I want a Nokia E71 – Read the Nokia E71 Review
Yes, that is right. The sexy sleekness of it overwhelms my senses as I gaze upon its curves and petite buttons.
During my research, the Nokia E71 has been named the top PDA-phone by Cnet.
Basically the core strengths are,
- Strong battery life
- HDSPA and GPS
- Strong messaging and productivity tools
- Wi-Fi & Bluetooth
- RRP under $800
Apple iPhone continues to “sell out”
I’ve been trying to get my hands on the iPhone 3G on the Optus network but it seems that every Optus store is sold out except for the Apple store. The last one I visited was at centre point and the guy said that it was sold out for another 3 weeks.
I never thought this would continue after nearly 3 weeks of the iPhone 3G official launch but it seems that Apple is trying to keep the hype up by keeping up the demand and reducing the supply to their Optus affiliates so that everybody can say, “Oh my gosh, the iPhone is still sold out. It must be so great! Yadi yadi ya…”.
However, the Sydney Apple store does have stock but they usually close registrations 2-3 hours before close of business to ensure everybody gets out of the building by that time.
Last week I visited the Apple store about 4 times after work and got there around 6.15pm, only to be turned down each time by their staff because registrations are closed. They suggested that I either come early in the morning (yes yes, they continue to remind me that the store opens at 8am but I can’t be bothered to wake up that early for a phone) or during lunch time.
Oh by the way, they also said that the registration process may take up to 2 hours. That is another factor that I cannot be bothered to get the iPhone just yet.
So I’ve gone ahead and taken up Vodafone’s unrestricted offer where you get a bonus $20 credit if you recharge by 31st July. Now I don’t even have to think about the iPhone for a month and hopefully by then will the stupid queue decrease and other Optus stores won’t be entirely sold out.
Vodafone reveals iPhone Prices and Plans
Vodafone has finally announced their iPhone prices and plans just under 2 hours ago!
You will be able to get your hands on the iPhone for $7.88 per month (8GB model) or $12.88 per month (16GB model) on a $69 cap personal plan for 24 months.
This plan includes $310 of talk, text, 250MB data allowance plus an option to choose the new Best Mate feature that allows you to call a nominated number for an unlimited amount of time. However, do note that this number can only be changed once a month and will cost $2.50 for each change.
With only a day to go, all three telcos have finally released their plans and prices. Which one do you choose?
Personally the Optus plan seems to have the best value with the $59 cap and a phone repayment of $7 per month. This gives you $350 worth of calls, text and 500MB of data allowance (which is double Vodafone’s $60 cap plan).
Not only that, but Optus’ ‘yes’ Time is also an attractive feature especially if you’ve got someone whom you call a lot. But Vodafone’s Best Mate feature really does outweigh the ‘yes’ Time feature.
Here’s a basic comparison between Optus and Vodafone plans.
Vodafone $69 Cap (2 year contract)
- $310 credit for text and talk
- 250MB data allowance
- Best Mate monthly extra
- $1965.12 minimum cost of contract (16GB iPhone)
Optus $59 Cap (2 year contract)
- $350 credit for text and talk
- 500MB data allowance
- ‘yes’ Time monthly extra
- $1584 minimum cost of contract (16GB iPhone)
Personally, I’d go with Optus but for now I’ll hold back and see what the reviews are.
iPhone Pricing in Australia
With only 3 days to go till the official launch of Apple iPhone, two telco companies, Optus and Telstra have so far released their official pricing and plans while Vodafone still remains a mystery.
The official Optus iPhone pricing and plans shows that the 8GB iPhone (black) will sell for $729 while the 16GB iPhone (Black & White) will sell for $849 outright for pre-paid customers. For post-paid customers, you will only be able to get the 8GB iPhone for free on a $79 cap plan (24 month contract) and the 16GB iPhone for free on a $89 cap plan (24 month contract).
As for Telstra, the iPhone 3G price revealed that you will be able to get 8GB iPhone for as little as $279 and the 16GB iPhone for $399 on a monthly $30 plan (24 month contract).
Vodafone have yet to reveal their prices for the long awaited iPhone while 3 have launched an online petition begging for Apple to give them a slice of the cake.
In America, Steve Jobs announced that the iPhone 8GB model will be available for $199 and the 16GB model for $299 with the condition of a 2 year contract with AT&T .
With such a huge demand for this truly elegant device, I wonder how many people realise or know about the data usage of it and whether it will be feasible with the data plans the telcos are offering. Don’t be surprised with your first bill if you rack up on data charges with the 3G capability of surfing the net, checking your email and using the GPS.