Choosing a Phone - So Many Options!

[Serpentine]

So I've almost pretty much decided to get myself a proper new phone and an international sim card to go with it for my trip overseas. Trouble is, I'm terrible at making decisions, and when I do I'm always second-guessing myself. So, I'm hoping for some help, pretty please.

My requirements are thusly:
- Preferably under $300
- Easy access to the internet, social networking, etc., preferably for reasonably cheap.
- Easy, preferably free/cheap (outside of one-off payments e.g. for an app), access to maps, geographical information, etc.
- Usable all over the world, or at least all the places I'm likely to go, without obscene charges and fees.
-Hardiness.
- Phone calls, texting, etc.

I've been looking seriously at the Nokia N900 (http://www.cnet.com.au/nokia-n900-339298197.htm), which I can buy unlocked on eBay for less than $300, and the National Geographic Travel Simcard (http://www.cellularabroad.com/cellAbroadSIMcard.php). But I have no idea whether these are my best options, and I'd really appreciate any advice anyone can give me on the matter.

However... Please, if you think it's not the one I should get, please point me in the direction of one you do think I should. Merely telling me it's a bad choice just makes me feel bad about my decision, it doesn't help me make a better one.

Help me Playground, you're my only hope :smallfrown:

[The Succubus]

I have a Blackberry Pearl sitting around at home doing nothing, you can take it when you're in the UK. :smallsmile:

In terms of which phone - the term you're looking for when shopping is "quad-band". Each country's mobile network operates on a specific set of frequencies. A quad-band phone is usable pretty much everywhere.

The N900 *is* quad-band, at least as far as I know and Nokias generally have a good reputation for build quality. I've used a phone with a rubberised keyboard before - not sure how much punishment that will take.

The Carl Zeiss camera built in to it will be useful when snapping piccies of your travels. I've had a Nokia with a CZ lens in it in the past and the quality was really good.

In regards to the cost of using the interwebs abroad, in a nutshell: don't. Roaming fees will be astronomical and you'll burn through credit in seconds. The N900 has Wi-fi built in to it - use that to access the interwebs, rather using the phone to make data calls.

I used to write about this sort of stuff in the dim and distant past for a well known mobile phone website and for a magazine at one point, so if you have any further questions, give me a tickle.

[Serpentine]

Roaming fees will be astronomical and you'll burn through credit in seconds.Thus the international sim card - no roaming.
The N900 has Wi-fi built in to it - use that to access the interwebs, rather using the phone to make data calls.That's a good point, though.

What's a Blackberry Pearl?

[The Succubus]

Thus the international sim card - no roaming.That's a good point, though.

What's a Blackberry Pearl?

Aha, scratch the bit about the pearl, I've just remembered it doesn't have Wifi and therefore won't be much use to you. It's a messaging phone that business executives and medical professions with too much money to spare *cough* go out and buy. >.>

Tis good for messaging and facebook but useless for much else.

Looking at that sim card, the rates look fairly reasonable but be really careful. One of them (Australia, perversely) has a data rate of $33 per Mb. Flicking through the forums can can easily clock up a Mb in a matter of a few clicks, especially if its image heavy.

My advice would be use wi-fi when you want to browse the interwebs or Facebook (and this goes double if you want to upload a piccie - most camera phone piccies are easily 1 Mb upwards, depending on quality). If you want to send an email in an emergency, then feel free to do that without wifi.

EDIT: Found another expensive one - data calls in Brazil (when you're visiting SMEE) are $29.20 per Mb.

[Serpentine]

Is there a specific way you switch between data usage and wireless?

No more opinions on the subject? I'm surprised at you, Playground!

[The Succubus]

Usually, activating Wi-fi on a phone will deactivate the 3G/GPRS function on it (the bit the phone uses to send data via telecoms).

One thing you do need to be careful of is that the phone isn't sending and transmitting data without your say so. I know my Android phone is keen on doing this sometimes (although that said, the amount sent/received generally tends to be small). I don't really know enough about Maemo (the operating system the N900 uses) but provided you aren't going crazy with third party apps (e.g. applications that do not come installed on the phone when you take it out of the box) it should be alright. I could read up on it and get back to you if you wish.

[Rawhide]

For your usage requirements, I would suggest either an iPhone or an Android based phone. I would personally lean towards an iPhone, but that is out of your listed price range.

I would not suggest looking at any other type of phone.

---

In order to use the phone in all of the different locations, you will need a quad band phone. Quad band phones can use four different "bands" (frequency ranges) and will generally be able to be used in Australia, Europe, and the US without much of a hassle. Be forewarned though, even being a quad band phone does not mean it will be compatible in all regions you intend to visit, or with all features you intend to use. I have, for example, seen a quad band phone that only had 2G support in the US, not 3G. This meant that the phone would work for calls and texts as normal, but could only work with a really slow internet connection (i.e. slower than dialup).

[The Succubus]

Having read up a little more on Maemo, I think Rawhide's right about going for an Android or iPhone instead. Maemo, as an operating system, is more complicated than the other 2 and there's not a lot of support for it due to the operating system being discontinued.

I did, however find something that may appeal to madam's tastes:

http://www.expansys.com.au/android-smartphones/

When I was a rich locum, I used these guys a lot for buying phones and what not and their prices are very, very good. You say your budget is around AU$300 for something from eBay? What if I was to point out:

http://www.expansys.com.au/sony-ericsson-xperia-mini-pro-sk17-black-220939/

Has a better keyboard than the N900, still quad band and AU$80 under budget. Camera isn't quite as good as the N900.

For a similar price:

http://www.expansys.com.au/htc-wildfire-s-black-217889/

Has a larger screen, good user interface with plenty of support for social networking stuff like twitter/facebook/etc. No physical keyboard though and only average camera.

[Rawhide]

You're in luck. I just found an in flight magazine with details about several international phone plans. I'll list them here when I get home.

[Excession]

Depends on where you're going, but that National Geographic SIM does not have good data rates. $45.38 / MB in New Zealand is obscene; you'll use a MB or more a day just leaving the email check turned on. You'd need to use wifi only with that card if you're coming here, and NZ doesn't always wifi everywhere. Have you considered just buying a pre-paid SIM card in each country you visit? For NZ at least it'd certainly be cheaper than that National Geographic plan.

I wouldn't bother with anything but iPhone and Android these days, and as you want low price that leaves Android.

As for handset, the Motorola Defy has a reputation for being very hardy. It's actually water and dust resistant which is unusual for smartphones. It may be outside your price range depending on what sort of dollars you're using. On the cheap end of the scale, I just recently bought a Hauwei Ideos X3 for only NZ$269 which I find quite good. It's really thin for a cheap phone so fits in my pocket well, and the web browser etc. all seem to work. It comes with Android 2.3 so you get the latest software. Get a screen protector to avoid scratches, they don't interfere with the UI. I haven't tried dropping it yet though, so no idea how solid it really is.

[The Succubus]

Hmmm, I dunno. I've used a Motorola Droid in the past. The build quality wasn't great, Motorola were very slow to update it and it's now been igmoniously demoted to alarm clock duty only. Can't comment on Huwaei's phones as I've never used one.

[Rawhide]

Hokay.

Listed in order of appearance in the article:
OneSIMcard (http://www.onesimcard.com/)
Telestial (http://www.telestial.com/)'s Passport International SIM
TravelSIM (http://www.travelsim.net.au/)
TruSIM (http://www.truphone.com/en/Business/Products/Tru-SIM/)

[Ichneumon]

Depending on where you live, they sell iPhone 3gs ranging from 0.99 to 99.99, with av contract.

[Serpentine]

I definitely do not want a contract.
I did, however find something that may appeal to madam's tastes:

http://www.expansys.com.au/android-smartphones/

When I was a rich locum, I used these guys a lot for buying phones and what not and their prices are very, very good. You say your budget is around AU$300 for something from eBay? What if I was to point out:

http://www.expansys.com.au/sony-ericsson-xperia-mini-pro-sk17-black-220939/

Has a better keyboard than the N900, still quad band and AU$80 under budget. Camera isn't quite as good as the N900.

For a similar price:

http://www.expansys.com.au/htc-wildfire-s-black-217889/

Has a larger screen, good user interface with plenty of support for social networking stuff like twitter/facebook/etc. No physical keyboard though and only average camera.Thank you! That's exactly the sort of information I was hoping to get! I like the look of that first one. Anyone else who knows what they're talking about care to weigh in on it?

Hokay.

Listed in order of appearance in the article:
OneSIMcard (http://www.onesimcard.com/)
Telestial (http://www.telestial.com/)'s Passport International SIM
TravelSIM (http://www.travelsim.net.au/)
TruSIM (http://www.truphone.com/en/Business/Products/Tru-SIM/)That's more like it, thank you. Any thoughts on the relative quality and value of them?

[The Succubus]

I'll do my best:

OneSimCard - Doesn't mention data rates anywhere. I take this to mean that their data rates are through the roof.

Passport International - Good data rates in most European countries, very steep outside of Europe though.

TravelSim - Very cheap data again in most European countries (might be slightly cheaper than Passport, depends on exchange rates). No mention of data costs outside of Europe, regard with suspicision.

TruSim - Extremely cheap data - cheapest of the group. Again, Europe only, no mention of rates outside Europe. Looks complicated to set up.



As far as I can, with the exception of the TruSim, the data rates are on a par with each other, meaning that 1Mb's worth of data will cost you $1 or AUD$1 in EU countries. For ones just outside the EU, like Poland, the data rate increases dramatically, or anywhere else in the world.

I'l just re-iterate what I said above - even on a simple forum like this one, it is incredibly easy to burn through a Mb's worth of data, just with one or two picture links. Something like a blog on Wordpress would be a good way to keep people updated as to your travels without needing quite so much data but use Wifi if you can, data as a last resort.

If you want any more info on the phones I linked or if you happen to see another one on there that tickles your fancy, just let me know. :smallsmile:

[Serpentine]

I do only intend to use data in emergencies, so although it's good to know it's probably more the other stuff I'm worried about.

[The Succubus]

Because comparitive shopping is fun, here's another smartphone website I sometimes buy from, although not as often as Expansys:

http://www.clove.co.uk/smartphones

They do offer international shipping but their prices are in UK £, so a little number crunching may be necessary.

Would it be possible to see your itenary? It'd make it easier to compare voice and data rates for each of the sim cards. Could even put together a Google Docs spreadsheet....

[Serpentine]

In order of likelihood:
Indonesia
United Kingdom
Europe
USA
Canadia
Brazil, Bolivia, Mexico

[The Succubus]

You owe me for this....:smalltongue::

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0Ai-xAUsThH0kdDZPN2NUZlJPM3RWaFBPNjBCQ1QtYnc

Bar chart is on the sheet labelled Chart1.

As far as I've worked out, this is the rate per minute in US$ *NOT* UK£ - stupid google - for you to call a person in their own country - e.g - you visit a person in Sweden, that's the cost for you to call them in Sweden and for you to receive calls.

[Trixie]

As far as I can, with the exception of the TruSim, the data rates are on a par with each other, meaning that 1Mb's worth of data will cost you $1 or AUD$1 in EU countries. For ones just outside the EU, like Poland, the data rate increases dramatically, or anywhere else in the world.

Since when Poland is outside EU? :smallconfused:

[sennieL]

I love iPhone because of its countless app that you can have. For example, is the shutterbug in you fed up with just having the one view your iPhone allows you for photographs? Wouldn't it be good to change it up sometimes? How about a close-up from next door? Go broader to consist of the mountains in the shadows? Or maybe you need to see what your friends would look like if you had fish eyes. Photojojo's new iPhone Lens Dial offers you all those options. And it all comes in one system that needs no attachment. Read more here: http://www.appisaurus.com/990-lens-dial-iphone/. I really find this phone super cool.

[Serpentine]

Not sure if actual post
http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/entries/icons/square/000/006/026/futuramafry.jpg
Or weirdly relevant spam.

[The Succubus]

Since when Poland is outside EU? :smallconfused:

Hey don't blame me, I'm not the one who set the phone tariffs. Some companies have a weird idea of what's Europe and what isn't. I hope the chart was useful at least.

[Serpentine]

Alright, I'm gonna see if any local stores sell those phones Succubus linked to.
What I really need is for someone to say "buy this SIM card right now, you won't regret it" :/

[DeadManSleeping]

I am resisting writing a phone-centered cover of the "Find a Pet" song so hard that I might rupture something.

[Serpentine]

Sadly, none of my local stores seem to sell those two phones Succubus recommended unlocked. However, one place suggested the Huawei Sonic Android v. 2.3 (http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/review/mobile_phones/huawei/sonic/395590), available unlocked. Thoughts? I'm likely to just buy one of the other two (probably the Xperia, I reckon) online, really.
Still need someone to pick a SIM card for me :/ I knooooow, I'm pathetic! >.<

[The Succubus]

Hmm, I'd be a little dubious about that phone. Although Huwaei aren't sold by brand in the UK, a lot of phone carriers like Orange and Vodafone often sell Huwaei under their own brands for a similar price. They tend to be very poor quality - if I were in your place, I'd spend a little more and get a better quality one, just for the reassurance.

SIMs - Looking at the chart I did above, the TruSim has the best rates of all the ones you linked. The rates seem unusually good though, so I can't help wondering if I've overlooked a horrible catch somewhere in the process.

I would probably say that the OneSim has the best rates and no easily identifiable catches.*




* By following this advice, you hereby agree not to mutilate me in any way shape or form when you visit the UK in February if said advice does not prove beneficial.

[Serpentine]

Heh. You're gonna be one of the first people I see there, too :smallamused:

Anyone wanna second that motion? And confirm my (almost-completed) decision to buy the Xperia phone online?

[Serpentine]

Alright, I've bought the phone! And the SIM card, if I can just get through the gorram verification process...

It's all on you Succubus. I'm blaming you if they suck :smalltongue:

[Serpentine]

My new phone's arrived! :biggrin: It looks pretty snazzy!
But unfortunately, I can't import my contacts and calendar and everything from my old simcard, and also it doesn't appear to be stored on my old phone, so I dunno what's up with that but it means I'll have to wait for my new simcard to arrive before I can actually use it :/