Expert: DebiN - 2/22/2010

Question
Hello debin,

i'm currently at the need for purchasing new phone. But i confused of what phone suitable for me with the lowest cost possible.

Here is what the criteria i want to be exist in the phone i want to purchase (in order of importance):

1. Connectability. I like to browsing from phone, and i want my phone to be able to browse with ease, at least have 3G and bluetooth. And have a comfort keypad. I don't like qwerty keypad like blackberry. Just stick to the common phone with 0-9*# keypad. And that also includes big screen, but no need as big as iPhone. And can run apps fast too, like opera mini. And have a fast user interface respond.

2. Camera. Not must superb. Just "good enough" with 2 or 3.2 Mpixel is enough.

3. Sounds. I listen to music often, and i need phonecell with loud built in speaker.

4. Phonebook. Some huge phonebook memory like 5000 contact is required coz i need to store lots of contact info.

5. External mem card slot.

And below is optional criteria, which can be a plus value, but i don't need it so badly:

6. Wifi.

7. GPS.

My prev phone is SE K530i, and i'm quite satisfied with that. It conform with my 1-5 criterias, with a very low cost. But i had problem finding the same phone. So i need ur guidance in finding the same great low budged phonecell. Oh ya, i prefer Sony Ericsson or Nokia phonecell. Don't bother with other brands. Give me 3 or 4 options to be choose. Thanks in advance. =)

Answer
First, can you tell me who your wireless service provider is? This is key when it comes to phones. You won't be able to use GPS, WiFi, iTunes, properly access the Internet etc. unless you get a phone from your carrier. There's certainly ways to customize with an unlocked phone, but I strongly recommend getting a phone from your carrier. They certify and test their phones and put their software on them and they come with a warranty. I have no stake in this from the carrier standpoint, but am just advising based on a strong opinion and experience. If you can tell me your carrier, I can tell you my opinion on the best phone to meet your needs for that carrier. Based on what you are asking for so far, and if music is critical, you are going to likey need a SmartPhone or at least a phone that works well for music, like a Sony or Nokia (those would be my only choices based on what your criteria is - the other standard phones don't really have as good of a music player or speaker etc.). Let me know. Thanks. DebiN