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Technofreak

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#42161 29-Sep-2009 20:46
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I have a $299 discount voucher to swap over from the old Telecom network to the XT network.  It expires tomorrow.

My problem is which phone to choose, or, indeed do I choose any at all and wait, or buy a compatible phone from elsewhere and get it connected to the XT network.

To be honest none of the current offering really stands out as an obvious choice.

I currently have a Nokia 6255 which I really like.  About the only thing it doesn’t have that would be nice is GPS and the option to use Google maps or similar.

 

I would like something with reasonable size buttons , virtual or physical.  Good Bluetooth connectivity is a must, I don’t need a flash camera or MP3 player.  I will use it as a modem for my laptop occasionally.

Since it was a Nokia, one phone I thought might be OK was the Nokia 6600, but I have been told that it is really a city phone, i.e. it doesn’t work well in fringe coverage areas, also I was a bit concerned about the buttons being a bit small.  Any comments on the coverage and the buttons?

 

The Samsung F480 looks OK.  Any comments on the functionality of the touch screen or the lack of a normal 3.5mm phone socket. I have a plug in handsfree kit I use in a special application.  Does it have a memory card slot?  The Telecom info says no included memory card but other info I have read says it has a Micro SD slot.  Therefore I take this to mean that Telecom does not provide a card with the phone but there is a memory slot.

 

One phone that was recommended was the Sony Ericsson W705 as it has GPS.  However one review I read said that unless you wanted the music player function there was better options out there and it doesn’t have a 3.5 mm socket.

 

At the moment the Samsung is my pick, particularly if I could get a blue tooth interface to replace my 3.5 mm interface.

 

Does anyone have any other suggestions in the $400-500 price range either thru Telecom or a third party?

 

What other phones are likely to be available on the XT network in the near future?

 

Perhaps I just flag the $299 voucher and wait.

 

All comments appreciated.

Thanks




Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS 
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5


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NoranRadd13
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  #259534 29-Sep-2009 22:10
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F480 is a good choice, it has a memory card slot but doesn't have a card in the box. One thing it does have is an adapter for the Samsung port to 3.5mm audio so you can use ordinary headphones with it. The touch screen can be annoying at first but like any phone, one can learn it. I have had it going as a modem via Bluetooth on a Mac dunno bout PC but I hear it has software in the box.

I rate the Sony Ericssons, esp. the W508 (nice thin flip), an alternative is the C510, W705 is good too. The Ericssons also have some nice software with them (Just like Nokia PC Suite) which allows tethering. All of them are much of a muchness overall.

Like you mentioned the Nokia 6600 doesn't have the best reputation for coverage but is a cool phone nonetheless and has all the Nokia ease of use and PC Suite we all know.

Hope that helps. =)



Technofreak

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  #259587 30-Sep-2009 05:19
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Thanks for the comments. Does the F480 come with a pouch? Does it have voice dialling?

I might take a look at the W508 too on your recommendation.

Thanks




Sony Xperia XA2 running Sailfish OS. https://sailfishos.org The true independent open source mobile OS 
Samsung Galaxy Tab S6
Dell Inspiron 14z i5


NoranRadd13
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  #259591 30-Sep-2009 07:11
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I'm not so sure on voice dialing but it does co e with a battery cover with built in screen cover that flips up to protect the screen, (here's a pic: http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/743471/6932539/0/1221757245/CECT_F480_COPY_Samsung_Dual_Sim_dual_standby_Touch_shaking_Bluetooth_Phone.jpg).

You can also get a silicone case for it from Telecom themselves.

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