Help - I'm clueless

ERICS_MUM

I know that this post will sound ridiculous to those "in the know" about mobile phones, but I'm a middle aged woman so please be gentle with me and share your expert knowledge generously !

I've got a basic Sony Ericsson W380i which has suited me fine for occasional call/text useage on PAYG, using Tesco mobile.

1. Now having probs making calls even in a good signal area. COULD this be a problem with the SIM or the phone itself ? Would buying a new SIM solve the prob and how much would it cost ?


2. IF I decide to buy a new phone instead (the easy way out !), please advise me:

- which is the "best" network provider ? I know this is subjective, and I would need to check coverage, but a few recommendations would help

-do you recommend a particular brand of phone ? I would like easy access to the internet.

-What is bluetooth and how would I use it?

Is there anything else I should be asking or need to know ?

Thanks in advance

Linda xx

mchale

1, easiest way is to put sim in another phone and see if reception improves.

2, asda mobile is also good for occasional use, nokia's a doodle to use, bluetooth is a wireless connection between phone & a accessory, IE hands free device

Oscar_The_Grouch

1. It's unlikely to be the sim, but I agree with mchale above - try the same sim in a different phone.

2. If you are happy with Tesco, stay with them. I'd say the same about your phone too - if you like your Sony then buy another one.

You don't need a "Smartphone" (one that can be used for e-mails, internet and more) so avoid them - they will charge you for connecting to the internet and use up your credit. Here's a Sony on Tesco (clicky). It's less than £30 and they do it in silver or pink. It will play music and has a built in radio, but mostly it will send and receive texts and make calls which is what you are after.

Fifer

ERICS_MUM wrote: »

I would like easy access to the internet.

Oscar_The_Grouch wrote: »

You don't need a "Smartphone" (one that can be used for e-mails, internet and more) so avoid them

'Easy' internet access require some sort of 'smart' capability (IMO). I know many 'non smart' phones can access the inernet, but most are a PITA to use.

ERICS_MUM

I'm really grateful for all your advice. I didn't even look at the cheaper phones because I just assumed they would be too basic even for me, but having viewed the link from Oscar the Grouch I realise I can get something suited to my needs for well under £50.

Just one more question - if I stuck with Tesco PAYG could I use the existing SIM (assuming it's working OK) in the new phone, could I keep my existing phone number and would the PAYG credit remain on the SIM ?

Thank you so much. :T

Linda

Fifer

ERICS_MUM wrote: »

Just one more question - if I stuck with Tesco PAYG could I use the existing SIM (assuming it's working OK) in the new phone, could I keep my existing phone number and would the PAYG credit remain on the SIM ?

That should all work fine Linda.