Don't know what I'm doing - help please!

EmptyPurse

My mobile phone died on me this morning and three different shops have confirmed that it's beyond repair. So, I need to get a new phone fast - trouble is that I'm completely clueless about the current market!

My current contract with Orange is due to run out at the end of May. I could sign up with them and get another free phone or I could go somewhere else. But I don't know how to choose which network would be best for me, whether to purchase online or go into a shop, and as for choosing a phone.....!!!! I love the idea of the iPhone touch screen type thing but it seems very expensive. Is there something else similar on the market?

I know I seem completely clueless - yes, I am! - but I'd really appreciate some help to prevent me making an expensive mistake. I hate having to make decisions in a hurry.

If it helps, I guess I use around 400-600 minutes (mixture of day and evening) and around 100 texts (max) per month.

Thanks in advance

mikegahan

Dear Empty Purse
Just a few thoughts
(a) Some networks are better than others for reception. Big cities are easier but if u live in provinces you may not have a full choice. I have found 02 and Vodafone good, Tmobile/Virgin less so.
(b) Read the articles on this site and do a price search in MoneySupermarket or other cost comparison webistes. If you are brave enough you may choose a cashback deal but the problems can be many, though many people are successful. Or u can go directly to Vodafone/O2 etc and look at the deals they offer; some have real cash over the counter cashback. Be aware that inpartial advice is hard to get in a phone shop!
(b) Do you really want a fancy phone, and then have to pay insurance for it. If you want specific advice on handsets please email me privately. I have a basic phone sans camera MP3 player - I have them separately.
(d) Some networks have SIM only deal, eg they sell you a SIM card with so many mins per month and you have to provide a phone yourself. Often you can buy a cheap PAUG fone unlocked or on the same network and use that. Look at the O2 website for this, also Voda have good deals.
(e) I have free calls evenings and weekends from my home fone to other landlines - perhaps you could use this then buy less minutes.
Regards