[Bruvva]

I'm upgrading mine at lunchtime, someone tell me which one to get as I really can't make up my mind.

I'm torn between getting a funky one with bells and whistles or one that's a bit crap but comes with a nintendo wii....

[Andy B]

Get a crap one that comes with a Wii. Even crap ones can do a lot of things these days. Or You could always get an iPhone?

*ducks and covers*

[Yudster]

My upgrade is due today too! And I am getting the one that comes with a Wii - but I'm not getting the Wii.

[Andy B]

Get the Wii and give it to me.

It'd make me really happy.

I'd even make you a cup of tea!

[Yudster]

The deal where it comes with the Wii doesn't apply to me unfortunately. I don't think.

[MK Chris]

I love my Samsung Omnia, which is the Samsung that comes with Windows Mobile. It's better with certain applications (such as some of the Spb Windows Mobile products, MemMaid, Resco finger touch friendly keyboard and Advanced Configuration Tool, not all of which are free (but you can 'find' them quite easily). It is a bit harsh on battery, but then it runs Windows Mobile. You can cut down the battery usage with some of those applications.

Also, the Samsung Tocco is supposed to be quite good (no Windows on that one.)

I've been loyal to Sony Ericsson for years, but I was attracted to the Omnia.

[MK Chris]

Bloody hell, so many links... it almost looks like a spambot post.

[Bruvva]

Yeah, the omnia's purdy but I want one that'll be free on my current contract so that rules that one out. I'll probably be able to get it for my work mobile in March though.

[SpaceBoy]

There is no such thing as Freebies when it comes to purchasing a phone, sorry to burst anyones bubble but it is true. I have done many price comparisons and 9 times out of 10 you are paying more for the total package than it would be to either change networks, or package type with your current networks and buy the Wii or PS3 or LCD TV somewhere else.

If you look back over your last 6 months worth of bills and total up the amount of calls made in mins then divide it by 6 then that will give you your monthly average and unless your circumstances are going to change massively in the next 12-18 months it should be a good indication as to what tariff you need.

Sometimes it is nice to have all the bells and whistles on your phone but 80% of people use 20% of there phones features. So you need to ask is it more important to have the features and pay more in the long run or pay less and get a less tech phone which will do the same job? One bit of advice is to shop around and do not feel pressured into anything, if one network/retailer is offering a freebie then deduct the RRP of the freebie and then check to see if the offer is as sweet. There is lots of tariffs and phones out there and it can be a very confusing task upgrade but if you go in without thinking about it then you could end up essentially signing up to pay a lot more than you intended to just to get something which you may not use fully.

If you are upgrading most networks do not offer a 14 day cooling off period, so if you do upgrade and then find the deal is not as good the following day as you thought you may find it very difficult to exchange the phone or change your tariff. Also if you are with a network which is not giving you the deal you want then you can easily change networks, simply ask your current network for your PAC code and then you can keep your number when changing networks but also doing this is a great way to find out what "Retention" deals you can get, which sometimes are better than the networks own "Staff deals"! There is the other option of keeping your handset and changing your tariff through something like Simplicity from O2 if you keep your current handset you can half your current monthly payment because you are not taking out a phone. Most of the networks are offering poor deals in the run up to christmas and so by the time jan/feb comes around they will have new phones and new better deals. The networks use christmas to almost zero there stock holding to then make space for new product lines ready for the spring summer. So if you can hang on it may be worth doing, also with winter weather you could water damage a new phone so if you are in a outdoor style job again it may be worth delaying your upgrade until spring. If you have insurance on your phone then this is not as much of a issue.

The sales advisors in the phone stores are knowledgeable and in my experience if you speak to them and use them they can be a great deciding tool. but make sure they are asking at least 8-10 questions about what your needs are. If they are not asking the questions how will they know what is best for you? If they do not ask the questions then you could be getting what the advisor wants to sell and not what you want.

I hope it works out for you and whatever choice you make!

[MK Chris]

Did anyone else read all that?

Thought not.

[Johnny Karate]

Quite a long post there from a fellow Northumbrian, I feel inadequate.

[MK Chris]

Succinct is the key.

[SpaceBoy]

If you don't want my advice then fine! However if you did read through my advice then you would find there are some good points which could save you £££, and in this economy any cost saving advice I think is a good thing. I have been in the telecommunication business for over 4 years and have seen many people ripped off by deals they do not need! So if I can help guide people to get a better deal and to save money then great I have done my job. It is always better to be more informed and be prepared than not and be ripped off!

[Johnny Karate]

it's no use, I've lost it again... think I'm just lazy. Could you bullet point?

[Yudster]

Did anyone else read all that?

Thought not.

All what?

[foot-loose]

I think I'm right in saying Spaceboy works for a phone shop. While he may have written a lot, it is likely it is more factual than other posts.

[Yudster]

Doesn't mean it isn't dull as *.

[Johnny Karate]

Now that's succinct.

[foot-loose]

Doesn't mean it isn't dull as *.

The guy obviously spent a fair bit of time and effort writing it though, trying to answer the original question. If you're not interested in reading it, don't! (I didn't)

[Yudster]

Neither did I - for reasons previously stated.

[MK Chris]

So basically I was right?

[Yudster]

Well THAT can't be right.

[English Bob]

I've never cared much about having the latest and best mobile phone. In fact, the one I use at the moment belonged to my sister until she upgraded!

As long as it can send/recieve calls and text messages then I'm not really fussed what the phones like.

[Kaiser Chef]

I want this

http://www.play.com/Mobiles/Mobile/4-/5 ... duct.html#

Nokia 6600 slide but I cant justify paying £200 for it. I cant get it cheaper because I want to stay with Orange and they arent carrying that phone.

At the moment Ive got

http://www.puestoweb.com/images/nokia_6101.jpg

[Johnny 1989]

Either a Sony Ericsson, Samsung or Nokia are the best,

Sony Ericsson's are my favourites but don't get any with a joystick, they always break after 6 months (my current k800i suffers from random joystick response, double entendre not intended). Samsung's are good also but if you don't like slide phones then don't bother. Nokia's are know for been good phones, however alot of them look like a cheap Tomy toy at the moment. Don't get a Motorola, confusing as hell plus they limit (or did) the amount of time you can have bluetooth switched on (60 seconds, if you don't connect with anyone it switches off). Never had an LG phone but alot are touch screen (which I dislike as the technology is still hit & miss) & Siemens no longer exist (neither does the Ben-Q Siemens hybrid in the UK either) can't speak for the rest though.

Ignoring my rambling in that paragraph, go for a Sony Ericsson