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Help with choosing a phone
August 27, 2012
2:10 pm
TechoDolt
Toronto
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July 21, 2010
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About 2 years ago I came here and was recommended to get a Nokia E63. I was (relatively) happy with it until I stupidly upgraded the software and it now it irritates me beyond belief. It was also just as the Symbian operating system went obsolete, but that was bad timing on my part.

So... I need a new phone. Cheapish (less that $200) touch screen, semi-decent camera. Threaded text messages, since I mostly text (I don't know if they all do this these days but that's a must). I only plan to use my home wireless, not Speakout's data plan but I will check my email. Music.

There are so many phones out there and I don't know enough to decipher what I really need and what will drive me nuts (case in point - will the Gios drive me mad because it doesn't charge while on? I suspect it will)

You have good opinions and I value them. Bring it on. Thanks!!!

August 27, 2012
2:35 pm
iamdrumming
Niagara Falls
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Try the phone finder on the GSM Arena site. You can specify the features you stated.

http://www.gsmarena.com/search.php3

August 27, 2012
2:56 pm
TechoDolt
Toronto
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I tried that but it doesn't tell me whether the phone is a piece of crap or not. I really want a hands-on recommendation or something that's worth what I'll pay for it. I know it's all subjective but still... better than flailing around in the dark.

August 27, 2012
3:03 pm
iamdrumming
Niagara Falls
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Actually, if you click on the features you want, it will list all the models that match what you're looking for in a phone. Then you just click on any model to see what reviews it has.

August 27, 2012
3:40 pm
chimpanzee
vancouver
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Given the wide range of choice out there, the thing I can do is to tell you the 'bad' things for the phones I have tried.

Gio:
weak GPS lock
no front camera
no flash

Xperia Ray:
difficult for single hand(left) operation
font a bit too small for my eyes
no flash

Ace:
font rendering worse than Gio
no front camera

Optimus One:
feel cheapy(as in it may break)

Optimus Shine +
heavy as rock, physical keyboard hard to use(due to weight)
nasty screen blank bug due to 2.3 upgrade

iphone 4/4s:
too expensive

August 27, 2012
4:53 pm
fefrie
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I like my Nokia N8 alot. Apps are still somewhat supported, for all the important ones anyways. Awesome camera.

Works great for wifi and, and as you already know free maps on GPS.

If you like the e63, then there is also the e5.

What didn't you like about the upgrade?

August 27, 2012
6:40 pm
TechoDolt
Toronto
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I spent forever figuring out how to download, sign and install threaded sms on my E63 two years ago and LOVED it but when I upgraded it this went kaput and the site that walked me through it doesn't exist anymore. I can't stand the regular messaging.

Also - I kinda like a touch screen, but only because then the keyboard doesn't eat up screen space.

thanks chimpanzee for the model reviews. That's really helpful. Not doing an iPhone as I don't think they're worth it and hate the "iPhone is the best" mentality.

Will have another look at GSM Arena...