I need help picking a cellphone

[Penguin]

Hey guys,

Currently I have a Razr V3 and have had it for two years. I thought it was a great phone, but at this point it is having age related issues such as dust under the screen, problems with some software, and an occasional buzzing sound while on the phone. And needless to say, the Razr V3 is all but obsolete. Currently I am looking for a new phone. I like fairly nice phones(and technology in general) just as the Razr V3 was pretty cutting edge a few years ago. So I had a few ideas for phones and I want to know what you guys think and what other phones you could suggest.

Here are my specifications:

-Can connect with computer
-Have a decent amount of internal memory( if not a slot for expandable memory)
-Something nice looking (No brick phones)
-Fairly durable (I loved my Razr because over the years I have dropped it from three feet or so in the air and it took it like a champ)
- I also don't want to spend much over $100 after rebates and two year service discount


I had looked at the LG Shine (Which is metal so I thought it was durable, but Ive heard that battery isn't great)

Sony Ericsson W580i (Ive heard that it has great features and a decent battery but it is fragile)

Does anyone have any suggestions?

[Oops]

I recommend Sony Ericsson. I have had the w850i for just under a year and it is great. Not a very big internal memory, but it came with 1 GB memory card, and you can buy bigger. So just look around at some of the Sony Ericsson's, not sure what kinda price they are because my phone is on a contract.

Good luck

[Penguin]

So it is a durable phone? I was looking at the moto Z9 which looked like a metal version of the Ericsson but it is pricier and it seems to have less battery. How long does the Ericsson's battery last on a full charge?

[May]

I have a Sony Ericsson Walkman and it's fabulous. There's not a whole lot of memory, but you can buy memory cards for the phone. I can hook mine up to my computer, use it as an MP3 player, and the battery life is really good. I used to have a RAZR V3, and I would have to charge it every day. With my Walkman, I only have to charge it once a week or so.

[Alex]

I've always had a look at cnet.com.au for phone reviews. They've got one here:

http://www.cnet.com.au/mobilephones/pho ... 407,00.htm

Editor's review seems to rate higher than the user's reviews - take a look at the comments and form your own opinion.

[Oops]

Yes it's durable, I have dropped it multiple times and it is still fine.

[Twinkle]

I sell phones for a living so I can give you some advice. For a starter, the W580i is probably the worst phone I've come across. I do sell them but if anyone asks for my opinion, it's a big no-no from me. The LG Shine isn't too bad but it's very dated.

I'm not sure what phones you can get in America but if you're looking for a reasonabley priced Sony Ericsson, a W350i or a K800i are your best bets. The K800 is slightly chunky and a little old but it's very durable and the camera is awesome. Samsung J700s are nice too.

I'd personally go for the W350i. The camera is a decent quality and the music player on it is completely awesome.

http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_w ... s-2198.php

Here's a link to all the specs, read the reviews too, make sure you shop around. The battery life on any phone will be good as long as you charge it for at least 8 hours before you use it.

Okay, anyone else need recommendations? Hehe, this is fun.

[Alex]

Helen, you happen to know my my Nokia 6288 is FUBAR? The display is black. Constantly. The phone itself works perfectly, except for the fact that the display is gone, and I can't see what I'm doing.

No, I haven't dropped it.

[Twinkle]

Take out the battery, if there's a sticker that's red on the bottom of it then it's water damaged. But it sounds like a warranty fault to me. I'm not sure about about Austrailia but in England, if it's still under warranty, you're entitled to a repair.

[Alex]

No red sticker, so I'm guessing no water damage.

It's entitled to repair (it's only 5 months old and started acting up a month ago) - I plan on taking it into the 3 store and (nicely) abusing the reps so they can get it fixed. Would've done it earlier but I had issues with moving around that clashed with the 4 week repair period XD

[3lla]

I would recommend either sony ericsson or anther motorola. I've tested plenty of their mobile phones, and all of them go above and beyond the call of duty. Seriously those phones can do it all and live up to anything.

I dislike nokia though. Seriously most of those phone just break in my bags.......>.<

[Twinkle]

Actually, the newer Sony Ericssons have been getting poorer in quality. Most phones I book in for repair are Sonys, the quality is really shocking lately. I wouldn't feel happy recommending a new Sony Ericsson to someone I knew unless it was a W380 or a W350. The older Sonys are awesome though.

[Helena]

Well, from what I know (not much) I've heard that Motorola and Sony's are the best.

Speaking of which, I need a new phone too - mine wasn't that good, and the camera decides to tell me 'Operation Abnormal, Please Retry' all the time. (BenQ-Siemens EF61)

[Twinkle]

Sounds like it needs a software upgrade Helena but as Siemens have gone bust, you might want to get a new phone. Need any help?

[Helena]

lol I've just realised this has totally turned into an OMG HALP MAH PHAWN IS DEAD!!1 instead of helping poor Penguin.
What about LG?