[jaykay]

Originally Posted by coolgirl

Thanks for all the info!!!

Max, I discovered that as well - crappy phones tied to lines. So I'd rather buy my own phone.

Questions:

1. Which is a good phone within HKD 2K range? Im thinking Motorola v3, nokia (clamshell version) or sony ericsson 530i/610i, etc.

I have absolutely no clue with phones! Don't know which one is big value for money. I don't need 3 G, just want one with a good screen and good quality camera (2MP at least)

Coolgirl,

There are a few quality phones within your price range:

Motorola - V3i - looks a bit dated now and only a 1.2mp camera. There is the V3x 3G model which does have a 2mp camera and just slides into your price range. But beware if you haven't used motorola before. Build quality ain't that great, they are prone to geting scratched just by being stared at in the wrong way. If you text a lot you will hate the text capability and useless dictionaries.

Nokia - 6131 is the clamshell I'm sure you are talking about. Again only a 1.3mp camera but the rest of the phone is simple Nokia. Which means it works and works well. One of the most boirng phones in the world to look at though. If you go contract you should be able to look at the Nokia 6280 which has 2mp camera of not bad quality. A slide phone which is straight forward to use. A bit on the plastic side and variable reports of reliability though.

Sony Ericsson - the 550i is a clamshell again which is a pretty basic phone with 1.3mp camera. Not bad looking though and easy to use, but no real features to write home about. The 610i has a 2mp camera and a very good display. Very light and available in 3 official (4 unoffficial) colours, red, grey, white, black. Plenty of features and easy to use but is what they call candy bar style.

So your choice of phones with a 2mp camera are the Motorola V3x, the Nokia 6280 and the SE 610i. My personal choice would be the 610i. Then I would take a 6280 over a V3x. But take a look at them all and see what you feel comfortable with. Do you want a clamshell, slide, etc. You're spoilt for choice!

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by freeier

ok an add on question, which is a good 3G phone to purchase now ? just the standard basic functions, nothing funky, reliable, and cheap.

no i don't need 3G, but that's the only thing that works in Japan with the GSM network.

freeier,

The three phones I mentioned above are all 3G capable.

[applefan]

Another add-on question: If I have a 3G phone and a 2G sim, can I still make calls in Japan?

Freeier: I recently bought SE m600i...a bit pricey but i LOVE the design. I hate clamshells. However, even though it uses Symbian OS, it's quite a bit slower than my Treo 650. Like you, the only reason why I got a 3G phone is to be able to use it in Japan.

[freeier]

i think so. the usage of 2g card in 3g phones in japan. my colleague uses it.

jaykay thanks.

[discobay]

Originally Posted by applefan

Another add-on question: If I have a 3G phone and a 2G sim, can I still make calls in Japan?

I really don't think so. The two GSM frequencies (900/1800MHz) that we refer to as 2G do not exist there.

...However, even though it uses Symbian OS, it's quite a bit slower than my Treo 650.

Are you still using the Treo 650? I fancy getting one.

[applefan]

Originally Posted by discobay

I really don't think so. The two GSM frequencies (900/1800MHz) that we refer to as 2G do not exist there.

Are you still using the Treo 650? I fancy getting one.

I'm going to Japan at the end of the month and will test out whether 2G sims will work on 3G phones and will report back.

I'm not using my Treo day-to-day as I like the design of the SE m600i but it's probably a matter of days before I switch back. I didn't even migrate my address book as I use a Mac and haven't figured out how to transfer all my contacts to the SE phone (SE phones don't support Macs). The Treo software is really way superior but I wish it's a bit thinner...

[kristof]

Applefan, you should google and download a software named onsync for mac, which is compatible with more phones than the Mac Isync application, and gives you more control on the synchronisation etc.
There are also a lot of "freelance" made drivers for uncompatible Mobile phones on line

[coolgirl]

jaykay,

thanks for your insightful info! I text a lot (my country texts the most in the world) so motorola is then a negative.

I just saw the Nokia 6131 - quite spartan, you're right. And it's already around HKD 2400.

the 610i is Samsung? I'd rather buy Nokia or Sony Ericsson. Hmmm, too many choices, too little budget!

[jaykay]

Coolgirl,

The 610i is Sony Ericsson. If you're going to text a lot it has to be either Nokia or Sony Ericsson!

All of these phones you can find for less than $2000 on contract from most of the providers or from one of the better independant stores in Mongkok.

[jaykay]

Originally Posted by freeier

i think so. the usage of 2g card in 3g phones in japan. my colleague uses it.

jaykay thanks.

Some 2G SIM cards will work with 3G phones in Japan and some wont. Japan is notorious for roamings costs though so don't use the phone too often!