Buying a new phone

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Wills1

710 posts

Ultimate Geek

#31005 1-Mar-2009 12:23

Hi I am a new vodafone customer on prepay.
I am wanting to buy two new cellphones. I have looked at both the Parallel imported phones, and the vodafone retailers. My question is what features might you miss out on with a parallel imported phone?
The difference is price is huge, I have no desire to go on a plan, so I don't qualify for a discounted mobile from Vodafone.

I know Vodafone don't offer support for Parallel imported phones, which should be fine as the warranty/guarntee would lie with the retailer. Or use of the cga if needed.

Any advice would be appreciated. TIA

NZtechfreak

4649 posts

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#198609 1-Mar-2009 12:48

I only buy parallel imported phones (check out Expert Infortech, who usually have the best prices, pricespy is a good place to find out). You miss out on very little - Vodafone live mostly. Debateable whether thats a loss, certainly I don't think so. Sometimes pixt can be an issue as well. Most phones now simply detect all the network settings immediately and work fine striaght out of the box...

Twitter: @nztechfreak
Blogs: HeadphoNZ.org

richms

28168 posts

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#198611 1-Mar-2009 13:53

Missing out on crippled firmware is the best plus with a parallel imported phone.

Some crap like the music service won't work on a PI phone, but after hearing the tracks - no big loss there, will stick with my current low cost source for music ;)

Richard rich.ms

itxtme

2102 posts

Uber Geek

#198616 1-Mar-2009 14:25

Like already stated generally its a loss of Vodafone Live. Make sure you buy off of a reputable online trader for phones. I have had nightmares with some via price spy. Go with a bigger company like Expert Infortech or phonesdirect.co.nz (these two i know honour there warranties and offer extendeds!!)

richms

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#198618 1-Mar-2009 14:42

Expert infotech is on my craplist for failing to have stock of parts listed in stock on too many occasions, and only having much higher priced alternatives then the ones they listed on trademe.

I havent being in since they have moved so they might have more room for stock now they are not operating out of a space the size of a small bedroom with an equally small dungion out the back.

Richard rich.ms