New HSPDA mobile advice

[Mr_Andy]

Hi all

I'm contemplating getting a new contract phone with HSPDA and support to be used as a modem on the move (and to be free from the constraints of filters etc if need be at work).

I've seen a couple of OK deals, but I am near clueless when it comes to phones unfortunately. The best I found was the LG Arena with t-mobile giving a 7.2mbit/s, though this and all other contracts seem to have tight data caps and all sorts - things I'd like to avoid.
So any recommendations? I'd prefer a phone where I don't have to be constrained to *just* a touch screen, though it's browsing and data capabilities I'm most bothered by.

Like I said, I'm not too hot on phones so any advice would be fantastic.

Cheers.

[Ric_]

HTC Touch Pro2 is ideal for you... full HSDPA, keboard, large screen and fast. Since it's a Windows Mobile device, you can also use it as a HSDPA modem via a USB connection to your Windows PC without any software

You will struggle with data caps though... I don't know how they are still getting away with 'unlimited' plans that vary from 150MB to 500MB a month. Also check out the Ts & Cs - you'll find that certain protocols won't be included in your allowance (common sense since no mobile operator wants you to have free VoIP calls).

[Andycat]

And you'll very rarely get HSPDA, and certainly almost never at 7mb. Even in city centres I rarely get HSPDA.

[Ric_]

And you'll very rarely get HSPDA, and certainly almost never at 7mb. Even in city centres I rarely get HSPDA.

My phone (Touch Pro2) is constantly flicking between HSDPA and GPRS. Admittedly, I don't live within Heathrow Airport so I don't get the full 7.5Mbps. I am also the only person that gets any sort of phone coverage in one of my locals (and I can sit in there browsing over GPRS whilst others struggle to send an SMS).

Incidentally, you got me thinking and you can add less pitiful data allowances onto a Vodafone contract for an extra £15 or £25 per month.

[Mr_Andy]

Who is your provider? I can't seem to find any packages with this phone anywhere... I hate phone related stuff.

[fiendishlyclever]

I have a (SIM-free) Nokia 5800 on Three and have Joikuspot premium installed. The price of the app fluctuates - I paid €5 or €6 for it. I have the £5 a month internet add on - and my phone acts as a wifi hotspot so I can use it with any device (e.g. ipod touch, laptop). Bargain.

[Theblacksheep]

Posting in Firefox on XP laptop through usb to HTC hero (on orange) 2 mins after I read this thread to see if it worked.

[EduTech]

I Have a HTC Touch HD, And i dont have any problems with it either... okay i have a USB dongle but i had that before i had the phone and they are both as good as each other. Echo what Ric said i dont get the 7.5Mbps But i get a far whack and i can surf with quite good speed so i am happy with it.

I am with Orange, and i get coverage near enough anywhere i go...

[Mr_Andy]

I Have a HTC Touch HD, And i dont have any problems with it either... okay i have a USB dongle but i had that before i had the phone and they are both as good as each other. Echo what Ric said i dont get the 7.5Mbps But i get a far whack and i can surf with quite good speed so i am happy with it.

I am with Orange, and i get coverage near enough anywhere i go...

I've prepared myself to not expect miracles with regard to the connectivity, I'm only after surfing and what not myself. My main issue is trying to get a contract with a qwerty phone - my thumbs don't agree with touchscreen. I can manage dialling, but attempting text is far too long winded.
I'm waiting for Ric_ to fill me in on his contract details , I think the Touch Pro2 is the one for me if I can find a reasonable package anywhere.

[Ric_]

Sod's law isn't? I'm currently in Dunmow in Essex and Vodafone coverage is shocking! I have to stand by a window to find any signal! (I'm posting via wifi on my Touch Pro2).

Contract wise... my phone was bought off contract and I basically have the same bargainous contract that I had 3 years ago.

[Mr_Andy]

I ended up taking the plunge with Voda and their Touch Pro 2. Managed to wangle a small business package too, with extra minutes, free landline calls and quarter price insurance for the same cost!
Cool phone too, cheers for your help.