Looking for camera and music quality cell phone?

[Jake]

I am looking for a phone for my wife. I have it narrowed down to about 4 or 5 lines but it so hard to narrow down to a single phone. I have ebay and tigerdirect as sources.

Requirements:
Unlocked Quad band GSM
MP3 playback
1+ MP Camera
Max: $250 (no contract)

Do any of the phones have a better than average camera within my budget?

The KRZR and RAZR were leading but the software is buggy (from what I have read) and the camera is below average.

What about the Sony K series? I have heard a lot about the LGs too.

[Jake]

I seem to be leaning toward the Sony W810i. It blows my budget but is the closest thing I can find. They seem to highlight the multimedia capabilities rather than it being an afterthought.

I should clarify the software comment wrt to RAZR and KRZR. I meant the music software.

[Paolo]

the krzr FM (new version w/ rogers music store) is less buggy than the origional krzr. get that one instead. regretibly only from fido and rogers

[Jake]

I have not seen the FM version. She does like the KRZR clam shell. I'll check it out. Thanks.

[mr_raider]

SE w810i. Simple, cheap, does the job. The k790a has a better camera if desired.

[Jake]

Well I ended up getting a brand new unlocked and unbranded W810i online (they even tossed in a 512MB card). Thanks to all for the help. I decided on the W810i since so many sites put the W810i near the top of their ratings and it contained all of my must-haves. And not only that but I stayed under budget.

FYI: Since there is no duty on cell phones I saved over 30% by going south of the border.

[e268]

Jake: where do you buy it from and how much (if you don't mind)? I am in need of one, since my 4 yr old samsung a460 is dying (no screen display). I am with Bell now, but thinking of going to Rogers. Thanks.

[Jake]

I used selectgsm. The price I paid landed was dead-on my requirement as noted in post one. This was after taxes (GST), import and delivery charges. There was no custom tariff (duty) or brokerage (air cargo) on this phone. Cell phones are exempt from duty according to the CBS staffer I spoke with. It came from Hong Kong and it took 3 days IIRC.

The only funny thing I noticed is that they loaded it with games and some of them are in Chinese. Not that bad considering you have to pay for that content.

[e268]

Thanks Jake. You have done all the leg work for me. I get dizzy looking for all these cell phones, features, etc. I will go out and feel and touch the SE W810i and the Moto KRZR k1. But I have two question for you please:

1. When I activate with Rogers, they will want a serial number (15 digit IMEI). Will Rogers be able to lock my unlocked phone?

2. On the SE W810i, is it easy to lock/unlock the key pad so that there is no accidental triggering of the phone to do funny stuff?

TIA.

[Jake]

On the SE W810i, is it easy to lock/unlock

You will love this part. It automatically locks after a few seconds of no activity. This maybe a user option.

When you get your phone just pop your SIM in and you are ready to go. We already had an activated 7-11 SIM. If you are buying a new SIM from Rogers I am pretty sure they cannot lock your phone. Think if you were a tourist and purchased a Rogers SIM for your world phone. You would be pretty irate if they locked it on you. In fact I see no point in an IMEI since once you activate the SIM you can ditch the phone for another one.

[sk1d]

the sony w610 has everything you're looking for and it goes for about $200 on ebay. Looks like an updated version of the w810. I've been thinking about getting one for myself.

[Jake]

I looked into ebay but decided to avoid the risk of getting a knock-off or dinged with ridiculous shipping and brokerage fees. They actually have guides on ebay on how to spot the fakes. Scary!

[apn]

I went through the same process and settled on the W810i. After checking the Sony Store, Tiger Direct, Selectgsm and a few others, I settled on eBay, paying US$175 + $17 shipping for a new, unlocked, unbranded W810i.

I purchased from a dude in LA w/ over 32,000 positive feedback. I bought Boxing Day and paid for ground shipping, but the guy hadn't shipped when I inquired this week, so he upgraded to Fedex 2-day.

Since I live 45mins from the border, I had it shipped to a US address and will be heading over tomorrow to pick it up and take care of some other scheduled activities.

Finally, I picked up a (new) Rogers SIM on eBay for $5 shipped from Victoria (vs. $25 in store). When I inquired about activation at the store, they told me it can be done over the internet - using a fake IMEI if desired. The process does NOT lock your phone.

[e268]

I searched W610i and W660i and read the reviews. W610i seems to be a newer version of W810i, but with smaller keys (a major downfall). The W660i is an upgrade of W610i. But W660i has Triband and 3G, better keypad, but poorer camera (which I do not intend to use). It is priced a few dollars more than W810i on selectgsm. So I am now wondering if I should get this since it has 3G. I don't intend to use it but in case 3G becomes popular and price comes down, then I have a phone I can use. But, it is a triband gsm, so is it a limiting factor when I travel to USA and Europe? Your advice is appreciated.

[Jake]

Do you intend to use the data capabilities or just voice? If so then there is no need for 3G. Quadband was recommended by many friends who travel to far-flunged places.