Best PAYG handset for under £100

bluechang · 30-08-2007, 10:10

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

on the air · 30-08-2007, 10:15

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.

BreatheMe · 30-08-2007, 13:28

another vote for the 6300 here. Excellent handset.

stevejk75 · 30-08-2007, 17:23

6300 here to, good little phone.

zoralink · 30-08-2007, 20:35

Another vote for the 6300, and im a samsung fan lol.

bluechang · 31-08-2007, 23:18

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!!

!!)

BreatheMe · 31-08-2007, 23:27

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.

bluechang · 01-09-2007, 21:55

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?

BreatheMe · 01-09-2007, 22:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluechang

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

.....

coolgirl · 01-09-2007, 22:59

the nokia 6300 is DA BOMB! :P No seriously fab little phone, its around £80 on PAYG atm aswell.

bluechang · 01-09-2007, 23:10

right then I will get the 6300 - ive had enough of being indecisive. Thanks to everyone for their input.

bluechang · 02-09-2007, 13:48

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!!!

bluechang · 05-09-2007, 21:19

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

on the air · 05-09-2007, 21:23

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.

BreatheMe · 05-09-2007, 21:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluechang

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.

bluechang · 05-09-2007, 21:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreatheMe

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

BreatheMe · 05-09-2007, 21:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluechang

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.

bluechang · 05-09-2007, 21:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by BreatheMe

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?

BreatheMe · 05-09-2007, 21:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluechang

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

bluechang · 05-09-2007, 21:46

thanks for that BreatheMe

coolgirl · 05-09-2007, 23:45

glad your having fun with your nokia 6300 bluechang

on the air · 06-09-2007, 10:30

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?

bluechang · 06-09-2007, 11:53

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.

BT@home · 06-09-2007, 12:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by on the air

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

bluechang · 06-09-2007, 15:26

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?

30-08-2007, 10:10	#1
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	Best PAYG handset for under £100 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

30-08-2007, 10:15	#2
on the air Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,028	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.

30-08-2007, 13:28	#3
BreatheMe Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 212	another vote for the 6300 here. Excellent handset.

30-08-2007, 17:23	#4
stevejk75 Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Kent. Posts: 805	6300 here to, good little phone.

30-08-2007, 20:35	#5
zoralink Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 195	Another vote for the 6300, and im a samsung fan lol.

31-08-2007, 23:18	#6
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	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!! !!)

31-08-2007, 23:27	#7
BreatheMe Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 212	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.

01-09-2007, 21:55	#8
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	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?

01-09-2007, 22:33	#9
BreatheMe Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 212	Quote: Originally Posted by bluechang 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 .....

01-09-2007, 22:59	#10
coolgirl Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,728	the nokia 6300 is DA BOMB! :P No seriously fab little phone, its around £80 on PAYG atm aswell.

01-09-2007, 23:10	#11
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	right then I will get the 6300 - ive had enough of being indecisive. Thanks to everyone for their input.

02-09-2007, 13:48	#12
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	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!!!

05-09-2007, 21:19	#13
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	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

05-09-2007, 21:23	#14
on the air Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,028	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.

05-09-2007, 21:25	#15
BreatheMe Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 212	Quote: Originally Posted by bluechang 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.

05-09-2007, 21:28	#16
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	Quote: Originally Posted by BreatheMe 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

05-09-2007, 21:35	#17
BreatheMe Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 212	Quote: Originally Posted by bluechang 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.

05-09-2007, 21:38	#18
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	Quote: Originally Posted by BreatheMe 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?

05-09-2007, 21:44	#19
BreatheMe Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 212	Quote: Originally Posted by bluechang 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

05-09-2007, 21:46	#20
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	thanks for that BreatheMe

05-09-2007, 23:45	#21
coolgirl Forum Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 1,728	glad your having fun with your nokia 6300 bluechang

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Best PAYG handset for under £100

06-09-2007, 10:30	#22
on the air Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 1,028	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?

06-09-2007, 11:53	#23
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	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.

06-09-2007, 12:15	#24
BT@home Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 1,911	Quote: Originally Posted by on the air 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

06-09-2007, 15:26	#25
bluechang Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 2,836	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?