Do you know owt about mobile phones...

[DAS]

...cos I don't!

I'm considering purchasing the Motorola E1000 because I'm nearing my overdraft limit and need to go down in style.

However, I'm not particularly fussed about changing from Pay As You Go Virgin Mobile.

Now what I don't understand is what all this third generation malarkey is. So. Were I to find an unlocked E1000, would it work as Pay As You Go Virgin Mobile? If I did, what features would disappear?

Or is it sensible to stick with Vodafone 3G or Three networks it is locked to?

[Chris]

Firstly, ask yourself do you really need a new phone? What is wrong with you current one?

I don't see much point in 3G - the whole notion of holding your phone out at arm's length so that people at the other end can see your face whilst you're walking down the street seems a bit ridiculous and gimmicky to me.

Also what's the big deal of watching some crappy video clip on a titchy screen with really god-awful sound quality?

[DAS]

Well yes, I do need a new mobile phone - the one I have is getting on, has an adorable habit of switching itself off at critical moments, it often treats me to a pretty display of abstract art instead of text, and as cute as it is I need to move on.

I thought I may as well splash out on a decent phone as I intend to keep it a while, rather than keep buying cheaper ones every time I get bored. And I like the sound of the features on Motorola E1000 which I would actually make use of I think.

All I need to know is whether it's compatible with my current network choice, and whether these 3G things are only useable with Vodafone or 3.

[Chris]

I think 3G phones work on 3G networks only. I don't think there's any backwards compatability.

[DAS]

That would make sense. But since Virgin Mobile makes use of O2's network (I believe), does that make it possible? Or do I have to switch across?

Essentially, the question is... will a 3G phone work on a seemingly non-3G network? If it will, what's lost? Or will it all work?

[Cheese Head]

I bought a new phone recently, Sagem MyC5-2, and I regret not sticking with virgin. However, switching to the smartstep tarrif on vodafone has made it slightly cheaper.

[Mich]

That would make sense. But since Virgin Mobile makes use of O2's network (I believe), does that make it possible? Or do I have to switch across?

Essentially, the question is... will a 3G phone work on a seemingly non-3G network? If it will, what's lost? Or will it all work?

AFAIK Virgin use the T-Mobile network, but that is a little besides the point. I think that 3G phones (not certain myself as I don't have one), have different sized SIM card holders, and so would not work.

[Big Brother]

That would make sense. But since Virgin Mobile makes use of O2's network (I believe), does that make it possible? Or do I have to switch across?

Essentially, the question is... will a 3G phone work on a seemingly non-3G network? If it will, what's lost? Or will it all work?

AFAIK Virgin use the T-Mobile network, but that is a little besides the point. I think that 3G phones (not certain myself as I don't have one), have different sized SIM card holders, and so would not work.

Not sure they do, all my family have them but me and I've never heard of this.

To throw a spanner in the works here nip down to your local Tesco. The larger Extra stores have a huge number of phones which display all their features. It's all about what you need really. I only use my phone for texting and checking train times so I wasn't worried about camera's and video bits. In the end I bought a second hand camera phone from a guy at work. Works like a treat now it's unblocked.

[DAS]

OK then, now that you've thrown a spanner in the works, let me throw in another one...!

I've now worked out that I have to switch from Virgin to use any of the more decent features of the 3G phone. So. Here's a seemingly nice offer from Carphone Warehouse that is written as vague as you can possibly get:

- Free Motorola E1000
- £9.99 line rental for 6 months
- 500 free minutes, 100 free text messages
- Applies to 3 Talk + Text 600 + Video Value only

- Offer subject to connection to a 12 month agreement with 3
- The tariff and additional bundle options may not be changed after connection

Would I be right in thinking that once I've gone through my 6 months at £9.99/month, I will have to stay tied to the same tariff with 3... which would ultimately cost £35/month (£30 for Talk and Text 600; £5 for Video Value)?

If so, I ain't touching it!

[Chris]

In a word, yes. For another 6 months until your contract is up.