it right there in the store.

Walmart Family Mobile service is $34.88/month for Unlimited Talk, Tex and Data/Web ($29.88 for the second line) and it comes with 5GB of 3G Data, more to do with higher speed bucket. I’m thinking next month we’re going to move my husband to this plan because together it would only be less than $65.00 for Unlimited Talk, Text and Data/Web. With as much as I use my phone for social media, I really need the unlimited plan.

Other rollbacks available at Walmart include:

• Alcatel One Touch Evolve 2 – $49.88 (was $59.88)
• ZTE ZMAX – $179.00 (was $199.88)
• LG L90 – $119.00 (was $179.88)
• Nokia Lumia 635 – $99.88 (was $129.88)
• Samsung Galaxy Exhibit – $79.88 (was $99.88)
• Nokia Lumia 530 – $49.88 (was $69.88)

If you’re thinking of purchasing a Samsung Galaxy Avant, there will be a $40 Walmart Gift Card promotion with purchase between 12/14/14 – 12/27/14. For more information on the Samsung Galaxy Avant click here.

I took my new phone home and activated my service online in a matter of minutes then it was time to play. Okay, it was time for the kids to play on the new phone. I realized once I downloaded Angry Birds that the kids weren’t going to want to give me back the phone so that I could play try out my new phone. Once the kids decided to let me have a go at the phone,  I found that it was easy to connect all my current social media accounts, Skype, and I found a few new apps that my previous phone didn’t support.

The LG L90 has a 4.7″ touchscreen display, it runs on the Android 4.4 (KitKat) operating system, and has a 5 megapixel camera with flash. The camera has a reverse setting so if you’re taking a selfie with someone, you can make sure that you both look good before snapping the picture. My four year old found that setting before I did and I now am the proud owner of my daughter’s 100 duck face selfies. Not that I’m complaining, she is too cute.

[Tweet “Stay connected with Unlimited Talk, Text, and Data/Web with @FamilyMobile #ad #HolidaysAreCalling”]

Back to the reason for my shopping in the first place – to make it easier to travel without my laptop. Take a peek at the before and after of my packing challenge. One side shows the laptop. Just think if I finished packing all my clothes there would be no room for the laptop at all. The other side shows my carry on, my purse, and my phone. There is now more room in my carry on bag for shoes. You know, one cannot pack too many pairs of Converse.

We had to test the Skype app before I leave on my trip because I needed to make sure I could still see my husband and kids while I’m out in California. With hubby on the computer and me on the LG L90, we connected via Skype and were able to have a conversation. I feel so much better about leaving the laptop at home now that I have a phone that can handle all my picture taking, talking, and social media sharing. No matter if I’m in the same room or across the country, my family is able to stay connected.

You know where I’ll be and how I’ll be staying connected with my family during the holidays. How will you stay connected with your friends and family over the holiday season? Leave me a comment and let me know your favorite ways to stay connected.