On 17 June, 13:57, Terry Pinnell <terrypinDEL...@THESEdial.pipex.com>
wrote:
> Werner, William: Thanks both, much appreciate your help. I'm veering
> towards a phone, and the HTC Touch HD looks impressive. How does it
> differ from the HTC Touch 3G

The Touch HD has a bigger screen and more memory. Compare the specs
at:

http://www.htc.com/www/product/touch...ification.html
and
http://www.htc.com/www/product/touch...ification.html

> A friend also suggested I look at the Xeria X1. Any comments please?

Had two of them. Completely useless and unreliable. Fine if you want a
toy. Not at all good if you want a reliable business tool. YMMV.

> I'm woefully ignorant on all modern phone technology so please excuse
> a couple of very basic follow-up questions.
>
> If I buy from one of these online suppliers, selling at the full
> (high!) prices, what do I get in terms of phone and text calls,
> internet access, download capacity, etc? Nothing?

Can't comment. I prefer to arrange my contracts direct with the
service-provider.

> Can you buy a 'contract' online too?

Yes. Certainly via the main UK providers. Note that only Orange
currently offer the HD as a 'direct' supply.

> Presumably, if I bought from a local UK mobile phone shop, I could get
> a choice of contracts? Are products 'tied' to one network, like
> Orange, O2, etc?

Depends on the provider. Carphone Warehouse tend to provide unlocked
phones so that they can sell them with a SIM from the service of your
choice.

> My current phone is a very basic Nokia 3120, with an Orange
> Pay-As-You-Go contract. Can I keep my existing phone number?

Yes. This is your legal right, and all providers offer a number-
porting service. You need to request a 'PAC' number. Strangely you may
experience more problems porting your number within the same provider
(i.e moving from Orange PAYG to Ornage Contract). There are ways to
resolve this, though.

> If there's an 'Introduction to the UK smartphone scene' anywhere
> online, I'd appreciate a pointer please.

Take a look at "Tracey and Matt's Blog" which has lots of reviews and
information:
http://www.tracyandmatt.co.uk/blogs/index.php/c25/

I've also cross-posted this response to uk.telecom.mobile where most
questions can be answered.

--
WH