shopping
Buying a smartphone
WSA adsense code -->I’ve just agreed to acquire a new mobile phone.
I’ve been toying with the idea of getting a smartphone for a while, and tossing up whether to get an iPhone, or an android-based phone. I’m currently with T-Mobile, but I would prefer to be with Orange (I’ve irrationally loved Orange since before I owned a mobile phone, and even bought shares in them at one point).
The phone must also be a light saber
My needs for the phone:
- makes calls
- sends and receives text messages
- stores contact details
- alarm clock
- operates as mp3 player / ipod replacement (lost the last one)
- access to internet including gmail, twitter, facebook
- decent mapping and ‘where’s nearest’
- works in the USA
- light saber app
- shake app
- prettiness
I don’t currently have an account with iTunes and have never owned an Apple product.
The phone must be free and the calls cheap
My needs for the deal are:
- 50+ texts (I’m not a big texter)
- 150+ minutes (the more the better)
- unlimited internet use
- £30 or less per month
- free phone
Basically, I know what I want and how much I’m prepared to pay for it, and I just want the best-est, shiniest phone for the price. I’m also likely to be comfortable spending this amount per month for the next few years. I think I’ve been paying around £25-£30 a month for about the last 7 years already.
shopping around
I had a scout round the deals at Carphone Warehouse and Orange online. I also read as many reviews as I could. I found it difficult at first to work out which was likely to be the best Android phone, but the iPhone was easy to narrow down.
Basically, to get an iPhone 3GS, I need to either spend £45 a month, or spend £125 on the phone. Neither is acceptable, so I’m only looking at the iPhone 3G 8Mb. The best deal with a free phone happened to be Orange. It has:
- 250 texts Anytime Any network
- Unlimited Internet Anytime Any network
- 150 minutes Anytime Same network
This is barely acceptable. And the reviews of the 3G phone seem to say that it’s slow because its an older version. But still, it’s pretty and shiny. In fact, it’s the prettiest and shiniest phone on the market.
For an Android phone, I considered:
- HTC Hero
- HTC Tattoo
- Motorola Milestone
- HTC Desire
This list was based on the reviews I found on the internet, and the phones that were available on Orange. All are available free, with unlimited text messages, unlimited internet and 400+ minutes for £30 a month. But I wanted to see what the phones are like in real life. And I was open to seeing any other phones.
When I hit the shops, I saw a couple of actual iPhones and decided that they are beautiful and the interface is straightforward. I also dismissed all the sliding keyboard models. Too clunky, too ugly and the keyboards were difficult to type on. I also decided that of the 3 HTC models, the Desire was the best. But none of the Android phones had actual demo models to play on.
I was collared by a sales assistant in one of the shops, which was a mixed blessing. I was subject to a hard sell. He tried to sell me a ‘deal’ of £35 or £45 a month, even though I explained that I don’t use that many minutes or texts a month. But he was friendly and I watched him demonstrate the HTC Desire. I didn’t get to play with it myself, but it looked nearly as intuitive to use as the iPhone.
In the end, I decided that the package on offer with the iPhone 3G wasn’t nearly as good as with the Desire. The Desire is second best to the iPhone in looks, but I could see myself running out of minutes with the iPhone sometimes. And I’d need to keep the older slower 3G phone for 2 years at least.
So, I went home to phone T-Mobile to get my PAC and switch to the HTC Desire on Orange. But, I was sweet-talked into staying with T-Mobile. With a 900 minute, 500 text messages, unlimited internet and 60 minutes of international calls package for £30 a month. I felt a bit uncomfortable about having been talked into staying. But thinking about it rationally, I’m getting exactly what I want, a better package. It’s a win-win for T-Mobile and me. Maybe I’ll switch to Orange next time.
I’m picking up my new phone tomorrow. Can’t wait.
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Discussion
98 comments for “Buying a smartphone”
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I recently went with an HTC HD2. Massive touchscreen, windows mobile which I haven’t had any problems with (it’s just windows…) and a 5MP camera with flash!
The phone was free on Vodafone and I now have more minutes, more texts and unlimited internet for less than I was paying on Orange with an out of date Nokia.
There are some great deals to be found. I used omio.com to find deals and offers.
Congratulations on the great deal!
I’m hoping I can find a similar deal, the only difference is I’m a big texter. Had my phone for three years now and I think it’s time for a new one. Thanks for all the phone info too, was thinking of getting an iphone.
Cheers!
Matt
I already pay Bell for home internet & I don’t see why I have to also pay for a data plan for the smart phone. I feel I would be paying twice for essentially the same service. Is there a way to use the same internet plan for both home & smartphone??
I’ve got to admit I love my iPhone 3GS. I can’t really say it’s ‘worth’ the money, but I can’t imagine loving any other phone as much. It just makes everything sooo doable.
Nice to see a post around here btw!
very good articles for a newbie to smartphone.
I purchased a Refurbished original 8g iphone from AT&T who mailed the phone to me. I used the jailbreak to unlock the phone before activating it via iTunes and then replaced the iphone SIM card with the one from my old phone. I do not have the data plan so when I’m not near a wireless access point I have no internet access but it kept my monthly costed from increasing.
Yes, I’ve seen it…But the thing is Symbian is not for me now…am waiting for MeeGo or Android….they are the future.
You seem to be making the right choice.. I would say stick to what you have decided. Though I have not used HTC desire but I like my Iphone a lot and i feel it cant get better.
Always a joy to read your articles, and always learn something new! thumbs up!
This means the malware could have been loaded by a malicious employee or the phone could be a returned and refurbished unit not properly checked for malware before being re-issued.
Apple has done everything perfectly well to gain that market share, I won’t be surprised if they overtook RIM and become a market leader in the coming years. I bet Nokia is no where to be seen.
You can just buy a retail version of a smartphone you would like. A retail version means that the phone did not come from a Network Service Provider; like if you buy it in an Authorized Reseller. Once you have the phone, you can just put your SIM Card in and the contract/plan/service will apply in your phone.
They don’t just put the phone in a box and let it roll around in there until you get it. It’ll come in it’s own box which is put in another box for shipping.
The worst thing I did was change my Blackberry to an i-phone. I can’t get the thing to work properly and after having a BB for over 6 years I should have stuck to what I know best. Just shows you the power of advertising and marketing…
I’m prepared to pay for it, and I just want the best-est, shiniest phone for the price. I’m also likely to be comfortable spending this amount per month for the next few years….
Good insights in the phone buying process. Thanks for sharing, I will be showing this to some of my staff.
Technology changed the ways people communicate. Another revolution of technology that was brought in the field of communication is smartphones. There are number of smartphones and you can get details about smartphone information as well as it?s applications from net.
yes, I’ve seen it…But the thing is Symbian is not for me now…am waiting for MeeGo or Android….they are the future….
Buying a new Smartphone can be a daunting task, especially to people who do not work in the cellular or IT industry. The cellular carriers, Smartphone companies, and cellular stores go out of their way to take advantage of the average customer
Before you make a decision about a new Smartphone you must arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible.If you spend time doing research before you walk into a cellular store or purchase devices and services on the web, you could end up saving time, money, and a lot of hassle. If you follow these simple steps, purchasing a Smartphone can be a painless experience.
The malware must have been planted on the device intentionally because the device runs a Linux Operating System while the malware found on it runs only in Windows. There’s no way that malware can affect the Android device that carries it.
Getting a new Smartphone could be a daunting process, specifically to those who usually do not operate inside the cell or IT market. The mobile carriers, Smartphone organizations, and mobile shops go out of their method to reap the benefits of the common consumer
Before you make a decision about a fresh Smartphone you need to arm yourself with as very much information as feasible.In case you commit time accomplishing analysis before you walk into a cell store or pay for devices and services on the web, you can end up saving time, money, plus a whole lot of hassle. Should you adhere to these uncomplicated steps, buying a Smartphone might be a painless experience.
Buying a brand new Smartphone can be a daunting job, specifically to individuals who usually do not operate inside cell or IT industry. The cell carriers, Smartphone corporations, and mobile stores go out of their strategy to benefit from the average client
Before you decide to make a selection about a new Smartphone you have to arm your self with as significantly know-how as doable.When you invest time undertaking study before you walk into a mobile shop or invest in devices and providers around the web, you could turn out saving time, cash, along with a good deal of hassle. When you comply with these easy steps, buying a Smartphone could be a painless knowledge.
I’m prepared to pay for it, and I just want the best-est, shiniest telephone with the cost. I’m also likely being comfy investing this quantity per month with the next handful of years….
I’m ready to pay for it, and I just want the best-est, shiniest phone to the price tag. I’m also most likely to become secure investing this amount per month to the up coming few years….
wifi is a phone feature, it should work without any data plan. Data plans are more for email, web surfing etc. Use a wifi hotspot or unsecured network and surf away.
I don’t know why you guys bother reading let alone replying to “IT Advisors” posts…it’s obvious that MS slaughtered his family, it’s pretty much the only explanation for his hatred.
yes, I’ve seen it…But the thing is Symbian is not for me now…am waiting for MeeGo or Android….they are the future….
So what did you decide?
Its high time handset manfacturers take consumer safety and security, very seriously
There are so many choices now when it comes to smart phones, its hard to decide
yes, I’ve seen it…But the thing is Symbian is not for me now…am waiting for MeeGo or Android….they are the future…
Unfortunately Verizon likes to screw people and say you don’t need it, then poof, its on the bill. then when you call them and ask, they say it is REQUIRED for the phone, even though it is not, they just want more money.
iPhone, Nokia etc…and this is comming from a person that is not a fan of PDA-like phone, i was always more of a SIMPLE phone user, that made calls and sent text msgs.
Yes, the iPhone looks cool. It’s basically a thin, glassy rectangle with no buttons. Everything you do, from dialing, to navigating the Internet, to typing emails is done through the touch screen.
You did well that you researched before buying a phone. It is better to look around first, inform yourself about all the offers, search on the Internet for review of the product you wish to buy and only after that to make the purchase.
Unfortunately Verizon likes to screw people and say you don’t need it, then poof, its on the bill. then when you call them and ask, they say it is REQUIRED for the phone, even though it is not, they just want more money.
I already pay Bell for home internet and I don’t see why I have to also pay for a data plan for the smart phone. I feel I would be paying twice for essentially the same service..
Great choice in getting the HTC Desire, I picked up my Desire about 4 weeks ago and am really pleased with it. Better functionality than an iPhone and you are not paying for all that expensive point-of-sale marketing and television advertising, that pushes the price of iPhones up.
Tweets that mention 5 Points To Keep In Mind While Buying A SmartPhone | TechVorm — Topsy.com
Can you get a smartphone without a smartphone plan at Alltel now that Alltel is basically Verizon?
I’m prepared to pay for it, and I just want the best-est, shiniest telephone with the cost. I’m also likely being comfy investing this quantity per month with the next handful of years
I can’t really understand why all this fewer about smartphones…In a few years they will be already obsolete and replaced by other gadgets. I am still getting along with a simple phone…
I have a Blackberry and according to Verizon they told me I have to have at least the minimal data package which is $29.99. I’m sure you could buy the phone and not actually activate it, therefore not costing an additional monthly fee for the data portion.
The pixi is a slimmer, sleeker, and smaller version of the pre without the sliding mechanism but it’s a little slower and it doesn’t have wifi and the screens a bit smaller. If you can live without all that, I’d recommend the pixi, if not get the pre. Sprints plans are cheap to compared to verizon and att. Btw, buy it on amazon for 25 b
I think you should go with the smart phone…even though it might be a bit too advanced for him…it might work out better because with the i Pod, you have to have a place for Wi-Fi and with a smart phone, you can get it ANYWHERE and also the other points you pointed out were great.
very good articles for a newbie to smartphone
Great article and very informative. I am actually a newbie and this article was surely a help.
They don’t just put the phone in a box and let it roll around in there until you get it. It’ll come in it’s own box which is put in another box for shipping. The phone won’t be able to move around in there. No worries, you’re phone will work just fine and it’ll last!
wifi is a phone feature, it should work without any data plan. Data plans are more for email, web surfing etc. Use a wifi hotspot or unsecure network and surf away.
Great article and very informative. I’m actually a newbie and this write-up was absolutely a help.
Wonderful piece of writing and incredibly informative. I am basically a newbie and this article was absolutely a assist.
Great post and very informative. I’m actually a newbie and this post was certainly a assist.
I’m ready to pay for it, and I just want the best-est, shiniest telephone with the cost. I’m also most likely getting comfy investing this quantity per month while using the up coming handful of years
I’m prepared to pay for it, and I just want the best-est, shiniest telephone with all the price. I’m also probably getting comfy investing this quantity per month with the next handful of years
Yeah, I’m uninterested in anything Paypal has to offer when they have time and time again proven they do not care about customers. Paypal continues to terminate accounts without notice/reason, even if you’ve been a customer for years.
As Peter said, you should try out both devices. I personally feel that anything over 4″ feels too big in the hand and pocket, you may not. I also prefer HTC’s Sense UI to anything else out there, but again you may not.
I was thinking of getting the samsung omnia. I want to know if i would be require to upgrade to a smartphone email/data plan when if i were to activate a smartphone?
I picked up my Desire about 4 weeks ago and am really pleased with it. Better functionality than an iPhone
Nice brief explanation about the requirement of phone to any body.All are basic need that everyone wanted in our phone.
From my opinion the iphone is smarter phone than anyone.
Notarial Vazquez na internet essa semana, um suposto vídeo que seria do LCD e digitizer do iPhone 4G, o vídeo foi divulge pelo pessimal do Smart Phone Medic.
Let me know. Is it possible to get a Verizon smartphone without a data plan?
For the most part it has been about the providers and not the device. As much as the iPhone has changed that, people will suffer and pay in buckets of blood for crap AT&T service and needless contract extensions over and over and over and…
the Nokia Flagship Store on Michigan Avenue, is closing later this year. Otherwise I couldn’t tell you where to buy one at a brick and mortar store here.
It is the product available to all region?Previously we abandon Paypal on WAP devices due to their “Mobile Checkout” product limitation.
A cellular store or purchase devices and services on the web, you could end up saving time, money, and a lot of hassle. If you follow these simple steps, purchasing a Smartphone can be a painless experience.
A cellular store or obtain devices and services about the internet, you could wind up saving time, dollars, as well as a good deal of hassle. If you abide by these basic actions, paying for a Smartphone might be a painless knowledge.
A cellular shop or invest in devices and solutions about the web, you can turn out saving time, dollars, along with a great deal of hassle. In the event you abide by these basic measures, paying for a Smartphone can be a painless encounter.
I picked up my Wish about 4 weeks ago and am truly pleased with it. Much better functionality than an iPhone
For that most aspect it may be concerning the companies and not the device. As very much as the iPhone has altered that, folks will suffer and pay in buckets of blood for crap AT&T service and needless contract extensions over and over and over and…
For your most aspect it continues to be regarding the providers and not the device. As very much since the iPhone has altered that, men and women will suffer and pay in buckets of blood for crap AT&T service and needless contract extensions over and over and over and…
For the most portion it continues to be regarding the companies and not the device. As very much since the iPhone has transformed that, individuals will endure and pay in buckets of blood for crap AT&T service and needless contract extensions over and over and over and…
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The fact is, had the original developers of the “bankcard” concept ever behaved the way PayPal behaves, credit/debit cards would never have gotten off the ground, and we would still be paying for all our purchases with pieces of paper and little metal discs.
I already pay Bell for home internet & I don’t see why I have to also pay for a data plan for the smart phone. I feel I would be paying twice for essentially the same service. Is there a way to use the same internet plan for both home & smartphone?
This was a great and informative read!
Fabulous work by the author and creator!
Nice feedback from the readers as well!
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I was super excited to buy an iphone or any touchscreen phones before. I drop dead when my husband bought one without letting me know first. But thanks to him I’m no longer interested on touchscreen phones. It’s difficult to type/send messages (i’m a text addict), screen too small for internet browsing (i’d better buy an ipad), plus it’s not that user friendly.
Thanks for the awesome blog post. Actually i wanna buy a new smart phone and my choice is Apple’s new invention. I just love Iphone.
smartphones are they way forward, everyone wants a handheld organiser and thats what they are
hey Payroll…Very nice post. I will be looking forward to it to embed in my ipad.
Smartphone you need to arm yourself with as very much information as feasible.In case you commit time accomplishing analysis before you walk into a cell store or pay for devices and services on the web..
I want to take it so i am trying for it……..
Very good article. It always come down to good content that people are interested in. Thank you for the guidelines.
I am very sure with the whole new range of smart phones in the market. There are so many people out there, who are either planning to buy one or have just bought. I am not great with all the technologies but this article was helpful and hope it would be helpful to lot more.
My roommate is working with nokia. She has just got n97mini free from her company and it works pretty well. I am not sure whether she would use all the features but yea it is a cool phone.
I have to come up with my list of my needs from my phone. It would surely help me get the best phone.
For £150 your choices are pretty slim, the closest i think you will get to a smartphone is the Nokia N73.
We can say that the iPhone inaugurated this market. Now that homeboys like Toshiba and Japanese mobile champion Sharp are launching their smartphones, things will be interesting.
I am not sure regardless of whether she would use each of the capabilities but yea it is usually a cool telephone.
My roommate is working with nokia. She has just got n97mini totally free from her corporation and it performs rather effectively. I’m not sure whether she would use every one of the attributes but yea it is often a awesome cell phone.
What are the features to be checked in a smart phone, so that it doesn get outdated soon.thanks..
This article is very cool i always like to come here.
very good articles for a newbie to smartphone
Very good articles for a newbie to smartphone.thank for shearing..
Really very nice and informative post. Technology changed the ways people communicate. Another revolution of technology that was brought in the field of communication is smartphones. There are number of smartphones and you can get details about smartphone information as well. Keep updating like that..
Yes, I’ve seen it…But the thing is Symbian is not for me now…am waiting for MeeGo or Android….they are the future..
Android seems to be the best choice from now on and I see more and more applications made for it.