[jaykay]

E61 has been available for a while in the Mongkok stores and is now available certainly with CSL. That and new SE M600 will definitely grab a good slice of the BB market. Hopefully the E61 wont be as buggy and prone to total failure as the Nokia N series phones rushed out this year.

[jayinhongkong]

Originally Posted by KnowItAll

Jay -- "strange things start happening", "reset the device" and "GPRS stops working" is what I'd call crashing.

OK, you're right. It does crash, as much as I hate to admit it..heh

[darehk]

From my experience, SmarTone-Vodafone is the only choice. they have the best network coverage and the most helpful staff at the stores.

[jaykay]

I'm running my own little 3G trial at the moment using CSL, Vodafone and 3. Just to see who does have the best coverage. Surprisingly at the moment 3 are edging ahead despite me being sure they would be last. Seems the investement in networks is paying off. Early days yet though. To make the trial fair I am changing the sim cards from phone to phone as well just to make sure there is no advantage due to handset - some are better than others. I will post my findings in a few months, all the vendors are bashing the 3G door at the moment and things can change very quickly.

So the advice so far is go with the deal you feel comfortable with. So far there seems to be very little between them in terms of coverage and content. Lets see what happens when I'm in some of the more obscure parts of the New Territories over the next few weeks.

[discobay]

So you have three 3G sim cards?

[jaykay]

I do indeed, and am using 3 different phones as well to test them. A SE K800i which I have been reviewing anyway, a Nokia N80 and a Motorola V3x. So should be enough to give me a balanced view on the capabilities and coverage. Problem is that I will have to give them all back when I'm finished and I am growing rather attached to the SE K800!!

[discobay]

You lucky person. Tell me, do any of the networks offer unlimited data usage?

[jaetee]

Thanks for all the replies.
Jaykay - which 3G phone and blackberry do you recommend? I am leaning towards Smartone, but have heard the blackberry isnt that great in terms of reception (plus a bit bulky to keep in the pocket).

thanks again.

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by discobay

You lucky person. Tell me, do any of the networks offer unlimited data usage?

Not that I'm aware for 3G. I think they are al trying to recoup their investment in the technology.

[KnowItAll]

Which will delay 4, 5 and 6G...