Choosing a Phone
Even if you have decided which network to connect to, you have to choose what model of phone to buy. This is a fairly big deal, because although the first phone you buy is heavily subsidised, any later change of mind may not be!
People have different preferences. If sound quality matters, get a phone with Enhanced Full Rate encoding (EFR) which improves the sound quality. You may want a phone with a Li-Ion battery. You may or may not want a handset that will work on both 900 and 1800MHz networks so that you have more choice of networks when roaming abroad (note that you can't roam to another network at home in the UK, but visiting foreigners can). (Also remember that Orange and One2one phones are locked so they will only work with their networks' sim cards.) You may or may not need a hands-free kit, or to connect fax and data calls, or you may send and receive a lot of text messages. Each model has it strengths and weaknesses.
My personal priorities are:
- good performance
- good battery life
- light weight
- good user interface
My current favourites are the Motorola v3688 and Nokia 8210 These are both light, good and have excellent Li-Ion batteries. There may be a better alternative out tomorrow, though!
For most people, I would advise them to go for battery life, light weight and battery life (in that order!) You may not need two or three days standby, but when your car breaks down on the way home from a long working day, you'll be very glad that you can use the phone for 45 minutes or so without any concerns that the battery is running out. Believe me - this is the voice of bitter experience!
Batteries are a tale to themselves, so for more information, put your anorak on and see the power-charged battery page.
Comments, suggestions and amendments welcomed!
cellular. v1.52 13 October 2000