Currently use Motorola V551s here in Sarasota, FL.  Cingular GSM service
VERY bad.

Another post indicated that Nokia hardware is far better, particularly their
3120.  Is this true?

Other models I should consider?

I do not need a bells 'n whistles phone - just plain, ole good reception in
a very busy (not the mountains) part of Florida.  Yesterday I made a cell
call to California, said to come through like a land-line; a few minutes
later an 800 call from Sarasota, FL to Tampa, FL (one hour north)  both
calls made from the same physical location.  Call was a mess.  BTW, is there
any technical reason why 800 calls via cell might be worse than non-800?
(Stupid question?  This is what I am experiencing.)

Please, someone tell me why GSM is so poor here in Sarasota, FL!!

Regards,
 Wayne