View Full Version : Best mobile internet 'device'?
muffles
29-04-09, 10:11 AM
OK recently I have been a-desiring something to browse the internet on the move, iPhone-style. This has mainly been because I saw a deal with a free iPhone on a £35/month contract, which didn't seem too bad!
However I'm sure there must be alternatives out there - but what are they?
The priority is really the internet side of things but as whatever I get will probably replace my phone too, it'd be good to be able to text/phone from it, although a pure internet machine would be OK if low(er?) cost.
One of the things that would annoy me with the iPhone is texting cos you have no buttons and don't get the touch feedback.
I have seen a couple of phones with a 'full-phone-screen' like the iPhone, but the screen slides to reveal a keyboard. That might be OK, depending on size (think it might have been quite a chunky fella).
Over to the .org :D
Graciepants
29-04-09, 10:13 AM
welll....i have this:
http://www.blackberry.com/blackberrycurve/
For the last few years, I've had HTC (or O2 branded) PDA phones and they've been great. I've currently got an HTC Touch Diamond (branded as an O2 Ignito) and I love it.
Depends on whether or not you like Windows Mobile though. I'm sure you will find a lot of people here that hate it and will tell you to avoid.
Dave20046
29-04-09, 10:20 AM
For the last few years, I've had HTC (or O2 branded) PDA phones and they've been great. I've currently got an HTC Touch Diamond (branded as an O2 Ignito) and I love it.
Depends on whether or not you like Windows Mobile though. I'm sure you will find a lot of people here that hate it and will tell you to avoid.
I've got a HTC Touch HD, its ok but does anyone know how to change proxy server settings in the browser though?
muffles
29-04-09, 10:25 AM
welll....i have this:
http://www.blackberry.com/blackberrycurve/
Hehe I was waiting for your reply so I could ask you about it :)
I've actually got a Blackberry Pearl through work already and the internet isn't too good on it - much smaller screen though, and older. E.g. when looking at these forums, all the different parts (logo at the top, options across the top of the screen, thread itself) don't format correctly and look screwed up. I'm guessing yours isn't like that - next time you're out I'll show you mine for comparison :)
For the last few years, I've had HTC (or O2 branded) PDA phones and they've been great. I've currently got an HTC Touch Diamond (branded as an O2 Ignito) and I love it.
Depends on whether or not you like Windows Mobile though. I'm sure you will find a lot of people here that hate it and will tell you to avoid.
What's the internet browsing like on it? That's really the main thing I want - as realistic as possible internet browsing, i.e. the page formatted correctly, and as many features as possible (flash? etc?).
Oh and now I think about it, a proper email client would be good rather than logging in to hotmail on the browser lol.
Graciepants
29-04-09, 10:26 AM
Hehe I was waiting for your reply so I could ask you about it :)
I've actually got a Blackberry Pearl through work already and the internet isn't too good on it - much smaller screen though, and older. E.g. when looking at these forums, all the different parts (logo at the top, options across the top of the screen, thread itself) don't format correctly and look screwed up. I'm guessing yours isn't like that - next time you're out I'll show you mine for comparison :)
ill show you mine if you show me yours ;)
i havent figured out how to post on the org on it yet though
What's the internet browsing like on it? That's really the main thing I want - as realistic as possible internet browsing, i.e. the page formatted correctly, and as many features as possible (flash? etc?).
Oh and now I think about it, a proper email client would be good rather than logging in to hotmail on the browser lol.
Uses either Internet Explorer or Opera so pretty good browsing experience and also has built in POP3 client
Dave20046
29-04-09, 10:28 AM
my htc won't let me
muffles
29-04-09, 10:34 AM
ill show you mine if you show me yours ;)
i havent figured out how to post on the org on it yet though
Might have to take you up on that offer ;)
Uses either Internet Explorer or Opera so pretty good browsing experience and also has built in POP3 client
How does it deal with large web pages - I have an iPod Touch so I'm familiar with how those deal with it (the scrolling aspect etc). Is it similar?
my htc won't let me
Won't let you what? lol
Dave20046
29-04-09, 10:37 AM
post
muffles
29-04-09, 10:48 AM
I am typing this from my BB :D
Graciepants
29-04-09, 10:49 AM
I am typing this from my BB :D
how???
muffles
29-04-09, 10:51 AM
how???
Slowly, lol! I was using the quick post bit at the bottom of the page, dunno if that's what you were doing - let me go try the proper reply bit now - give me 5 mins lol...
muffles
29-04-09, 10:56 AM
how???
Quoting you from my BB now :smt106
muffles
29-04-09, 10:58 AM
^^ the above was using the other reply method where it goes to a new page :)
pencil shavings
29-04-09, 11:45 AM
isnt the best mobile internet device a laptop with a 3G mobile internet thingy? they work really well and are cheep as they actaully give u a free laptop to sign up to alot of the deals.
Nokia 5800 is great for internet. Massive screen as well.
muffles
29-04-09, 11:56 AM
isnt the best mobile internet device a laptop with a 3G mobile internet thingy? they work really well and are cheep as they actaully give u a free laptop to sign up to alot of the deals.
I kinda need something a bit more pocket-sized :D (and I have a laptop already lol)
But yeah I think those are a bit of a better deal!
plowsie
29-04-09, 12:09 PM
1 up from Gracie, got the Bold 9000. It's for people with fat fingers lol.
Good for the internet. I struggled with the software but after a restore fingers crossed since the 16th March I've had no problems and have even created my own themes and everything. £40 a month I have paid for mine with unlimited texts and 900 mins, free net and messenger usage. Browsing the net you have 2G and 3G options, don't understand the two but it works well enough lol. And has Wi-fi connection too :)
But I wish I had gone I-phone, I have an Itouch and I have 6 films on there and is good size to watch them.
sasquatch
29-04-09, 05:19 PM
T-Mobile G1 - lovely little device, browser is very good (If you don't like the default one, you can download Opera really easily from the Marketplace). I have both a G1 and an iPhone - the G1 wins hands down for usability. I only use the G1 as an internet device, but it does phone calls and SMS without any hassle too.
Oh, and the G1 has a real keyboard too - the device slides apart to reveal it... and even with my fat fingers, I can easily type on it.
Highly recommended :)
This is replied on a bus using a iphone ;)
Get one :D
muffles
29-04-09, 07:26 PM
T-Mobile G1 - lovely little device, browser is very good (If you don't like the default one, you can download Opera really easily from the Marketplace). I have both a G1 and an iPhone - the G1 wins hands down for usability. I only use the G1 as an internet device, but it does phone calls and SMS without any hassle too.
Oh, and the G1 has a real keyboard too - the device slides apart to reveal it... and even with my fat fingers, I can easily type on it.
Highly recommended :)
Think I've seen the G1 on tube adverts actually, looked like the kinda thing I might like. What areas does the iPhone win over the G1?
This is replied on a bus using a iphone ;)
Get one :D
Lol - well, maybe. I want *something*. Btw I cba to look back but was it you who was asking about going out for a spin over the bank holiday weekend??
injury_ian
29-04-09, 10:09 PM
iphone for the win!
cannot fault it - bar the battery life.
Nokia 5800 is great for internet. Massive screen as well.
+1 just got mine it's fecking great much better than my old samsung still trying to get my head round all the features though :D
Bluefish
01-05-09, 09:04 PM
iphone, i have posted on here lots of times at work on iphone, stores loads of music videos whatever you want mapping, phone, text best phone i've had, and i hardly ever use it as a phone, lol
leesh00
01-05-09, 09:13 PM
i have just got the nokia 5800, which is a i phone type handset - great for the internet and good maps when your out and about. It comes down to whether you can live with touch screen - im getting there but its a strange new and frightening world lol :colors:
i have just got the nokia 5800, which is a i phone type handset - great for the internet and good maps when your out and about. It comes down to whether you can live with touch screen - im getting there but its a strange new and frightening world lol :colors:
I didn't dare and got the N85. Its great at everything but the screen isn't nearly as big as the 5800. It's also not as responsive as an iphone.
muffles
02-05-09, 04:39 AM
The Nokia 5800 doesn't have a keyboard as well then? I googled a few pics, for some reason I thought the screen could slide to reveal a keyboard.
TBH if I had to go touch-screen only it'd probably be the iPhone cos I know they do that well. I like the idea of the T-Mobile G1 at the minute though....any others like that?
SoulKiss
02-05-09, 07:07 AM
Think I've seen the G1 on tube adverts actually, looked like the kinda thing I might like. What areas does the iPhone win over the G1?
Lol - well, maybe. I want *something*. Btw I cba to look back but was it you who was asking about going out for a spin over the bank holiday weekend??
The G1 is *slightly* evil in that its Google and they have made it that while you CAN use other mail services, it really works best with Gmail, with which I have privacy issues, and just that Google tend to want to get every bit of data out of you, keep it and find a way to use it to sell you stuff.......
That said, if I hadn't used my upgrade 2 months before it came out, I would have one now.
Hoping that when its that time, the G2 or G3 will be out.
El Saxo
02-05-09, 07:51 AM
HTC Touch Diamond 2 FTW!
Just got it a few days ago and it's great so far. It uses Opera for t'internet browsing, I've used it to browse loads of stuff including this very site and everything is laid out correctly just like a full size browser. The TouchFlo software actually works now too and hides WinMo quite well unless you really start poking aroung the interface. Should be even better when the WinMo 6.5 update is released. :D
muffles
02-05-09, 11:23 AM
Just been to the shops to check out the various offerings - only able to see a live iPhone though (and I already know what that will be like).
G1 looks interesting but need to see one live to see how the internet interaction works - it seems quite similar to the iPhone in that you can do all the zoom in/out, multiple windows stuff (v. important I think) but it doesn't use touch, it uses a little trackball. I like the feel of the trackball, doesn't feel too loose (like my BB Pearl) but has a bit of resistance so I think it would feel nice for moving about the screen.
The reason I need to see one live is just to see how easy it is to do all the above - with the iPhone touch screen it's a pretty damn easy thing to do and this needs to be close at the very least.
I also have a dilemma in that I feel like an iPhone is worth more than a G1, lol. And both contracts are £35/month with free phone (£25 for first 3 months with G1) although iPhone is a 24 month contract and G1 only 18 months.
So the dilemma is do I get the higher value 'item' for the same price, even though I already have an 8gig iPod Touch (it would be the 8gig iPhone)?
p.s. I think the Nokia 5800 is out cos it seems like it's basically an iPhone and I'd rather have the iPhone in that case.
I have to take a look at this though, although again if it's too similar to the iPhone I may as well get the iPhone:
HTC Touch Diamond 2 FTW!
Just got it a few days ago and it's great so far. It uses Opera for t'internet browsing, I've used it to browse loads of stuff including this very site and everything is laid out correctly just like a full size browser. The TouchFlo software actually works now too and hides WinMo quite well unless you really start poking aroung the interface. Should be even better when the WinMo 6.5 update is released. :D
muffles
02-05-09, 11:33 AM
Just been to the shops to check out the various offerings - only able to see a live iPhone though (and I already know what that will be like).
G1 looks interesting but need to see one live to see how the internet interaction works - it seems quite similar to the iPhone in that you can do all the zoom in/out, multiple windows stuff (v. important I think) but it doesn't use touch, it uses a little trackball. I like the feel of the trackball, doesn't feel too loose (like my BB Pearl) but has a bit of resistance so I think it would feel nice for moving about the screen.
The reason I need to see one live is just to see how easy it is to do all the above - with the iPhone touch screen it's a pretty damn easy thing to do and this needs to be close at the very least.
I also have a dilemma in that I feel like an iPhone is worth more than a G1, lol. And both contracts are £35/month with free phone (£25 for first 3 months with G1) although iPhone is a 24 month contract and G1 only 18 months.
So the dilemma is do I get the higher value 'item' for the same price, even though I already have an 8gig iPod Touch (it would be the 8gig iPhone)?
p.s. I think the Nokia 5800 is out cos it seems like it's basically an iPhone and I'd rather have the iPhone in that case.
I have to take a look at this though, although again if it's too similar to the iPhone I may as well get the iPhone:
I've just found out the G1 has a touch screen as well as the track ball, so that's a big plus as I expect it will be able to work in the same way as the iPhone.
The last thing I need to check, actually, is email - and how I can access it through the phone, cos I don't want to log in to a browser to get my hotmail, I want an application...
muffles
02-05-09, 11:34 AM
I've just found out the G1 has a touch screen as well as the track ball, so that's a big plus as I expect it will be able to work in the same way as the iPhone.
The last thing I need to check, actually, is email - and how I can access it through the phone, cos I don't want to log in to a browser to get my hotmail, I want an application...
Oh AND - what are the IM capabilities of the various phones mentioned? MSN Messenger would be good if it was available!
I'm replying from my iPhone,absolutely love it!! can't get better for opening the web on a mobile device (in my humble opinion!)
only problem u will find is u can only access hotmail in a web browser. I don't think microsoft really want to make things easy to run on an apple device. but the new windows mobile browser is good and works well on the iphone.
I cannot praise it enough, the phone the texting, the web, the apps,music playing photo storing......
it's no suprise any new smart phone that is released is compared to the iPhone!
El Saxo
02-05-09, 11:47 AM
The Touch Diamond 2 runs on Windows Mobile so you can pretty much install whatever apps you need to run. It also has everything you would expect of windows e.g a proper mail client, mobile version of the MS Office apps etc and a mobile version of MSN messenger.
The G1 is a HTC device too but it runs on the Android platform which IIRC is an open-source (think Linux) platform developed in conjunction with Google. As Soulkiss mentioned, it is very geared towards Google e.g Gmail which has its issues. Not sure on availability of apps etc for it though, haven't used one myself.
If the internet browsing is your main priority, you can't beat the browsing experience on the iPhone IMO, but the other apps and the rest of the platform are very restricted compared to WinMo. I went with the TD2 as I've had WinMo devices for years and use lots of 3rd party stuff on them such as TomTom. You can 'jailbreak' the iPhone to allow 3rd party apps but it invalidates your warranty.
More info on all HTC devices including the G1 here: http://www.xda-developers.com
Also http://www.coolsmartphone.com for lots of device reviews and info, including iPhone / Windows phone comparisons.
leesh00
02-05-09, 11:58 AM
to be honest if you are going for touch screen smart phone you should get the i phone - i have the 5800 and whilst its good the touch screen and interfaces cant match the i phone - serves me right for trying to be different lol :cool:
muffles
02-05-09, 12:02 PM
Cheers Mr Saxo will take a look at those later. I did do a bit of googling and it appears messenger is not available by default but you can fudge it on...lol. Although I'm still not 100% on it.
I have an iPod Touch and have used it for internet browsing so am pretty familiar with the interface, this is really why I need to see a live G1 phone. Looking at it, it seems like it will be as good, but I'll try it before going with that!
leesh00, can you give any more details about why the touch screen interface isn't as good?
leesh00
02-05-09, 12:13 PM
the main problems are that sometimes the touch screen doesent respond at times when you are using your fingers, its fine when using the stylus but thats not great when you only have one hand to use. The zoom and scroll functions are not on par with i phone and the horizontal/vertical screen switch can be very sticky. Its good pionts are speedyinternet connections and you can use any web mail provider, also ecxellent for music with very good in built speakers.
andywilson460
02-05-09, 04:27 PM
It's got to the be iPhone 3G - Although wait a couple of months if you can;)
I've had Windows Mobile phones and they are ok, but end up dropping calls and being a bit of a pain - I know they are better now - but wouldn't trust them with my only phone - last one dropped 10 calls in one day (Soooo glad I'm not self employed!).
Does it need to be a Touchscreen? Nokia E63 or E71 are decent enough, but once you have gone iPhone it's hard to go back - just be aware that whilst it is brilliant for email, sms, internet and apps, as a phone it's only so-so. And I am a self admitted Apple Fan having had one from launch - but then you make the choice and go with it.
I think the next generation of Android Google phones will be brilliant - just need to iron out the wrinkles.
I guess it comes down to money - £35 per month is still a lot, but you will need the unlimited data on any of the phones discuss. - I guess if you have an iTouch you know what they are like.
Buy iPhone on pay & go and get the £19.58 simplicity sim.
Cost over 12 Months = £576
Compared to on 24 month contract = £822.24
You also get unlimited texts on simplicity and much more minutes (+unlimited web bolt on)
You can also get the rolling monthly contract like I have so can cancel at any time. Much better way of doing it.
muffles
02-05-09, 05:05 PM
Buy iPhone on pay & go and get the £19.58 simplicity sim.
Cost over 12 Months = £576
Compared to on 24 month contract = £822.24
You also get unlimited texts on simplicity and much more minutes (+unlimited web bolt on)
You can also get the rolling monthly contract like I have so can cancel at any time. Much better way of doing it.
Hmm might consider this, although am still favouring the G1 at the moment. In answer to the question above, it doesn't need to be touch screen but it makes the net navigation easier.
SoulKiss
02-05-09, 05:07 PM
Hmm might consider this, although am still favouring the G1 at the moment. In answer to the question above, it doesn't need to be touch screen but it makes the net navigation easier.
Wait a few months for the G2 then if you can
muffles
02-05-09, 05:10 PM
Hmm might consider this, although am still favouring the G1 at the moment. In answer to the question above, it doesn't need to be touch screen but it makes the net navigation easier.
I just re-read and need to clarify a couple of things actually. First, are you saying iPhone on PAYG is ~£336?
Assuming that's the case, the next thing is the length of contract. For comparison purposes I sort of have to assume I want 24 months, because if I just had 12, what would I do with the phone for the second 12? On the contract one it's got the connection, on the PAYG phone option there's no connection provided for in the costings.
Assuming the £19.58 was a monthly fee for the simplicity SIM, you need to add another £240 to the total cost, so they are both "costs over 24 months" - which makes the PAYG phone one £816 - not far off £822? And I wouldn't have to pay it all up front?
muffles
02-05-09, 05:11 PM
Wait a few months for the G2 then if you can
Is there any release date for that? Got any details?
El Saxo
02-05-09, 05:28 PM
Is there any release date for that? Got any details?
It's out on Vodafone only at the mo...
http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/mobile-phone/htc-magic?WT.srch=1
Review here:
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/smartphones/htc/244311/htc_magic_review.html
muffles
02-05-09, 06:13 PM
It's out on Vodafone only at the mo...
http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/mobile-phone/htc-magic?WT.srch=1
Review here:
http://www.knowyourmobile.com/smartphones/htc/244311/htc_magic_review.html
Hmm interesting. Initially I thought it would just be like the iPhone so no point, however this (and the G1) offer quite a nice feature with the GPS/Google Streetview functionality they have.
That review also says it's better than the G1 in every way, but doesn't give any examples other than the design of it (and I agree the G1 looks pretty ugly lol).
I'll see if I can get a test on a live one of these as well!
tbh the main feature on the 5800 is the music and from what ive heard of the iphone the sound is better on the 5800 which is why i bought one so that ruled the iphone out and the touch screen is tap sensitive which work's great ive found.
leesh00
02-05-09, 09:37 PM
tbh the main feature on the 5800 is the music and from what ive heard of the iphone the sound is better on the 5800 which is why i bought one so that ruled the iphone out and the touch screen is tap sensitive which work's great ive found.
ive got the 5800 do you not find the touch screen a bit hit n miss when using your fingers
not for me it's pin sharp so far.
remember to just tap it's not heat sensitive so you dont need to smother the screen.
SoulKiss
02-05-09, 09:42 PM
Hmm interesting. Initially I thought it would just be like the iPhone so no point, however this (and the G1) offer quite a nice feature with the GPS/Google Streetview functionality they have.
That review also says it's better than the G1 in every way, but doesn't give any examples other than the design of it (and I agree the G1 looks pretty ugly lol).
I'll see if I can get a test on a live one of these as well!
Doesnt seem to have the keyboard tho.....
leesh00
02-05-09, 09:44 PM
ok will try that. Also whats with the sat nav - i was with vodaphone before the upgrade and had a 6110 navigator which had voice guided nav free, with this it asks you to pay or is that just a problem with my phone?
dont know dont use the nav on it i bought as a iphone alternative.
leesh00
02-05-09, 09:51 PM
fair dues :cool:
have you got a screen protector on your's dude.
leesh00
02-05-09, 10:05 PM
do you mean the plastic sheet which covers it when it comes out of the box ? or something you buy aftermarket
muffles
03-05-09, 05:23 AM
Doesnt seem to have the keyboard tho.....
Yeah....something I am would rather have...but my main thing there was that before, if something was like the iPhone I'd just think "why not the iPhone then?", but with the G2/HTC Magic/whatever it also has that Google Streetview thing which I am actually keen on now I've found out about it!
But the G1 has that too... :D
Was this the G2 you were referring to above, or was there another (seeing as it's not actually called a G2)?
iphone has street view too + you get all the best apps too, easy to use music and movie player ;)
Yeah....something I am would rather have...but my main thing there was that before, if something was like the iPhone I'd just think "why not the iPhone then?", but with the G2/HTC Magic/whatever it also has that Google Streetview thing which I am actually keen on now I've found out about it!
But the G1 has that too... :D
Was this the G2 you were referring to above, or was there another (seeing as it's not actually called a G2)?
do you mean the plastic sheet which covers it when it comes out of the box ? or something you buy aftermarket
aftermarket one keep's them scratch free and as it's a touch screen i thought they would be worthwhile.anyway iphone suck's :D
leesh00
03-05-09, 03:00 PM
aftermarket one keep's them scratch free and as it's a touch screen i thought they would be worthwhile.anyway iphone suck's :D
no ive not got but reckon it would be agood idea cos i aint had it long and picked up scratch or 2 already - will have a look i think
ive got a zagg kit and it seem's really really tough and clear good just make sure you watch the vids on how to do it quite easy to stuff it up.
I just re-read and need to clarify a couple of things actually. First, are you saying iPhone on PAYG is ~£336?
Assuming that's the case, the next thing is the length of contract. For comparison purposes I sort of have to assume I want 24 months, because if I just had 12, what would I do with the phone for the second 12? On the contract one it's got the connection, on the PAYG phone option there's no connection provided for in the costings.
Assuming the £19.58 was a monthly fee for the simplicity SIM, you need to add another £240 to the total cost, so they are both "costs over 24 months" - which makes the PAYG phone one £816 - not far off £822? And I wouldn't have to pay it all up front?
iPhone payg is £342, why do you have to sort of assume you want 24 months? why would you ever want to lock in to a contract for 2 whole years, the whole point on simplicity is you can cancel whenever then flog the phone on eBay whenever you want to recover most of your initial outlay.
The payg iPhone comes with free unlimited 3G and Wifi so it is factored in, also on the £19.58 simplicity you have a choice of a free bolt on. Make it the unlimited web one and the connection is free.
muffles
04-05-09, 04:02 PM
iPhone payg is £342, why do you have to sort of assume you want 24 months? why would you ever want to lock in to a contract for 2 whole years, the whole point on simplicity is you can cancel whenever then flog the phone on eBay whenever you want to recover most of your initial outlay.
The payg iPhone comes with free unlimited 3G and Wifi so it is factored in, also on the £19.58 simplicity you have a choice of a free bolt on. Make it the unlimited web one and the connection is free.
The reason you have to assume 24 months of contract is because the contract itself is still providing you something - as mentioned.
Otherwise, what do I do after 12 months? Buy another iPhone/whatever is current? I can flog either the PAYG or contract iPhone so that's neither here nor there (imo).
Basically with the iPhone on contract you would have 24 months of connectivity and the only way to get that on PAYG is....24 months of contract. Unless I plan to go without *any* mobile phone in 12 months time, I can reasonably assume I'll have 24 months+ of contract ahead of me!
jaffacakes
05-05-09, 10:25 PM
What about this:-
http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/deals/nokia-5800-10-mths-hlf-prc-17-50
works out about £25-ish a month and a great wee phone (unlimited internet too)
plowsie
06-05-09, 07:53 AM
What about this:-
http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/deals/nokia-5800-10-mths-hlf-prc-17-50
works out about £25-ish a month and a great wee phone (unlimited internet too)
Nooooooooooo
I tried one of these out before getting my BB. My speculations were, their first flip phone was shoite, their first touch screen is likely to be. I found that the screen was not delicate enough ie. I pressed an area and it wasn't having it, seemed you had to be very precise and firm, with fat fingers, this isn't very possible because on most touch screens things to press are close together. Yes okay so its got a stylus, but WTF, I can't be arsed to touch with a stylus all the time, that takes two hands away! The iTouch for me was a very good touch screen. I hope that Nokia prove me wrong and that is their only real fault with that phone.
Now, my boss has one of their Blackberry style phones, E summit, that is a nice piece of kit.
IMO the HTC has to be right up there along with the iPhone.
The reason you have to assume 24 months of contract is because the contract itself is still providing you something - as mentioned.
Otherwise, what do I do after 12 months? Buy another iPhone/whatever is current? I can flog either the PAYG or contract iPhone so that's neither here nor there (imo).
Basically with the iPhone on contract you would have 24 months of connectivity and the only way to get that on PAYG is....24 months of contract. Unless I plan to go without *any* mobile phone in 12 months time, I can reasonably assume I'll have 24 months+ of contract ahead of me!
I might have missed your point but I wouldn't lock myself in a 24month contract.
Buy the iPhone as a PAYG for £340. Then get a simplicity card for £20 a month. That will give you free minutes, free txts and choose the FREE bolt on of FREE INTERNET.
You are then sorted for as long as you decide to keep the iPhone for. With a 30 day notice as well can't go wrong.
Personally though I would wait till June as there is a new one apparently coming out and there is also the firmware upgrade to version 3.
One of the bits about the iphone that you have to remember is that it comes with FREE internet access whereas most of the other net enabled phones dont, and it can be expensive. I think o2 do unlimited for about £7 a month.
plowsie
06-05-09, 11:14 AM
One of the bits about the iphone that you have to remember is that it comes with FREE internet access whereas most of the other net enabled phones dont, and it can be expensive. I think o2 do unlimited for about £7 a month.
And as with many devices at the moment, such as my BB, there is Wi-fi.
muffles
06-05-09, 11:54 AM
I might have missed your point but I wouldn't lock myself in a 24month contract.
Buy the iPhone as a PAYG for £340. Then get a simplicity card for £20 a month. That will give you free minutes, free txts and choose the FREE bolt on of FREE INTERNET.
You are then sorted for as long as you decide to keep the iPhone for. With a 30 day notice as well can't go wrong.
Personally though I would wait till June as there is a new one apparently coming out and there is also the firmware upgrade to version 3.
Don't get me wrong I see where people are coming from with this approach, but for me it's not an issue. Essentially, it only matters if & when I have to 'cut the contract short' because I have a get out clause. IF I want to keep the phone for 1.5/2 years+ then it's basically the same cost, except I have to pay a big chunk (£340) up front.
I can guarantee (unless I move out of the UK, lol) that I won't be needing to cut my contract short for financial reasons, the only other reason could be wanting to get a new phone - but I'm really not that fussed, I care about the features rather than the latest phone. Although new features will come out, one thing I *can* say is I'm happy with the features currently on offer from the various manufacturers/service providers.
Hopefully that explains why I have been saying I don't fancy the PAYG option :)
And now, onwards and upwards..I just popped down to the local Vodafone store and tried out a live HTC Magic.
What can i say, I think we have a winner! It's roughly iPhone sized, which was one of my bugbears of the G1 (chunky, as well as ugly lol). The typing is basically the same as the iPhone, which is no bad thing, and I've come to the decision that I'll be fine with a touch screen keyboard.
Internet browsing is again 99% the same as the iPhone, the only difference being that you can't use two fingers and swipe together/apart to zoom in/out. But it's got a nifty feature where you can zoom out and have a 'magnifying glass' over the whole page and select an area to zoom back into - works well. Also, it has a trackball which you can use to scroll about too, works really well IMO.
Also given I've got an iPod Touch, I don't fancy paying extra (6 months extra contract, £5/month more per month) to replicate that unnecessarily on my phone.
This is the contract I'm looking at (18 months, £30/month): http://shop.vodafone.co.uk/shop/price-plans/18-months-600-mins-Unlimited-texts-35?dependantSkuIds=sku1050025
The other main pull of this is the Android O/S - it's more flexible, one of the things I want is an MSN client & this allows (in fact, *has* allowed) people to develop multiple (generally free) clients I can pick and choose from :D
I'm going to mull it over for a day or two to make sure this is the one, and then go for it :smt028
muffles
06-05-09, 11:55 AM
Oh and that contract has unlimited internet!
muffles
06-05-09, 12:22 PM
Actually just realised, the £5/month discount (it's a special offer) is only available on the 24 month contract, 18 months is still £35...hmmmmm. It makes it closer but I'm not sure if it changes my decision ...
'Best mobile internet device' is clearly the iphone.
End of story :takeabow:
It's basically an ipod touch that doubles as a phone so you know what it's like. Your ipod touch will be completely defunct though, want to sell it to me so I can use it in the car?!
muffles
06-05-09, 12:48 PM
iphone
:winner:
'Best mobile internet device' is clearly the iphone.
End of story :takeabow:
It's basically an ipod touch that doubles as a phone so you know what it's like. Your ipod touch will be completely defunct though, want to sell it to me so I can use it in the car?!
Lol stop it you Apple junkies!! I've tried the HTC Magic now, so I know it's pretty much the same - will show you if/when I get it (maybe just Lucas, not cos I don't like you, just cos you're oop norf lol)!
SoulKiss
06-05-09, 01:11 PM
To get a bit Zen
The best mobile internet device is the one that YOU find best.
This will not be one bearing the mark of Evil that is the Apple.
If it wasnt for an apple, we would all still be running around naked in paradise.
I'm not an apple junkie- I'm not a fan of the brand at all, I just know that the iphone is the best all round phone/Internet device for my needs.
It doesn't have to be about brand id you know, it can be about the features :)
To get a bit Zen
The best mobile internet device is the one that YOU find best.
This will not be one bearing the mark of Evil that is the Apple.
If it wasnt for an apple, we would all still be running around naked in paradise.
The apple did nothing wrong, it was a women who ate it! So are you saying women are evil!? ;)
+ I don't want to see everyone naked anyway!
So are you saying women are evil!? ;)
The prosecution rests :cool:
SoulKiss
06-05-09, 02:00 PM
+ I don't want to see everyone naked anyway!
Point is that you wouldn't think twice about it.........
injury_ian
06-05-09, 04:00 PM
Also on Iphone you get unlimited connection to BTopenzone & The Cloud wifi zones, which is handy if you want to watch anything on BBC Iplayer. infact its handy for anything thats bandwith heavy, youtube, surfing is lots quicker etc.
Also Iphone v3 OS is a free upgrade to current Iphone users. However the new iphone is rumored to have a better camera (wow) and faster cpu.
SoulKiss
06-05-09, 04:03 PM
Also on Iphone you get unlimited connection to BTopenzone & The Cloud wifi zones, which is handy if you want to watch anything on BBC Iplayer. infact its handy for anything thats bandwith heavy, youtube, surfing is lots quicker etc.
Also Iphone v3 OS is a free upgrade to current Iphone users. However the new iphone is rumored to have a better camera (wow) and faster cpu.
You mean iPhone scanner rather than Camera dont you.....
http://ianfogg.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/img_0088.jpg?w=300&h=225 (http://ianfogg.com/2009/04/04/iphone-camera-scans-not-snaps/)
muffles
06-05-09, 04:18 PM
Also on Iphone you get unlimited connection to BTopenzone & The Cloud wifi zones, which is handy if you want to watch anything on BBC Iplayer. infact its handy for anything thats bandwith heavy, youtube, surfing is lots quicker etc.
Also Iphone v3 OS is a free upgrade to current Iphone users. However the new iphone is rumored to have a better camera (wow) and faster cpu.
Interesting about the wifi stuff, didn't know that, but I think I'm going with the HTC - as carty says, it's about the features, and I love the way Android is more flexible than the Apple O/S.
I actually went down to sign up earlier, except I discovered I needed a PAC to transfer my number, which O2 wouldn't give me on the phone (they requested it, but couldn't speed it up from their stated 48 hours).
So, hopefully tomorrow or Friday I'll have the number and my new HTC Magic! Woo! :smt028
Always been an advocate of htc since one I had a good few years ago, iPhone was something else though and very happy with both which I've had. In fact I'm on it now!
Not heard of the magic but as it's htc it should be impressive! You go with the 2 year option in the end?!? :)
injury_ian
06-05-09, 10:02 PM
You mean iPhone scanner rather than Camera dont you.....
http://ianfogg.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/img_0088.jpg?w=300&h=225 (http://ianfogg.com/2009/04/04/iphone-camera-scans-not-snaps/)
Is that not one of the new fangled pointy busses?
Its true the Iphone camera is pants, but tbh, The 5MP camera I had on my last phone was pants too, (ailbit at a different level).
Fact is I can still see that is a picture of a ups van and a bus!
just found out how to get free internet on the 5800 happy day's.
muffles
07-05-09, 02:22 AM
Always been an advocate of htc since one I had a good few years ago, iPhone was something else though and very happy with both which I've had. In fact I'm on it now!
Not heard of the magic but as it's htc it should be impressive! You go with the 2 year option in the end?!? :)
Still waiting for my PAC, but gonna go with the 18 month option when it comes through :)
Right back at the start you mentioned that you mainly wanted a device for the interweb thingy. If so then speed/data rates may be of interest. If this is the case then matching the device with your operator will be important.
Not all operators turbo 3g/hsdpa speeds will be the same, and in reality will differ across the country. Some will only be 1.8mb/s others offer 7.2mb/s, so it is important to match your device's capability to your operators.
As I remember (off the top of my head only) the iphone only has a capability of 3.6mb/s. So it would be a shame to use that device on a network that would allow upto 7.2mb/s.
Just my 2 pennies worth:D
muffles
07-05-09, 09:05 AM
Right back at the start you mentioned that you mainly wanted a device for the interweb thingy. If so then speed/data rates may be of interest. If this is the case then matching the device with your operator will be important.
Not all operators turbo 3g/hsdpa speeds will be the same, and in reality will differ across the country. Some will only be 1.8mb/s others offer 7.2mb/s, so it is important to match your device's capability to your operators.
As I remember (off the top of my head only) the iphone only has a capability of 3.6mb/s. So it would be a shame to use that device on a network that would allow upto 7.2mb/s.
Just my 2 pennies worth:D
Yes, good point! I really just went on the test play I had on the HTC yesterday, seemed speedy enough there but obviously not the whole story! Where can I find out what speed Vodafone offer? (who I will be in when I get my PAC!)
Yes, good point! I really just went on the test play I had on the HTC yesterday, seemed speedy enough there but obviously not the whole story! Where can I find out what speed Vodafone offer? (who I will be in when I get my PAC!)
Voda do offer upto 7.2 but I guess that this will only be in the major cities as getting the data from the basestation to a central hub costs a lot of money so upgrading sites in the middle of nowhere will not be cost effective.
muffles
07-05-09, 10:47 AM
Voda do offer upto 7.2 but I guess that this will only be in the major cities as getting the data from the basestation to a central hub costs a lot of money so upgrading sites in the middle of nowhere will not be cost effective.
Ah well - I am in London anyway lol :D
injury_ian
07-05-09, 12:00 PM
Wifi will be a LOT faster than any 3G.
iphone got more pulling power ;)
iphone got more pulling power ;)
do they why was i not informed of this damn 5800 and it's non usefullnes pulling birds :smt075 :D
SoulKiss
07-05-09, 03:31 PM
iphone got more pulling power ;)
If you want to pull blokes that is.....
If you want to pull blokes that is.....
rofl:smt078
If you want to pull blokes that is.....
Not just blokes! Ladies young and old, cats and dogs, whatever floats your boat :rolleyes:
And you'll definitely get pulled using one in front of police while driving, that's if you are into handcuffs! ;)
muffles
07-05-09, 06:01 PM
Wifi will be a LOT faster than any 3G.
Was that to me?
If so, yeah I agree, but there's a couple of reasons it doesn't matter so much to me:
1. Wifi hotspots are a LOT rarer than a phone connection - I dunno about 3G connections, I would have to check, but I'd expect a lot more 3G coverage than Wifi coverage (and specific Wifi networks at that).
2. I'll take either a Ferrari F40 or a Veyron, I don't mind which. The Veyron would just be for bragging rights, realistically. In other words ;) both will be fast enough, if I compare it to my home network it's only 8mb/s, so it should be comparable. And going back to the Wifi, the speed of that would be based on the connection behind it, no? Unless all I want to do is connect to other nodes on the network :confused: lol
Anyway, the points are now moot, as I picked up my HTC Magic today ;)
Alas the number transfer is going to take until Monday! Noooo!
injury_ian
07-05-09, 07:46 PM
;) Epic fail.....
muffles
07-05-09, 08:54 PM
;) Epic fail.....
Only for 3 days :p
;) Epic fail.....
Only for 3 days :p
18 months ;)
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