Retro mobile user seeks upgrade

ericonabike

I'm thinking of moving from the Dark Ages [ten year old Nokia] into the Smartphone era and would apreciate any assistance. Requirements are:

Accessing internet abroad - travel quite a lot and this would be invaluable

PAYG preferred - I have no faith whatsoever in any of the contract providers, having had my credit record spoiled by a 'debt' of less than £10 that was referred to Experian in error

Would appreciate a reasoanble camera facility

Othert than that I think I'm flexible - guess the I-phone would be the obvious choice, and it does look pretty, but open to all suggestions. What do you think?

Hammyman

If its a Nokia 6310, I'd be reluctant to unless you think that a smartphone will offer more. The Nokia 6310 was the pinnacle of mobile phone design. If you get a smartphone, you're back to the 1990's with charging it every day or every other day.

fiendishlyclever

wifi is the cheapest way to access email etc abroad - I've stayed in a few hotels in China that have free wifi in reception (don't know how common this is elsewhere). Checking my email over breakfast (and using Skype to call home) become a daily occurrence!

The Orange San Francisco is fairly flexible but if you don't want to fiddle with it, perhaps an Android phone on another network. Watch out for internet costs if you get a smart phone - it can be costly if you aren't on the right tariff!

Buzby

Data whilst roaming is VERY expensive if you don't know what you are doing. WiFi is the best route to go, as if you cannot log in to a local hotspot, it won't cost you. Or sign up to The Cloud (or other global WiFi provider) which for a fee will give inclusive access to its network, and no nasty surprises from your network provider.

devizes18193

this is one of thoese depends on what your doing questions . Me I'm an android fan but i have chubby fingers I've had 3 phones to date a Sony 10 ( Great camera , no flash .a vodafone 845 ok camera no flash and a Sony x10 mini good camera with flash the vodafone was the worst to type on . I used to have a nokia e63 which from the typing aspect knocked the android phones into touch ,but i don't email message much to the other aspects of the phone are of more use to me .
Android will give you free sat nav which if you drive is brilliant. I guess what Im saying is have a play before you buy .
My 2 teenagers hate touchscreen phones
If you go android there is more choice with kit , then Apple

ericonabike

All good,thanks - hadn't realised internet access abroad could be so expensive, so wifi looks the way to go - am in Madrid next month and there seems to be a welath of hotspots there. Existing phone is a Nokia 110 from 2003 - brilliant battery life, excellent for phones and text but nothing more.

Kilty_2

If you're away long enough you could possibly pick up a local SIM to use abroad when you arrive.

Failing that - wifi definitely.