So my contract is up with my current carrier and I need some advice

[AshyPhoenix]

So, I'm debating whether to go with the HTC One V (Android, which is what I've used for years), or the Nokia Lumia 610 (a budget-friendly WP7.8 handset). Since I picked up a portable gaming system, I've found I barely touch my phone anymore, so I'm really just looking for a phone that makes calls, texts, emails and occasionally goes on JUB through the mobile browser.

Now, I've been reading reviews, but I'd like some personal testimonials; for anyone who has a Windows Phone device, chime in. I already know the Android side of things. Thanks!

[blackbeltninja]

^Aren't you often telling us how broke you are? Surely you keep your current handset and switch to a cheap contract.

Unless of course most contracts are cheapish overseas. They certainly are not cheap here in .za.

-d-

[secondmonkey]

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/287?

[bankside]

^Aren't you often telling us how broke you are? Surely you keep your current handset and switch to a cheap contract.

Unless of course most contracts are cheapish overseas. They certainly are not cheap here in .za.

-d-

Contracts in .ca are a ridiculously long 3 years, by which time phones are close to their designed failure point - err…I mean "designed upgrade opportunity," of course.

However, Ashy, if the old one works, especially for those basic core functions, keep it. Have them unlock it.

[M10000]

^Aren't you often telling us how broke you are? Surely you keep your current handset and switch to a cheap contract.

Unless of course most contracts are cheapish overseas. They certainly are not cheap here in .za.

-d-

Things can happen. A person may get money from somewhere. Obviously, they arent required to let everyone know.

[USEDCAR]

I would stick with Android, I been using them for a few years i did had a windows phone for a short period worst phone ever.

[Spiff]

Virgin Mobile. $35/month. No contract. Includes unlimited data and text, 300 anytime minutes which seems plenty for your needs. Or get 1200 minutes for only $10 more. The only catch is you have to buy one of their phones. But their selection has some very good ones and they are reasonably priced. The HTC One V is one that is available in their selection. The HTC Evo V is their only 4G phone available. That's a small catch considering their plan is the best priced one available. And all their phones come with a one-year warranty. VM uses the the Sprint network. This is perfect for those who believe all the other big providers are overpriced and burden people with contracts and confusing bundles.
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-...lans/overview/

[PATMAN]

Virgin Mobile. $35/month. No contract. Includes unlimited data and text, 300 anytime minutes which seems plenty for your needs. Or get 1200 minutes for only $10 more. The only catch is you have to buy one of their phones. But their selection has some very good ones and they are reasonably priced. The HTC One V is one that is available in their selection. The HTC Evo V is their only 4G phone available. That's a small catch considering their plan is the best priced one available. And all their phones come with a one-year warranty. VM uses the the Sprint network. This is perfect for those who believe all the other big providers are overpriced and burden people with contracts and confusing bundles.
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-...lans/overview/

Hearing stuff like this just drives me completely batty.... We get SOOO hosed here north of the border (known as the worst in the whole world)

[T-Rexx]

Virgin Mobile. $35/month. No contract. Includes unlimited data and text, 300 anytime minutes which seems plenty for your needs. Or get 1200 minutes for only $10 more. The only catch is you have to buy one of their phones. But their selection has some very good ones and they are reasonably priced. The HTC One V is one that is available in their selection. The HTC Evo V is their only 4G phone available. That's a small catch considering their plan is the best priced one available. And all their phones come with a one-year warranty. VM uses the the Sprint network. This is perfect for those who believe all the other big providers are overpriced and burden people with contracts and confusing bundles.
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/cell-...lans/overview/

I agree with Spiff.

In the USA, the prepaid "plans" are a much, much better deal than a contracted phone. The quality of service is identical, since the prepaid phones use the same networks as the contracted phones. At one time, the selection of prepaid phones was rather limited, but that is no longer the case. A great many excellent Android phones are available. Even the iPhone 4s is available at Virgin Mobile prepaid for just $30/month. (You must buy the phone unsubsidized at ~$650, but you'll make up the cost of the phone over the first year of service alone).

Virgin Mobile is cheapest for the prepaid smartphones. If you can live without the data connection (just talk and text), you can get by even more cheaply with Net 10 or TrackFone.

[swerve]

Here is a MAJOR FUNDAMENTAL problem with HTC phones...

They DO NOT SUPPORT them once they are sold...

Unfortunately, I learned this FIRST HAND...

Fortunately, it was within the 30 day return period -- even though Verizon made it UNACCEPTABLY difficult to do so...

Motorola, Samsung and Apple DO -- this is ESPECIALLY necessary when the software (such as Android) is updated -- but even MORE critical is working out any bugs their INITIAL software may have...

Good luck with the new phone -- whichever one you choose...

[AshyPhoenix]

Contracts in .ca are a ridiculously long 3 years, by which time phones are close to their designed failure point - err…I mean "designed upgrade opportunity," of course.

However, Ashy, if the old one works, especially for those basic core functions, keep it. Have them unlock it.

Unfortunately, the phone I currently have is so old I can barely type on it. Seriously, when it's near-impossible to send a 80-character SMS, it's time to chuck the old phone. I'd rather pay $150 for a new phone and starve for a month than put up with the frustration of using a hardly-functional handset.

So I've decided I'm going with the LG Optimus 7. It's a legacy handset, but has pretty much the same hardware as the majority of second-wave WP7.5 devices. I'm pretty sure I'll be happy with it.

[AshyPhoenix]

Thanks for the plan info, guys, but unfortunately I'm in Canada. Those are some screaming deals, though.

Here is a MAJOR FUNDAMENTAL problem with HTC phones...

They DO NOT SUPPORT them once they are sold...

Unfortunately, I learned this FIRST HAND...

Fortunately, it was within the 30 day return period -- even though Verizon made it UNACCEPTABLY difficult to do so...

Motorola, Samsung and Apple DO -- this is ESPECIALLY necessary when the software (such as Android) is updated -- but even MORE critical is working out any bugs their INITIAL software may have...

Good luck with the new phone -- whichever one you choose...

Really? I found the opposite. My Samsung Galaxy S was released with Froyo (Android 2.2), got a single upgrade to Gingerbread (2.3) and then they dropped all support for it when the model itself was barely a year old.

[Spiff]

Here is a MAJOR FUNDAMENTAL problem with HTC phones...

They DO NOT SUPPORT them once they are sold...

VM supports and warranties every phone they sell, for a year, no matter the brand. I bought their LG Optimus V last year, and a couple months ago I had a problem with it. I called their support and my free replacement arrived in only two days, no questions asked. They even supplied the packaging and postage for me to send back the bad phone.

[JB3]

I agree with Spiff.

In the USA, the prepaid "plans" are a much, much better deal than a contracted phone. The quality of service is identical, since the prepaid phones use the same networks as the contracted phones. At one time, the selection of prepaid phones was rather limited, but that is no longer the case. A great many excellent Android phones are available. Even the iPhone 4s is available at Virgin Mobile prepaid for just $30/month. (You must buy the phone unsubsidized at ~$650, but you'll make up the cost of the phone over the first year of service alone).

Virgin Mobile is cheapest for the prepaid smartphones. If you can live without the data connection (just talk and text), you can get by even more cheaply with Net 10 or TrackFone.

That's only true of some of the carriers. On AT&T, if you go prepaid your data speeds and coverage are limited. Same if you also bring your own handset. (they limit it to 3G speeds)

MVNOs and carriers like Sprint and T-mobile don't change what's available for the prepaid phones. Verizon only has 3G prepaid, however, and you're limited to fairly small data allowances.

[bankside]

Thanks for the plan info, guys, but unfortunately I'm in Canada. Those are some screaming deals, though.

So true, eh, Ashy… Our phone companies get away with a lot. On the good side, we are fucked. On the bad side, it is without lube.