I'm pretty much in the dark ages with my current phone, and I'm starting to have a yen for something Smart, that I can go online with. Thinking about Christmas presents... I use a laptop with mobile broadband at home, which is fine. I'm thinking of being able to access forums, tweet, or google while out of the house.
Two strands to my question. Any especial recommendations of actual brand/model? I'd like it to be as robust as possible. I actually use my phone relatively little to actually make and receive calls, do a bit more in the way of texting. It doesn't want to be too big, as I want to carry it in trouser pockets most of the time. Doesn't have to have a mega mega good camera, most seem to be a huge step up from my current one anyway.
Secondly, contract, or PAYG? I'm currently on PAYG, which suits me as I use so little credit (probably less than £10 a month). I wouldn't want to commit to a contract at too much over £10 a month if it were possible. Will PAYG give me enough data? I don't need hundreds of free minutes or thousands of free texts, because I don't use that much.
One other reason for thinking about PAYG is that I could ask for money for Xmas and buy the phone, whereas going onto a contract it's harder to get that as a present, since it's ongoing and the phone is often free or very cheap.
There's just so much out there!
You'll find as many opinions as there are phones on this subject! Comments I would make are these
Yes they are more fragile but this is essentially mini computer in your pocket. It is likely to be a bit fragile and given the cost I make an effort to look after mine! Saying that I live an active, outdoor life at work and home. Dropped the phone many times without a problem
Ease of use? Simple and works all the time go for an iPhone while accepting what some see as limitations. Personally I have no knowledge of the extras an android can provide. For more flexibility but some complexity get Android.
I'm not an Apple worshipper but find it very difficult to fault the iPhone. I have no technical knowledge but have yet to find anything I cannot achieve with an iPhone and all without any problems. Phone, email (6 different accounts), web access, Facebook, twitter, GPS, maps, music, TV via iPlayer etc, live BBC radio, newspaper, podcasts, synchronise phone and laptop, games, calendar, contacts, sat nav, camera, photo storage, remote access to my office PC, provides laptop web access,
eBay, YouTube, live traffic, trains etc. are all very simple to use. I've no doubt an android does the same.
The only thing which doesn't work is occasionally some news clips on BBC. I believe this is to do with iPhone not running Java? However as the beeb increasingly uses iPlayer for news clips this has almost disappeared.
Battery life is fine with one charge at night covering all business and personal use. I don't understand though why Garmin has a battery which lasts 15 hours or more running GPS and smart phones only manage about 3!!
Your smart phone will also be able to replace your dongle by giving the laptop Internet access. Keep this in mind when calculating your data needs.
My wife has an iPhone - its the only piece of technology from the TV remote upwards which she has never complained about. Everything, literally everything, else frustrates her in one way or another.
I like things which work easily in my hands, I don't have the knowledge or the time and inclination to learn how they work. For me this is the huge success of Apple and Microsoft - incredible technology packaged in a simple user friendly almost idiot proof manner. I realise those with greater technical ability have a different view based on greater knowledge but many of us, especially those who have not grown up with technology, need these user friendly packages.
PS add Kindle to the "no wifely moans" list. Kindle and iPhone brilliant simple kit.