I love gadgets. These typically include computers, mobile phones, cameras and such like things that are functional and generally make my day more effective or fun. I’m not interested in flash TV’s or games. When the iPhone was released in NZ it came out with silly plans that did not suit my budget or my intention to move countries. As soon as I landed in the UK I was off to the O2 store to get hooked up an iPhone, but they wouldn’t let me as I did not have a UK credit rating, being a fresh foreigner and all. I had to wait 6-months they said as I tried to smile through disappointed teeth. This delay allowed for other companies such as Orange to stock the iPhone and soon Vodafone UK. This waiting period allowed me to research other options, so I asked myself, why do I actually want an iPhone? The feature list included:
- Usual phone functions
- WordPress application
- Internet
- Googlemaps, GPS
- Skype
- A good price plan with at least 500mins and 500 text messages
As I researched it appeared Orange was out, at 80p for an international text, with O2 still my only option, and 2-months left to wait on my stand down I started looking at other smart phones, and other companies. The Blackberry Bold took my eye as functional, and durable (something I was worried about with the iPhone as I constantly drop my mobile phones). The Bold can do everything on my list so I thought hmmmm maybe I should go for one of these instead. Upon researching the plans I found out I could get 600-any time minutes, 1200 texts, unlimited email and internet for just £20 a month with O2. £15 cheaper per month than the cheapest iPhone plan to suit my needs. It was an interesting experiment researching each company. Orange, Vodafone, 3, T-mobile, all offered the Bold with great phone, text, and internet plans, but ultimately the decider was the international texting rate. It ranged from 25-80p on these networks, but only 11p with O2. Pays to research well.
I really like having a QWERTY button keyboard, it suits my larger than average hands, unlike touch screens where by fingers touch two letters at once. And after a friend of mine keeps sending me texts by accident from her touch phone I’m quite glad I went for buttons.
There are many benefits to having a smart phone. Some people don’t like them as they are ‘on tap’ 24-7. Nonetheless I think you are only ‘on-tap’ if you answer… I’ve found I use my computer a lot less, and some days don’t even turn it on. It’s come in handy, such as on the bus I attend to emails, or find the number for pizza, to ring and order to have one freshly out of the oven on the way home. Love technology! Another benefit is that I can use email as texting internationally and it is included in my data allowance instead of paying the international text rate. My sister and I text via email as she has an iPhone. Now I just need my other international recipients to get smart phones!
So, I’m well impressed with the Blackberry Bold. It’s functional, smooth, quick and fun.
