Handset hunting, I'd like your suggestions based on my requirements

Forums › Mobile handsets › Handset hunting, I'd like your suggestions based on my requirements

FredDag

206 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#38076 23-Jul-2009 22:19

Hi Geekzone,

After working extra hours for work, I have decided it is time to move from my trusty Nokia 6230i (I had a 6230 before it went for a swim) to something with da'dope'tech:

Phone needs, in order of priority:
[edit 24-july 8:53] 0) Cheap Sub $500 would be nice.. secondhand is an option I will take
1) GPS, I'd like to log to csv my movements, and then play with that csv on a laptop
2) 3G (because.. um.. its cool right?)
3) Calendar sync to google calendar

Plan (currently Vodafone prepay)
1) Cheap, prepay is nice but.. I would consider a plan
2) Internet access, so I can sync my calendars
3) incoming call alert longer than the current pre-pay vodafone 20secs

What do you suggest?

Much Thanks,
Fred

NavinR

13 posts

Geek

Trusted

#238471 23-Jul-2009 22:55

Hi,

I think you should consider the HTC Magic. As a Google app user you will find setup very easy. By just entering your gmail account and password on first startup it will automatically synch your contacts and google calender.

The GPS works pretty well with Google maps. I'm not sure about exporting to a csv file, but you can certainly see your location history.

The Magic works fine with Vodafone prepay (casual data rates), but you may want to check out the Smartphone $40 plan.

Cheers, hope this helps.

It's better to be lucky than good.

8d52797c436

264 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#238521 24-Jul-2009 08:41

Yeah, I would say the Magic looks to be your best bet at the moment. I know a few people have them and they are supposedly awesome. Also, being that its an open source platform you may find that even if the software doesnt do everything you want it to, either you or someone else can make it do it.

FredDag

206 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#238522 24-Jul-2009 08:52

WOW.. ~$900 perhaps something sub $500?

But much thanks for input!

Fred

jamesvini

132 posts

Master Geek

#238527 24-Jul-2009 09:08

if you take the magic on the smart 60 plan it brings the cost down to $569 for the phone.
it is $60 a month with data included 60 mins and 200 txts. or you could always go for a simpler phone like the sony c702

My Opinion not anybody elses.

NavinR

13 posts

Geek

Trusted

#238529 24-Jul-2009 09:12

Actually, the Magic is $1099.95 outright, but you can get a great price on a Smartphone plan ($619 on a $40 plan - includes call minutes, TXTs, and data allowance).

Smartphone Plans

Available in Black or White, more info here:

http://www.digitalmobile.co.nz/index.php?main_page=product_mobile_phones_info&products_id=561&zenid=622ed00d181f62bad1e8dfbca3fdb68a

It's better to be lucky than good.

8d52797c436

264 posts

Ultimate Geek
Inactive user

#238534 24-Jul-2009 09:21

Another thing is you may want to hold off for just a few months before buying a new phone. At the moment we seems to be at the start of a lot of really good phones being released (mostly Android based, what can I say, I'm a fan). There's no guarantee that they will be released in NZ officially but if you cant find something that is exactly what you want it may be available before xmas. Personally when I'm going to spend $500+ on a phone I wanna make sure it is exactly what I want.

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z2k

321 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 24

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#238540 24-Jul-2009 09:41

sub $500, how about a windows mobile phone? Samsung SGH-i780 has all the features you want and you should be able to get it for around $400-500. Granted its not the latest but its got GPS, 3G, Wifi, and windows on your phone....

FredDag

206 posts

Master Geek
Inactive user

#238545 24-Jul-2009 09:45

Thanks all, z2k I'll have a look at that phone.

Fred

Handsomedan

7769 posts

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+1 received by user: 7402

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Subscriber

#238562 24-Jul-2009 10:37

Parallel importers have a lot of pones in the $400-$500 range that'd fit the bill.

Try any numnber of phones from Nokia, LG or Samsung. They'll mostly do what you require and will be in your price range.

Handsome Dan Has Spoken.
Handsome Dan needs to stop adding three dots to every sentence...

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NZtechfreak

4649 posts

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+1 received by user: 461

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#238736 24-Jul-2009 20:06

Nokia's N82 is a fine handset weighing in at around $500 these days....

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Gadgettm

35 posts

Geek

#240850 31-Jul-2009 09:19

HTC Tytn II might fit the bill. Second hand from Trademe perhaps. I have a HTC Jasjam and it has not got internal GPS but I have external Nokia GPS module which works with it but no GPS software at thew moment.
Googlemaps are too clumsy to use.

My gadgets:
NEC Versa S3200 Laptop running Linux Mint 9 and Win XP

3x I-mate Jasjam, one running WM6.1 and others WM5.1, all working with VF and Telecom XT
Canon Powershot SX120 Digital camera
Various old phones like Nokia 6310, Nokia 6610 and ancient Nokia 1610, all with carkits.
Greenspeed Gto recumbent trike with Rohloff 14 speed Speedhub, altogether 42 speed.
No TV, no microwave and no washing machine. ( Not enough space in my van for those) I live a mobile lifestyle, call me nomad if you wish but gypsy I am not.
Have started my epic journey from Bluff to Cape Reinga on my recumbent trike supported with my van so I can carry all my gadgets with me and sleep in a comfy bed.