Mobile phone help/advice please?

Metalwrath

Hi there all!

I've not owned a mobile for a long time (my last phone was a Motorola v50!) As I've recently started self employed work in various locations I need tyo be in contact with my childrens school in case I'm needed. The help I need its twofold-

1st - I need a phone, this phone need to be capable of receiving calls. I would also like to rarely make calls and send texts (probably more-so texts to help save on my landline bills.) Otherwise the phone needs to be sturdy, something that can take a knock, get slightly wet sometimes and not get filled with dust (as a carpenter/joiner.) I couldn't care less about other features but would prefer something with buttons rather than a touch screen - also a fold-up/slide out design where the screen is protected from scratches is appealing. I'm quite happy to buy second hand but a brief look through trade-it shows only android/iphone type devices that I have no experience of.

2nd - I'll need a sim card, as I will put it through the business a contract sounds easier than payg? Cashback from quidco or topcashback would also be great. Decent coverage for calls possibly in very rural regions of somerset and surrounding counties is essential. Obviously I wouldn't need too much in the way of inclusive minutes/texts and would probably never use any data allowance.

Any help/recommendations on either question would be much appreciated, I may have to disappear soon but will be checking back tomorrow after work to see any replies.

Thanks in advance for your knowledge!!

Chris

grumbler

Metalwrath wrote: »

1st - I need a phone, this phone need to be capable of receiving calls.

Are you sure? Very few phones can do this.

I would also like to rarely make calls and send texts (probably more-so texts to help save on my landline bills.) Otherwise the phone needs to be sturdy, something that can take a knock, get slightly wet sometimes and not get filled with dust (as a carpenter/joiner.) I couldn't care less about other features but would prefer something with buttons rather than a touch screen - also a fold-up/slide out design where the screen is protected from scratches is appealing. I'm quite happy to buy second hand but a brief look through trade-it shows only android/iphone type devices that I have no experience of.

This depends on your budget. Samsung B2710 is about £85. Other 'robust' phones are more expensive.
jcb or sonim xp3
waterproof mobile phone
Rugged phone, anyone please?

For a simple foldable phone see
http://www.omio .com/deals/pay-as-you-go - Use 'Stiles' tab.
http://www.gsmarena.com/results.php3?sName=&idMaker=0&idAvailability=0&YearAnnounced=0&nPriceLow=0&nPriceHigh=0&idCurrency=0&idFormFactor=2&idDualSIM=0&idQwerty=0&HeightMax=0&WidthMax=0&ThicknessMax=0&WeightMax=0&idOS=0&nminCPUMHz=0&nCPUCores=0&nminRAMMB=0&nminInternalStorageMB=0&idExpansionCard=0&idDisplay=0&nminDisplayX=0&nminDisplayY=0&nmaxDisplayX=0&nmaxDisplayY=0&fminDisplaySize=0&fmaxDisplaySize=0&nPixelDensity=0&idDisplayTech=0&idTouchscreen=0&idAccelerometer=0&id35mm=0&idCamera=0&idCameraFlash=0&idVideoRecorder=0&idSecondaryCamera=0&idGPS=0&bWLAN=0&bEDGE=0&bGPRS=0&idBluetooth=0&bIR=0&bEmail=0&bWAP=0&bJava=0&idRadio=0&bMMS=0&idRingtones=0&sColor=&StandBy=0&TalkTime=0&sFreeText= - not all models are available in UK. Google for what you like.

Or just go to the nearest CPW shop.

2nd - I'll need a sim card, as I will put it through the business a contract sounds easier than payg? Cashback from quidco or topcashback would also be great. Decent coverage for calls possibly in very rural regions of somerset and surrounding counties is essential. Obviously I wouldn't need too much in the way of inclusive minutes/texts and would probably never use any data allowance.

First chose the network. Use coverage checkers on the networks' websites and ask your friends about their experience.
Then decide how many minutes and texts you need.

Metalwrath

grumbler wrote: »

Are you sure? Very few phones can do this.

:rotfl:Yes I realise this is a big ask!

Seriously though thanks for the input, I'll take a look at the models you've suggested. Unfortunately I don't have any friends who work in the back of beyond (or for that matter many friends who don't :sad:)

Budget isn't that much of an issue as it'll be deductible, but I have to add into the mix that I'm rather good at losing things - so maybe a cheap flip phone might be better with a proviso to buy another when I break/lose it?

grumbler

The cheapest phones are about £10. Check your local Tesco or see
http://www. mobiles.co.uk/pay-as-you-go-mobile-phones.html
http://www.e2save.com/mobile-phone/payg.html#
http://www.onestopphoneshop.co.uk/payg-mobile-phones?all=1&price=0-9.99

They will be unlocked and can be used on other networks if you don't like the one that sim they come with.