[def]

Hi guys, looking for some thoughts and suggestions please.

I have an old Nokia E65 on 3 that went out of contract period ages ago. I've hung onto it though because it does pretty much everything I need to. Mainly I make and receive calls, send a few texts, download email to my phone and use it as a modem with my laptop. I don't really browse the web (but probably would on a more modern, faster phone) and I definitely don't take photos and listen to music on it.

The E65 is old now and slow and I think it's time for a swap, so I'm interested in recommendations. I've been looking at the HTC Hero and, of course, the iPhone, but I'm really not sure (especially considering the price of the iPhone). I'll happily buy sim free if I can't get the phone on 3 through an upgrade.

So basically I need a phone that makes and receives calls, text messages, downloads/sends email, **can be used as a modem via USB**, and can browse the web. Some of the iPhone apps I've seen are very cool (like the train schedule thing), and I really like the touch screen stuff you get with the iPhone and Hero. I'm concerned about the startup time of some of these phones (someone told me the G1 Android takes 2+mins!).

Before you recommend a Blackberry, here's the other thing. I already have one of these for work, so yes - I do carry 2 phones around with me. I have one of the BB pearls, and it's fine. Does the email job perfectly but the reception/signal quality/other features are non-existent, and I don't want 2 blackberries.

All recommendations gratefully received. Thanks!

[ukbootlegs]

I only thought the iPhone was a bit of a gimmick until I used one.

I had to buy one straight away. I mainly use it for phone, text, email, very small amount of browsing and for watching videos on when I am in the gym

I couldn't do without it now. I used to swear by Sony phones until I got this.

[yant]

For upgrade through 3, look here:
Upgrade Login

You might be able to get a better deal by phoning cancellation, asking for your PAC code and waiting (hoping?) for them to phone you with an offer you can't refuse.

[def]

Thanks guys.

yant - 3 have a really poor range of phones, so I'm looking for even sim-free recommendations rather than necessarily an upgrade locked to 3

Any more suggestions? There must be some other decent phones other than an iphone and a hero.

[yant]

Originally Posted by def

Thanks guys.

yant - 3 have a really poor range of phones, so I'm looking for even sim-free recommendations rather than necessarily an upgrade locked to 3

Any more suggestions? There must be some other decent phones other than an iphone and a hero.

Agree. 3 choice of phone is rather limited. But they still have a few decent enough phone. It depends on what is your contract situation. I am a bit in a similar situation myself. I have a £20 lifetime loyalty discount with 3. £10/month for 750min/250text. (can add 1Gb data for £5). I need/want a new phone but I am not keen on loosing this contract. So that's either get one of the 3 phones on upgrade or get a 3 upgrade, sell it on ebay for funds and buy something sim-free elsewhere.

[NicolasB]

Originally Posted by def

There must be some other decent phones other than an iphone and a hero.

Check out the HTC Touch Diamond 2 and Touch Pro 2, and the Samsung i8910 HD.

The Samsung Omnia II hasn't quite made it to this country, yet, but is looking promising.

Ones to avoid: Toshiba TG01, Acer M900, Nokia N97.

[def]

Thanks, I'll take a look at those too.