Is Nokia 1600 my best bet?

PNEfan

I'm looking for an easy-to-use, basic, cheap mobile to leave in (Cyprus) holiday accommodation for guests to use. I need to be able to unlock it, preferably with a free code.

Previously had Nokia 2652 which was ideal - robust, simple - unfortunately a sneak thief (not a guest) pinched it. I assumed this model would not appeal to thieves - obviously mistaken!

I'd like to get a Nokia 1600, which is available from Woollies on Vodafone or Asda for £20, but I'm confused about unlocking, because apparently some 1600s can be unlocked and some can't.

Can anyone help clarify the unlocking question with this phone?

Does anyone have another suggestion for a model that would fit the bill? It will be used for calls and texting, so doesn't need mp3 ringtones or anything remotely fancy. I don't want a Motorola F3, though, because texting on it is tricky and I want to be able to put in local restaurant numbers etc.

Thanks

gaming_guy

the later 1600s cannot be unlocked by a free code afaik

PNEfan

That's what I was afraid of.

PNEfan

Looks like I could get an unlocked Nokia 1600 via ebay. I suppose I need to find out what I'd pay to unlock locally and compare prices.

Hopefullyuseful1

PNEfan wrote: »

Looks like I could get an unlocked Nokia 1600 via ebay. I suppose I need to find out what I'd pay to unlock locally and compare prices.

Hi,

If the phone is one of ours, we can unlock it for you for £19.99. If the phone is more than 12 moths old then we can supply the unlocking code for free.

Most independant unlocking firms could possibly do it for less but any issues arising from their unlocking, (Which can sometimes alter or corrupt the software) would invalidate a warranty.

By all means send us an e-mail through our Vodafone online contact us form here. If you include the code FIT135 somewhere in the body of your e-mail, this will come to us in the forum team and we can request it for you.

You would need to have registered the Vodafone number that it came with and give us the mobile number and details along with the make, model and 15 digit IMEI number of the phone for us to get the code for you.

Hopefullyuseful1
Vodafone UK

PNEfan

Thanks Hopefullyuseful1, but if I only pay around £20 for the phone, another £20 for the unlocking seems rather steep - if safer than trying cheaper options.

MrUnlock.com and Ezmobile02u.co.uk are offering unlock codes for £3 - albeit with the risk that they won't work or will mess up the phone.

Still confused!

thesaint

Are you certain that the phone needs unlocking to work in Cyprus?

troykelly

Ahh! Vodafone are here spying on me

PNEfan

thesaint asked

Are you certain that the phone needs unlocking to work in Cyprus?

No I'm not sure it will need unlocking. Have taken a chance and ordered one from T-mobile via Quidco for £15 with £10 refund (I hope). Thought it was worth a try for a fiver, and possible unlock costs.

System

Try Carphonewarehouse, they have model above the 1600 from around £23 last time i checked, and they are usually unlocked.

The only major difference is that the 2310 has a radio function, which you dont need to use.

If you order it online you can get Quidco too.

PNEfan

Thanks everyone. Got the T-Mobile phone today and thanks to chachi have unlocked it so v pleased. Quidco tracking looks ok too.