My contract with 02 is up in november, at the min i get 400 mins and 1000 text per mth, thay have offered free calls to other 02 phones as well + new phone samsung, as i have samsung at the min for £30 per mth, is this a good deal or better about

Is that 12 or 18 month? And which phone, the Omnia?

Some deals on Dialaphone

Not the very best deal around, but not a bad one. Most seem to be 18months now, but if that's a 12 month deal then is is better.

If it's the I900 Optima, then yes, that is a good deal as the handset alone is worth several hundred. Runs Windows and is more of a PDA than a phone. I want one!

Handset for £430 on the bay

I dont know what phone, he just said samsung this, samsung that, 18mths contract, he said i dont have to have samsung, just that he knows thats what i had last time, was just looking for more min + text for my money really, i see all the deals in the back of the papers, are these any good ? and some of the one's you sent link to are saying cashback, really, free gifts, playstation etc, yes or no to this ?

The last time i just went to the o2 shop some yrs ago now, then just update over the phone.

Yeah the stuff in the link does work, the only annoying part is you have to keep sending them bills every few months to make sure you get the cashback.

My brother's just got the deal at the top of that page, the one on Orange, 9 months half price and he seems pretty happy so far.

Btw, have you been called by the outbound team or did you call them yourself?

Well i got my bill yesterday, i called them to see how long i had left on contract.

Normally if you wait till your contract is up, then request your PAC, you'll get called by the outbound team who often offer far more than normal customer services.

Better doing it that way to get the best deal

Thanks will do that, by the way whats, PAC my number

From previous experience (I've changed my phone every year since 1996) you get a better deal as a new customer rather than their offers to keep you.

If you like 02 and interested in a fancy phone with internet connectivity - Get an iPhone 3G - Easiest to use and best phone I have ever owned - You can also jailbreak it which allows you to add 3rd party apps for free.I'm paying 45 a month - but I get shed loads of minutes / texts and free internet (unlimited) - I use it constantly and have never had a bill more than 45 - They do other contracts for £30 and £35 I think but check out the O2 site to confirm.
You also get the added functionality of an iPod built in.

It is a little "bulky" compared to some of the other phones - but thats due to its extensive features.

I'm not a fan of Samsung phones - always seemed awkward to use and poor battery life - Gave my last one away before contract finished because I just couldnt use it.

Nope your PAC is your "Port Authorisation Code" - essentially you need to get this number if you want to transfer your phone number to a different network. Makes them think you're going to leave, so they call you and offer you really good deals to keep you

wait till the 10th (i think) and get the SE X1......i shall be doing so

got my phone through onestopphoneshop.co.uk got phone + ps3 free and £80 cashback check the site out they have loads of great deals

is that a mail in rebate between a certain date range with this document and that document and make sure u do this and then do that kinda thing?? i've seen loads of those kinda things but always dubious regarding loopholes etc etc??

If you request your PAC or say you are leaving, they will usually up their game, to keep you as a customer. Worth a try (I've found this works with banks too!)

Never tried any "free PS3" type offers but some look too good to be true. The better offers usually give you a cheaper, lesser, phone handset though, but that may not bother you. Cash back offers are all very good, but you will have to remember to send certain bills away at specific times, it becomes a lot of hassle to get your cashback, and the majority of people end up not claiming any/most of it. Thats why they do it!

That Sony looks good, and runs windows the same as the Samsung. Sony Ericsson X1 is a great name too - SEX1!!!

the trick with phone contracts is very simple, most of the line rental subsidises the cost of the handset (and any freebies),

easiest way to look at it is:

I'm currently paying £20 a month with no handset and I get 400 mins and 1000 txts like the tariff you have mentioned (mine's O2 simplicity),

so the extra £10 a month for 18 months goes to cover the handset, is the handset they are offering worth the £180? just check the price on pay as u go for the same handset

if you are happy with your current handset and the tariff you have, just switch to simplicity and then you won't be tied to it if a better tariff comes up

all the deals with free PS3's etc work the same way, your line rental may be £35 a month for 18 months, but the same tariff alone may be available much cheaper without the freebies

and if you've been with O2 for a while, remind them, they should discount

hehe you guys are gonna be so disappointed with the X1...

Do yourselves a favour and either get an iPhone or save your money.

It will be an expensive mistake.

I know you won't listen, but just don't say I didn't warn you.

Having looked at it online - seems a blatent copy of the iPhone - only it wont be as good - cant see anyone ever actually using the pull out keyboard either.

Not really true, have you never seen anyone using a Blackberry or the iMate with the keyboard? Anyone who actually uses one for work does..........

I have to admit, the iPhone despite being a little useless as an actual tool, is seriously cool which is why I still want one, but it is annoying how everyone seems to have one now as a fashion item........

Once it supports HSDPA I'll probably end up getting one because as a web browser it is fantastic, and the phone features are slowly being improved

umm it does support HSDPA....

Oh didn't know that, ok we're a bit closer now then, there is still the lack of A2DP, but if it becomes free for £35/month, there's a good chance I'll get one

I have a 18 month contract with Orange and for £30 a month I get 600 or 660 mins calls cant remember exactly and unlimited text and free home broad band.
Think that not bad.

Why do you say its useless as a tool?

3G for web browsing using Safari which is fast and intuitive
WiFi
Bluetooth connectivity
iPOD for music (Ive got the 16Gb version)
GPS integrated into google maps (so you dont need to purchase other maps)
Phone
SMS
MMS (via free app)
Email (including Exchange capability with push email)
Loads of free apps and very customisable
Camera (which can record video via a free app)
Direct iTunes access
Direct YouTube access
Accelerometer - which can be used by various apps and or games - Eg. I have an app on mine that acts as a spirit level.
Built in Word, Powerpoint, PDF etc viewers so you can open attachments / files received.
Calendar with synch to Exchange / other email clients
Contacts management (which can also synch with Exchange / email clients)
Stock / Share updates
Weather forecasts - customisable to multiple destinations in the world
Alarm and reminder functionality

Oh....and its continually being updated free of charge .....

I can't remember them off the top of my head, but there are quite a few simple things that I found it bizarre that it couldn't do. Forgive me if I've muddled these up, but I remember it wasn't possible to forward a message, and you couldn't multiple delete emails and there was no "back" which I found very irritating..............

I agree though it is being constantly updated and even the items above may now have been fixed, but the iPhone was clearly designed as a web browser first and a phone second, which is slowly getting sorted.

The iPhone is so cool, but in many ways, my N95 is a far better everyday tool. Plus it has GPS built in (actual GPS rather than A-GPS), I've got Garmin software and it works flawlessly

I always admit that I want one, but they've made it so hard to actually want to buy one...........

hi gord i get 600 min and unlimted texts from voda for £20
and a 6500 slide

I'm waiting for the Sony Ericsson X1 to come out in the next couple of weeks!

Never mind eh.

It's just another Windows mobile dressed up pretty.

Mutton dressed as lamb.

5 minutes with it and you will regret it....

Tony the tyger's back.......

you hate it when people advise towards an 'iphone competitor' don't ya fella??

we'll see shall we. the proof of the pudding, as they say, is in the tasting.

Without question, the sexy SEX1 is a lovely handset and i'm sure SE will not make a hash of it - they are A LOT more renound for making PHONES than Mr Jobbs......

Just watched the demo on the SE website, and the X1 is looking seriously cool! Much better than the preminary stuff that was going around a few months ago.........I really want one now but my contract isn't up till Feb

Only thing I don't like is how large these phones are all getting, for a while they were a really good size (like the HTC touch) but now thanks to the stupid iPhone they're all getting bigger and bigger.............also wish they'd stuck the 5MP camera in rather than the 3.2 but that isn't a huge issue

lol, they're not that big really

the 3.2 MP camera is still damn good and got a good few toys etc. also has a great video camera etc and yes, ur right, they look VERY cool.

when i get one i'll put up a thread about it and a little blog type thing for those interested. Be interesting to hear ur feedback Tyger.....sure it'll be all out praise

a) Of course the demo looks cool. It's a demo.

The proof IS in the pudding.

c) "Pretty" can't hide the crud underneath - Windows Mobile. Don't worry though - you will soon know what OS you are running when the usual Windows issues start plaguing your experience.

d) If you want a camera get a camera. You are falling for the big numbers game these companies are playing. Don't be fooled.

e) I have used an X1 and it is no more or less than I expected. A WM phone. Oh dear.

f) If you choose to buy this phone you basically have not done your research.

g) I say it again. Don't waste your money. It is mutton dressed as lamb.

h) yes absolutley the iPhone is a far better, capable and slicker product.

i) Let's see how many people are queueing up for the X1 on launch day...

j) I couldn't care less if people recommend the X1. No one here will have used one and so it is a hollow recomendation.

j) To quote someone famous - "It's the OS stupid."

k) If you choose to waste your money on a substandard out of date user-experience and fall for undemonstarted hype rather than useful, functional, secure and slick and choose to buy into the terribly declining WM market then that's your choice. It takes all sorts!

I repeat - I have used an X1 (I build mobile networks and get to use the new stuff) and it is just another WM phone. Just like any Alienware PC is just another Windoze box.

Wake up people! A revolution in the mobile industry is passing you by and you are not even noticing it...

The iPhone mobile computing platform will grow and dominate the industry for the forseeable future. It's a 2 horse race, albeit in slightly different markets between RIM and Apple. WM is as good as dead. All I have to do it wait and I will be proved right.

brilliant. quote of the day:

"if you want a camera buy a camera"

to which i will have to reply:

"if you want an ipod buy and ipod. if you want the internet, buy a computer and a 12 month BT subscription"

there will always be 2 sides to an arguement mate, and u seem to hold this moral high ground about an apple product that really isn't that much cop (from my point of view - if u remember, i had one WAYYYY before they were launched over here and binned it about 3 months later....)

I have never said they are ugly, or rubbish, but what i have said is they lack features which, IMO, are required for a phone on the domestic market. People want good camera's on the phone, and video capture functionality. they want to be able to fully customise the phone and add this that and the other with ease. they want to be able to get to the battery/sim etc etc. The iphone looks lovely, so much so i got one, but as i didn't like it ended up with an ipod touch - which is great!!

but unfortunately, times move on and new and dare i say it, better, products hit the market. the consumers will decide how they find it. i will decide how i find it. i don't need you, or anyone else filling my eyes and ears with hear say until i have had a go myself. I've been into mobile phones for as long as i can remember and i know when there is something that appeals to me, so i'll stick to my hunch and see how things go.

i'm very suprised you have managed to have a play on the X1 - any real life pics of it??

You are familiar with the App store?

Video recording apps and just about anything you can name is available there as well as hundreds of fantastic games.

I hope you are using this to download apps to your Touch?

Pics of the X1? You must be joking. They watched my every move with it and come to think of it I shouldn't even have mentioned it!

I hope the X1 is what you are looking for and you are blissfully happy with it. But is is just another WM phone...

PAC is your porting number authorisation code. Means you can port your number across to another network. As thingy said, retentions are best at dishing deals out.

As for the comments about the iPhone. Great bit of kit. Good for music, email, internet and navigation. Hefty price tag mind.

You couldnt get on with an iPhone, but love the ipod touch? what?! Its the same, only one makes phone calls? Im confused?!

One major problem with X1, it runs on Ms software... we all know how thats runs...

Sony Ericsson need to start making handsets that are reliable again...

I think it's a fair point, it's the phone side of things that really lets the iPhone down, as a music player and browser it's very good indeed.

Im still struggling to see how. It receives calls no problems as it does to make calls. It supports all the other network services like call divert, hold, conference etc. Its got one service only the iPhone does, visual voicemail. Now im not saying the phones perfect, its so not, but its Apples second effort. With every software/firmware update its better and better.....how many people with new SE or Nokia Symbian handset users have problems? Im confident in saying at least 99% of users have had issues at some point. Still, everyones entitled to their opinion....doesn't mean i have to agree with it

It runs ok, no?

So which handsets would you recommend over the X1 mate?

guess it's one of those personal preference things

Apologies to Gord as we appear to have hijacked his original post

Its ok Mark, im finding it very intresting, and finding out about phone's or are thay computers/sat nav, etc etc

I haven't personally had a WM phone for a while, the last one was the iMate Jam which is going back some, but I had no problems with that at all. It was before the time of fancy interfaces and stuff, but as a phone and a PDA it worked brilliantly.

My brother has been through a few now, an HTC Touch and now an Omnia, and he seems really happy with it too. In terms of the OS it all works fine and it's not particularly slow either. I'm not sure why everyone makes such a big fuss about Windows products when for some people they work absolutely fine.

And yes the Apple "supports" everything you need to, but doesn't do very simple and basic tasks which would either irritate you severely, or you'd just put it aside and use something else (as Rob has)

It will get fixed in time, but it is very clear when you use an iPhone that they really didn't think through all the things normal phones do, and worked heavily on the browser side of things (which is amazing) and then just made sure the phone could make and receive calls, and then added visual voicemail (also excellent) to make sure it had one marketing tool on the phone side of things.

As the parts they worked on were so good, I have no doubt it will get sorted, I just wish it had already happened when the 3G was launched...........

hey up kaz.

i have the touch purepy as an mp3 player - and its the best out there i'd say. i also have the new samsung mp3 player, but its not quite what i wanted it to be.

i ditched the iphone as it didnt do what i wanted it to do - allbeit some download applications are now available (why not just have the bloody things installed from the off!!!) and i wanted an all in one kinda device. from what ive read and been informed, the X1 will far exceed my needs and have evrything i initially wanted from the iphone. i know the touch is virtually identical, just lacking the phone side - and thats why its hooked up to a sound system in my house at my disposal whenever i want to use it......

the iphone was a great step forward for the phone industry. its made the likes of SE and Nokia (the two giants of the phone industry) wake up and start developing better looking more functional handsets. for me, the SE user interface is very very good! for the novice/amatur phone user. they are great to get on with and very straight forward. they also have more advanced features for those requiring them.

everyones different at the end of the day. i got an iphone because i thought it looked very nice and some of the features were great. but its not until you try somwthing out for yourself that u realise if its what its cracked up to be from a personal level. for me, nope, it didn't work out, but for others it has. Its the same with cars, you ngotta live with something for a while and assess its pros and cons.

@tyger, doesn't suprise me you couldn't get any pics of the X1, they like to keep things below radar pre launch don't they. ah, by the way mate, what phone do you have??

What phone do I have!?

Is this a trick question!?

nope

You will not fall off your chair when I divulge that I have an iPhone!


A 1st generation iPhone. *gasp*

I choose not to have a 3G one because...

a) 3G coverage is generally patchy at the best of times for just about all networks in the areas I frequent.

When I am in a city or a place to chill out and actuallly take advantage of higer data speeds to my phone there is generally WiFi available anyway.

c) I am reasonably happy with the speeds EDGE gives me anyway.

d) The Lex is all Sat Nav'd up and when I am not in the car I generally know where I am (!) so I don't have the need for GPS. The triangulation method using mobie base stations is enough for me.

e) It can do 99% of what the iPhone 3G can. Mostly I am referring to Apps.

f) I value battery life!

g) It's always nice to skip a generation in gadgets so the "cool" factor when you part with your dosh is worthwhile. (And the battery tech will be generally improved)

The iPhone is the most customisable phone I have ever had - Mine is totally unique - looks and behaves unlike any other iPhone - due to the extensive applications and customisation tools available. I chose to add these applications - all free of charge - which means I only get the functionality I want/need.

Why people keep saying it doesnt support basic phone tasks is confusing the hell out of me - My iPhone does everything that any other mobile in the country does in terms of phone functionality - What is it that it cant do?

I dont work for Apple, its the first Apple product I have ever bought (apart from my 1st gen iPhone) and I'm not trying to force it down anyones throat but I think its the dogs.....my opinion only - but I'd strongly recommend to anyone who was looking at getting a new phone - if they needed more than just a phone.

Take yesterday for example - I had a meeting in London.

I was emailed the address which I picked up on my iphone -
The person I was meeting had included their telephone number - this was automatically highlighted in the email by the iPhone - when I clicked it I was presented with the option to call, text or add to my contacts.
I clicked the address and it opened up in google maps to the correct location.
I then used the iPhone GPS/Route to get there.
On the way I had several calls on my bluetooth handsfree.
One call requested I send a document I had to a colleague - I pulled over - connected to my corporate network using VPN , opened my exchange account and forwarded the Word document to him.
Whilst there, I used the wireless network and checked my exchange email account - again over VPN
I was able to take short movies / pictures of the equipment I was being shown - and email them straight to my boss for review.
I was also able to browse the internet and my corporate intranet in order that I could provide information and documents that were required that I had in the office.
I could also remotely connect to my office PC using VPN and VNC software.
When I was 3 miles away from home - my iPhone automatically texted my wife to let her know I was nearly home

All using a single device that fits in my top pocket.

Having looked at the SEX1 - It looks like a complete blatent copy of the iPhone - but with a pull out keyboard. I'm not sure what this is adding - and wouldnt personally use a pull out keyboard myself....the one on the apple screen is perfect for my needs....Not so sure it will be as customisable either...given the OS its running on.

I fancy one of these (if work will pay for it!) Blackberry Storm. I currently have a very old Blackberry.
http://www.storm-reviews.co.uk/blackberry-...m-screen-shots/

Mark: if you think so highly of the iPhone, just wait 'til you try a Mac!!!!

It blows Windows machines out of the water just as the iPhone platform does to other mobiles.

The iPhone is simply a mobile Mac that can make phonecalls.

This selling Macs by stealth to those who have never bought an Apple product is contributing to the huge year over year increase in Mac sales figures.

Buy an iPhone / discover Apple also make computers / try a Mac / SOLD! Another Mac user for life. Genius.


iPhone to Mac is the only way...

As much as im an Apple fan/Heavy user. Neither platforms are perfect.

The iPhone 3G is let down massively by O2s shoddy effort at 3g and just as bad poor EDGE coverage. Its just not up to scratch, no where near as good as Orange or any other networks coverage. The iPhone lacks good bluetooth functionality. Again, a massive let down. For a phone to be classed as a smart that can't sent files via bluetooth, mp3s etc to another phone is just lame, no excuse apple as I know you can do it! Its software is still a little buggy after 2.1 and still lacks voice guided gps and MS office app.

If you're after email retrieval, RIMs Blackberry is still the best solution - FACT.

As ive said, love Mac but im being honest. The Macs still lack large qty of games, games that come out as and when they do on the PC platform. There also alot fiddlier to upgrade hard drive etc to. Other than those points made, there great!

I have pictures of the X1 in a mag I get every week, looks impressive. Lets hope MS mobile can live up to the hype of the handset.