Buying a phone for WiFi, need an expert

fortinternet

It dawned on me today that having one of these could could help me out when I'm stuck.


I don't know the slightest about phones, sim cards, contracts...


I'd like a phone that will let me use the 500 roaming minutes I have with my BTWiFi contract (BT Openzone Together) and pay nothing else on top. I'm not really interested in using it as a phone, just things like Gmail, Facebook and Google maps.


I played on a Blackberry today (dunno what kind, it was a stranger's on the bus) and this would be ideal. If there's an alternative to Blackberry let me know.


Some specific questions:
Is what I want to do possible - internet without any other contract than the one I have at home?


What would be the cheapest Blackberry or alternative I could get away with? I hear older models don't do WiFi?


I see some Blackberrys being sold cheaply in local ads and shops - around £60, but they retail for about £300? Why are they so cheap?


Thanks to anyone who can answer these!

grumbler

fortinternet wrote: »

...I'd like a phone that will let me use the 500 roaming minutes I have with my BTWiFi contract (BT Openzone Together) and pay nothing else on top. I'm not really interested in using it as a phone, just things like Gmail, Facebook and Google maps.

Google maps need mobile internet connection to load the pieces of maps, although you can 'pre-cache' them on WiFi if you plan your route in advance.

I played on a Blackberry today (dunno what kind, it was a stranger's on the bus) and this would be ideal. If there's an alternative to Blackberry let me know.

All smartphones have WiFi connectivity. There are hundreds of them. The cheapest start from about £50.

Some specific questions:
Is what I want to do possible - internet without any other contract than the one I have at home?

Yes, except Google maps. There are some apps (including free) for smartphones that have the maps built in and work without mobile data connection.
Nokia smartphones have Nokia maps preinstalled. Prices start from about £100.

I see some Blackberrys being sold cheaply in local ads and shops - around £60, but they retail for about £300? Why are they so cheap?

Second hand things are always cheap.

Dr_B_2

fortinternet wrote: »

I

I see some Blackberrys being sold cheaply in local ads and shops - around £60, but they retail for about £300? Why are they so cheap?

grumbler wrote: »

...

Second hand things are always cheap.

True, but I imagine the OP is talking about the huge depriciation evident in his example.

I guess some things just hold their value better than others for a variety of reasons. Technology is no different - look at how much less it costs to buy a second hand Windows Notebook compared with an apple macbook with similar performance of the same age.

Many factors can determine how desirable something is second hand, as I'm sure you know. It doesn't necessarily mean that there's something terribly wrong with the Blackberry. Grumbler will probably know more about it, but it could simply be the case that the Blackberry you saw was superceded by a model that was very popular and affordable and so there was a glut of the older model on the used market as people traded up.

23six

You probably going to want a touchscreen phone witha a larger screen than the standard Blackberry, if you plan to do things like read mail and surf the web, I would guess.

You mentioned, you want to use WiFi solely, so why not buy an iPod Touch as they dont require contracts or have the phone characteristics you do not desire. The Apple iPod Touch 3G version is best value for money IMO.

This can be bought on ebay for 70-110 depending on its condition and storage size.

Hope this helps

fortinternet

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

Hmm, I didn't even know the iPod Touch could go online... So that one seems interesting. I've looked up a few things. Are you sure it doesn't need a contract of any kind? And why do you think the 3rd gen is best value, is it because it's the oldest one to feature a microphone (for Skype)?

NiftyDigits

I would not discount a Blackberry though, as I would not wish to depend solely on WiFi if I were 'stuck'. In addition, you could use it as a phone if you were 'stuck'.
With Blackberry Internet Service and a suitable provider you would have mobile Internet service everywhere, rather than having to search for a suitable Hotspot. The cost? £20 for six months of BIS.
Not pushing you either way, as you will know what suits you best.
Some BB models utilise GPRS/EDGE rather than 3G. I would suggest avoiding those if you would wish to avail yourself of mobile Internet at some point.
Another option is a Blackberry Playbook. If you are sure that you won't want mobile Internet, I would certainly choose one of the these in place of an old iPod. You can get one new from £109 currently. Here. But of course, it's much bigger. Then there are cheaper Android Tablets, from around £60 new. Example
But whatever you decide to go for, post here for advice before purchase.

fortinternet

That's also tempting, but daunting. Is the £20 for 6 months only for the first 6? I'm alien to phone contracts and phones, basically. Is it unlimited usage?

I don't ever use the phone, I'm pretty much friendless spare from a couple of online people, but can imagine a phone might also come in handy one day when I least expect it. I keep thinking I'm gonna be around someone who's had an accident and I won't be able to call an ambulance.

Those iPod Touchs' look great and I also like the Blackberry (8900s seem to be common and a good price on Gumtree) but can that Blackberry do what I want? I emailed someone on Gumtree about his 8900 and he said there would be a charge to use WiFi, but his more expensive model would work right off the bat.. I'm not sure if he was just trying to sell me that one.

JethroUK

NiftyDigits wrote: »

I would not discount a Blackberry though,

I would

All blackerrys need a seperate bblackberry data plan (£5 month ish) on top of any other contract charges and faik. This is ness even to use Wi-Fi

In fact of all the phones suitable for the poster I would totally rule out black Berry

grumbler

JethroUK wrote: »

...This is ness even to use Wi-Fi...

Data plan to use WiFi?
I am no expert, but I think you are wrong.

Rusty!

Not to use wifi, to use the Blackberry services over wifi.

[Deleted User]

If you just want it for wifi - why not get yourself a cheap android tablet?