Time for a new phone

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StevieT

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Topic # 175370 26-Jun-2015 12:49

Hi there

I currently have this model phone, for use on Vodafone's network (pre-paid): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nokia_Asha_302

I'm currently looking for a new phone, but notice a lot of them are touch screen: I would prefer one that is of similar layout of my current one but is 4G enabled, and can work on the Vodafone network. My half-sister mentioned blackberries, but I wouldn't have a clue where to look for those in NZ.

I mainly use my phone for calls and texting, as well as connecting it to my tablet and laptop via bluetooth to use the Vodafone mobile internet when I am not at home. Perhaps also to take photos.

Any possible replacements for my current phone much appreciated.

Stevie

timmmay

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Reply # 1332057 26-Jun-2015 13:14

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Have you tried going into a phone store and looking at the options available?

Blackberry has the shape you're used to, but they're not generally a great option. I suggest getting a midrange Android, yes it will take some getting used to (it did for me) but once you do it's great. Motorola G2, Samsung S4/S5/S6 standard or mini, there are heaps of options.

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sidefx

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Reply # 1332062 26-Jun-2015 13:25

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I'm just curious, what's the reasoning behind wanting to avoid touch screen? I found the move from physical keys to touchscreen a bit jarring when I got my first smartphone, but would never go back now! :)

old3eyes

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Reply # 1332252 26-Jun-2015 16:28

If you want to be on the Vodafone network then this one would be ideal for you . It's about $99 at present in the shops..

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=97&topicid=173621

Regards,

Old3eyes

StevieT

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Reply # 1332277 26-Jun-2015 17:30

I suppose I should adjust to touch screens as they are obviously the future. It may take some time (I also have a Samsung tablet which I sometimes have difficulty typing on -- I prefer my laptop). The phone old3eyes mention may suit my needs. Does it allow for an SD card to be put into it?

Yabanize

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Reply # 1332298 26-Jun-2015 18:23

Yes, It does support a Micro SD card up to 64gb. For $99 currently at The Warehouse it is an insane deal. For an extra $30 it can be unlocked to use on other networks if you don't want to use Vodafone, it comes with a SIM with $29 of credit

NikT

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Reply # 1333233 29-Jun-2015 11:05

StevieT:

I'm currently looking for a new phone, but notice a lot of them are touch screen: I would prefer one that is of similar layout of my current one but is 4G enabled, and can work on the Vodafone network. My half-sister mentioned blackberries, but I wouldn't have a clue where to look for those in NZ.

The BlackBerry Classic might be your cup of tea.

Best & only current option for 4G with a physical keyboard.

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https://pbtech.co.nz/smartphones

eXDee

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Reply # 1333240 29-Jun-2015 11:17

StevieT: I suppose I should adjust to touch screens as they are obviously the future. It may take some time (I also have a Samsung tablet which I sometimes have difficulty typing on -- I prefer my laptop). The phone old3eyes mention may suit my needs. Does it allow for an SD card to be put into it?

I also struggle to type on tablets myself and strongly prefer using my laptop.

However my smartphone i can type significantly faster than on a tablet and would never go back to physical keys after switching. I alternate between one and two thumbs depending on how im holding the phone.

The key is having a good keyboard app, i use swiftkey myself with a few settings tweaked but there are others out there too.

StevieT

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Reply # 1333869 30-Jun-2015 09:00

NikT:
StevieT:

I'm currently looking for a new phone, but notice a lot of them are touch screen: I would prefer one that is of similar layout of my current one but is 4G enabled, and can work on the Vodafone network. My half-sister mentioned blackberries, but I wouldn't have a clue where to look for those in NZ.

The BlackBerry Classic might be your cup of tea.

Best & only current option for 4G with a physical keyboard.

A bit out of my price range! But the phone itself looks good. Are there any cheaper options?

timmmay

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Reply # 1333874 30-Jun-2015 09:09

Google Keyboard supports Swype - move your fingers between the letters of your word without tapping. Very fast once you get used to it.

The transition to touch screen was a bit painful for me too, but I'm faster now than I was with physical.

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NikT

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Reply # 1333875 30-Jun-2015 09:12

StevieT: [A bit out of my price range! But the phone itself looks good. Are there any cheaper options?

There are interest free & on account options, but this is the only current BB officially available in NZ.

You should be able to find the BB Q5 or Q10 for reasonable prices either secondhand or through parallel importers now. What's your budget?
Thankfully BlackBerry 10 no longer requires a special service plan like BlackBerries of old. It's quite a nice operating system, too.

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StevieT

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Reply # 1334642 1-Jul-2015 09:11

I have decided to opt for the Vodafone smart prime phone, which I will pick up later today. If I need any help with the phone I'll post in the appropriate forum.