[grandcider]

I lost my handset overseas, so now I need a new one quickly. Is there any great advantage to forking extra for a 3G model and switching to a 3G plan? Realistically, I don't think I'll be making any video calls, downloading video clips or playing games. The only feature I think would be kind of neat is push email (I notice some 3G handsets list this feature), but I receive a lot of spam and don't want to be paying steep sums to download it all. Is it possible to have an instant messaging session (say on the MSN Messenger network) over 3G or is wifi needed?

Are there any good offers around at the moment? I'm currently with Smartone-Vodafone. Will there be a long delay in reactivating my number if I switch to a new operator now?

Many thanks!

[hk.com]

From what I gather the best deal for email is to get Peoples unlimited transfer HK$128 GPRS plan (2.5G).

Blackberry, have managed to convince everyone that push-email is what you want.

Any decent IMAP client can receive NEW notifications faster than a Blackberry can receive your email. You can selectively download what you want, when you want.

And guess what you, also retain centralized email storage, bye-bye Synchronizing or having to delete email from your handheld.

[KnowItAll]

>> Will there be a long delay in reactivating my number if I switch to a new operator now?

Three days from what I gather as long as you're free of any contracts.

[MrMoo]

3G works in Japan, GSM doesn't, obviously that depends if you travel to Japan or not.

The downside is the service quality might not be as good, but that depends where you live, work, and travel.

[jaetee]

Who is the best 3G provider in HK - is it CSL or PCCW? or maybe Smartone?

thanks.

[cendrillon]

The other benefit is that through a long chain of events, subscribing to 3G helps pay my salary

Although I don't know if that's going to sway your decision