Which cellular provider has the best 3G service in HK, or are they all the same? Any recs for which phones work the best, in terms of reception, battery life, email features, etc.?
Finally, if I need to access email and be able to download/upload when travelling, is a blackberry best or is it worth it to get a pocket pc?
I don't personally use 3G. Let me tell you why. It's expensive, service is spotty, and WiFi is faster. Hong Kong is full of WiFi hotspots. I use a O2 XDA Exec (3G capable, and with 2 cameras). I have unlimited GPRS and PCCW WiFi on Sunday. I can get my e-mail virtually anywhere with that combo. my PCCW package also allows me to use their partner's hotspots in foreign countries. I was checking my Gmail on the tram earlier tonight.
The 3G blackberry is the best if you need to get access in korea and japan. But voice quality on the blackberry is not that good.
I am waiting for the Nokia e61.
Also i have tried the PCCW 3G, the phone is really not worth using even when it is free.
I am using Smartone's 3G service because that's the only way I could get the $1000 knocked off my Nokia 6280's price tag. I am currently under the 15 months contract of the $128/month plan along with the $30 obligatory tap-on fee for the connection tone thing.
I've been using it for the last 2 months or so and I'll have to say that it's been a much more pleasant experience than I expected. I don't venture out to all corners of HK daily but reception is generally excellent around HK island. The only times I have dropped calls are when I went into the elevators.
I have used the phone to go online to check emails and such. It's been convenient and the speed "feels like" a 128kbps ISDN modem. It's not fast but definitely tolerable. Although I have mostly used it to access overseas websites so I am not sure how much that changes things.
That's about all I can tell you since I don't do video conference or send multimedia messages.
Thanks for the comments. I will need the 3G because I will be travelling to Japan and Korea - I am trying to figure out if I have to carry a phone, blackberry and laptop, or if I can get away with just a phone and pocket PC if the technology on the pocket PC can be comparable email-wise to a laptop.
One thing about Windows based Pocket /mobile PC phones has been -- I keep hearing way too many stories about the device crashing / locking up. Be careful and do your research ...
One important thing on a Pocket PC is that you never want the battery to get down too low; strange things start happening. I'm using Windows Mobile 5.0 and I have to reset the device once every 3-4 days. The GPRS connection stops working after 3-4 days of being on continuously. I've never had it crash, but if your battery gets too low, you'll find you won't be able to save to your SD card. I should get myself a second battery.
The 3G blackberry is the best if you need to get access in korea and japan. But voice quality on the blackberry is not that good.
I am waiting for the Nokia e61.
