Best Phone < $500 ?

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scuwp

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#72639 30-Nov-2010 10:30

My wife wants a new handset that will work on VF or 2D, she want to buy it outright (not tied to a plan) and I can stretch to around $500 (less if I can help it).   I haven't got $1K to spend otherwise it would be a Samsung Galaxy.

Currently has an HTC Touch  which is a pile of rubbish. She also want to change from Telecom (long story)

Mostly just txt and voice calls, needs to sync with Outlook calendar/contacts etc, retrieve email, and prefer touch screen.

So,...anyone have any recommendations on a "nearly-smartphone" model out currently that would do the trick? I am getting lost in all the sales babble

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

tomgeeknz

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#411059 30-Nov-2010 10:33

The IDEOS U8150??
https://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/shop?p_p_id=konakart_portlet_WAR_konakart_portlet&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_url_type=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_konakart_portlet_WAR_konakart_portlet__spage=%2FSelectProd.do%3FprodId%3D77&_konakart_portlet_WAR_konakart_portlet__sorig=%2FSelectCat.do%3FcatId%3D21

scuwp

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#411131 30-Nov-2010 12:27

tomgeeknz: The IDEOS U8150??
https://www.2degreesmobile.co.nz/shop?p_p_id=konakart_portlet_WAR_konakart_portlet&p_p_lifecycle=1&p_p_url_type=1&p_p_state=normal&p_p_mode=view&p_p_col_id=column-1&p_p_col_count=1&_konakart_portlet_WAR_konakart_portlet__spage=%2FSelectProd.do%3FprodId%3D77&_konakart_portlet_WAR_konakart_portlet__sorig=%2FSelectCat.do%3FcatId%3D21

Definitely one I have looked at, and probably top of the list from 2D. Was hopefully after some personal experience type recommendations, do you have one? any good? reliable? issues or things to note?

Cheers

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

graemeh

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#411222 30-Nov-2010 14:51

I've got an IDEOS U8150. I like it, it's like a real phone, it just works (mostly).

The only problems I have are
* Occasionally it won't switch to mobile data when leaving wifi coverage. This seems to be a common android fault (I'm testing a workaround for this at the moment)
* Screen is small. She really has to see it and try using it to know if this will be a problem. I don't find it a problem but my wife does.

So on the whole, no worse than most Nokias for software bugs, in fact possibly better, I haven't had it crash or spontaneously reboot yet.

scuwp

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#411253 30-Nov-2010 15:52

graemeh: I've got an IDEOS U8150. I like it, it's like a real phone, it just works (mostly).

The only problems I have are
* Occasionally it won't switch to mobile data when leaving wifi coverage. This seems to be a common android fault (I'm testing a workaround for this at the moment)
* Screen is small. She really has to see it and try using it to know if this will be a problem. I don't find it a problem but my wife does.

So on the whole, no worse than most Nokias for software bugs, in fact possibly better, I haven't had it crash or spontaneously reboot yet.

Cheers. Looks like a toss-up between the IDEOS and Samsung Galaxy 580, which I can pick up for around the same price at the moment.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

Hiamie

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#411257 30-Nov-2010 16:04

I have a Nokia X6 ($465 inc GST from Expert Infotech (http://www.einfo.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?products_id=20291&ref=pricespy) - Auckland for 16Gb version), and like it a lot. Capacitive touch screen, WiFi, GPS with free maps worldwide, 5Mp Carl Zeiss camera and forward facing camera too. Email, and Internet, FM Radio with RDS, S60 OS. 16Gb built in memory, but 8Mb version ($408) available a bit cheaper - cant add more memory however). Built in speakers. I use it to go to sleep listening to overseas radio stations via the home WiFi and a free service called YourMuze. I consider the camera pictures to be far superior to the older Nokia 2MP cellphone cameras like that in my older Nokia 6234. The maps can be downloaded free from the Internet via the supplied software. Voice guidance. Lots of add on programmes available. I killed my first X6 (Dropped it in water) and immeadiatly went out and got another. Basically it is a more updated version of the very popular Nokia 5800 ($365).

graemeh

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#411269 30-Nov-2010 16:27

Oh, a third thing about the IDEOS. The camera is rubbish, absolute and total rubbish but that's OK as I wanted a phone and not a camera.

Dell

Shop now for Dell laptops and other devices (affiliate link).

allstarnz

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#411405 30-Nov-2010 21:51

I just got a Samsung 580, which seems pretty good. DSE, Bond and Bond and Noel Leeming have it down from $600 to $400.

itxtme

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#411503 1-Dec-2010 09:33

scuwp:
graemeh: I've got an IDEOS U8150. I like it, it's like a real phone, it just works (mostly).

The only problems I have are
* Occasionally it won't switch to mobile data when leaving wifi coverage. This seems to be a common android fault (I'm testing a workaround for this at the moment)
* Screen is small. She really has to see it and try using it to know if this will be a problem. I don't find it a problem but my wife does.

So on the whole, no worse than most Nokias for software bugs, in fact possibly better, I haven't had it crash or spontaneously reboot yet.

Cheers. Looks like a toss-up between the IDEOS and Samsung Galaxy 580, which I can pick up for around the same price at the moment.

Dont forget the new LG Optimus One Android 2.2 meant to be released in NZ today. Running the latest Android 2.2, RRP 599 but I think it is worth the stretch!! http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=97&topicid=72389

graemeh

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#411514 1-Dec-2010 10:04

itxtme: Dont forget the new LG Optimus One Android 2.2 meant to be released in NZ today. Running the latest Android 2.2, RRP 599 but I think it is worth the stretch!! http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=97&topicid=72389

I might have to cruise by the 2 Degrees shop and see what it's like. I see the IDEOS is now $299 so the LG phone will probably be $399 in a month!

timmyh

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#411522 1-Dec-2010 10:22

Hold on till you've had a chance to consider the Optimus One P500!!!!