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Best PAYG handset for under £100


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Old 30-08-2007, 10:10
bluechang
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I am due to cancel my t mobile contract next month to revert over to PAYG, and I'm looking for a new handset to start fresh with. I'm looking at either sony ericsson or nokia (no samsungs - every one i have owned has deafened me!) but not a clue as to which model to go for. I was considering the SE w810i, due to camera/walkman functions, but it has been out quite a while(2006 release iirc) and the nokia 6300 as i like the styling of the handset, however I am open to other suggestions (I currently have the Nokia 5300XM)

Functionality Im looking for
MP3 Player
at least 2 meg camera
Bluetooth.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
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Old 30-08-2007, 10:15
on the air
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I would strongly recommend the Nokia 6300. The screen has great clarity, and the keypad has a really nice feel if you text a lot.
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Old 30-08-2007, 13:28
BreatheMe
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another vote for the 6300 here. Excellent handset.
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Old 30-08-2007, 17:23
stevejk75
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6300 here to, good little phone.
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Old 30-08-2007, 20:35
zoralink
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Another vote for the 6300, and im a samsung fan lol.
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Old 31-08-2007, 23:18
bluechang
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my only concern is battery life with that massive screen - with my nokia 5300 I'm finding I'm getting no more than 48 hours out of a charge as well as using it to make no more than 20 minutes worth of calls.

I'm looking at the SE K550i - anyone got this handset? give me your opinions? I'm possibly going into town on Sunday to get rid of my 5300 and buy a new handset so I have 36 hours to make my mind up!!! (i think i have changed my mind about 6 times already!! !!)
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Old 31-08-2007, 23:27
BreatheMe
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The battery life in the Series 40 3rd edition phones (5300, 6300, etc) isn't the best. The battery is the same for the 5300 and 6300.

I had the K550. It's cheap and creaks like hell when texting.
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Old 01-09-2007, 21:55
bluechang
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I must admit, I took a walk down to the local CPW earlier this afternoon to speak to the guy I normally deal with. I gave him the alternatives, and he advised the 6300 without a doubt. He pulled one out of the back for my to have a look at - it feels like a solidly built handset, but i do ask myself why nokia, who have gone to the trouble for making a steel/aluminium casing, why they have put plastic keys on the handset?

other than the 6300 and the SE W810i, I havent seen anything on sale that shouts BUY ME!!!


Another couple of questions regarding the 6300 for those that have one -

does it allow the use of bluetooth stereo headsets? (A2DP IIRC)

The media player - does it allow for playing in the background?

How long should I realistically get between charges during average usage?

Are the memory cards 'hot swappable'?

Are the covers interchangeable, or is it a case of undoing screws etc?
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Old 01-09-2007, 22:33
BreatheMe
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does it allow the use of bluetooth stereo headsets? (A2DP IIRC)
Yes

The media player - does it allow for playing in the background?
Yes

How long should I realistically get between charges during average usage?
Two days

Are the memory cards 'hot swappable'?
You have to take the back cover off but not take the battery out


Are the covers interchangeable, or is it a case of undoing screws etc?
Undoing screws
.....
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Old 01-09-2007, 22:59
coolgirl
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the nokia 6300 is DA BOMB! :P No seriously fab little phone, its around £80 on PAYG atm aswell.
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Old 01-09-2007, 23:10
bluechang
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right then I will get the 6300 - ive had enough of being indecisive. Thanks to everyone for their input.
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Old 02-09-2007, 13:48
bluechang
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well, i went to the CPW earlier this afternoon, only told be told that I wouldnt be able to use the credit (£20) I was being forced into buying on my current number when my contract runs out in a few months time, and there was no way to transfer the credit from the new number to mine when it is PAYG'd - I'm slightly pee'd off about that, so I called T Mobile cust services only to be told the credit top up is a CPW thing and not t-mobile. Very annoyed!!!
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Old 05-09-2007, 21:19
bluechang
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ok, I have my 6300 - arrived this morning from thelink - £79.99 and free delivery (plus £3.20 back from quidco) so I'm well pleased. As for the phone, I have to thank everyone who suggested the 6300. it is superb. one question though - how do you open the mini usb cover as i cannot get it moving

Also ive opened a further thread asking about stereo bluetooth headsets - can anyone give me advice on what to buy? ie brands to avoid/ones to look out for etc etc
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Old 05-09-2007, 21:23
on the air
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It can be very difficult. I managed to get my nail in between the top and the metal casing and pull downwards....Does loosen up after a few attempts.
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Old 05-09-2007, 21:25
BreatheMe
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ok, I have my 6300 - arrived this morning from thelink - £79.99 and free delivery (plus £3.20 back from quidco) so I'm well pleased. As for the phone, I have to thank everyone who suggested the 6300. it is superb. one question though - how do you open the mini usb cover as i cannot get it moving
Nice!

You have to get your nail under the USB cover. Hold the phone so that the keypad is facing the floor, and the on/off button is USB port is facing your chest. You need to take the back cover off (the steel battery cover). Put your nail under the USB cover on the top and to the left, it is quite hard but it does come open.
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Old 05-09-2007, 21:28
bluechang
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Nice!

You have to get your nail under the USB cover. Hold the phone so that the keypad is facing the floor, and the on/off button is USB port is facing your chest. You need to take the back cover off (the steel battery cover). Put your nail under the USB cover on the top and to the left, it is quite hard but it does come open.

sounds like a pain in the arse to get open!! at least it wont just fall open in the pocket i guess
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Old 05-09-2007, 21:35
BreatheMe
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sounds like a pain in the arse to get open!! at least it wont just fall open in the pocket i guess
Yeah, it's a pain, but it gets easier the more you open it. Maybe think about buying a bluetooth donge for your PC, they are only £10 to £20 and let you send and receive files without using USB.
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Old 05-09-2007, 21:38
bluechang
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Yeah, it's a pain, but it gets easier the more you open it. Maybe think about buying a bluetooth donge for your PC, they are only £10 to £20 and let you send and receive files without using USB.
i have two but both arent compatible with vista and there aint no drivers available!!! Once I find another dongle with the correct drivers, will i be able to continue using the nokia transfer software for the music as i can get a lot more on the micro sd this way?
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Old 05-09-2007, 21:44
BreatheMe
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i have two but both arent compatible with vista and there aint no drivers available!!! Once I find another dongle with the correct drivers, will i be able to continue using the nokia transfer software for the music as i can get a lot more on the micro sd this way?
Yeah, should work fine Hope you enjoy the new phone, sure you will. You can always PM me if you need any help as I've got the same mobile
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Old 05-09-2007, 21:46
bluechang
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thanks for that BreatheMe
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Old 05-09-2007, 23:45
coolgirl
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glad your having fun with your nokia 6300 bluechang
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Old 06-09-2007, 10:30
on the air
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I have read some reports on the net, that people are trimming down a bL5c nokia battery so that it fits the 6300 instead of the bl4c supplied to extend battery life. Sounds a bit dangerous to me, has anyone tried this with any success?
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Old 06-09-2007, 11:53
bluechang
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i wouldnt use any battery that isnt specifically desined for use with the handset for fear of the battery exploding or something.


I have one further question regarding the A2DP (bluetooth stereo headsets) does the 6300 support AVRCP? - this lets you control your phone with the headphone buttons.
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Old 06-09-2007, 12:15
BT@home
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I have read some reports on the net, that people are trimming down a bL5c nokia battery so that it fits the 6300 instead of the bl4c supplied to extend battery life. Sounds a bit dangerous to me, has anyone tried this with any success?
Seen it done, and it does work, but I wouldn't be happy doing it to my own phone
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Old 06-09-2007, 15:26
bluechang
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along with my question about the a2dp functions on this handset, can someone tell me what video formats this handset will play? I have a DVD full of movies that were once used by my PDA about 2 years ago, and would like to use a few of them when i travel to london next month. The video files are in the wmv format, but when i try to use one on the handset, it gives a format not recgnised eror.

any suggestions?
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