I'm going Hermes shopping!

[Guest FlexiPack]

Hi,

Just joined and this is my first post. After reading Pauls review and reading posts I'm totally smitten with the HTC Hermes! For the last few days I've been scouring the net for the best deals. I've come across a few free M3100 offers for £35 per month with cash back but i'm very wary about these companies and offers after reading peoples horror stories.

The vanity in me wants a M3100, in the pictures it looks so much sexier than the Hermes 200 variants. I'm finding myseld wanting to pay extra for an M3100 (handset £50, monthly charge £35) even though I can get much better deals on Vodafone and T-Mobile.

Vodafone: £27 monthly charge (handset £133 inc bluetooth headset)

T-mob: £32.50 monthly charge (handset £65)

So the vanity streak in me wants a M3100, my practical side wants T-Mob for the data tariff (but im worried about their inferior coverage) and my head is saying Vodafone.. good tariff (200mins, 500texts = £27) and reliability.

My heads spinning so I'm hoping you guys can help..

In your opinons:

Is the M3100 (on looks alone) worth the extra cash

Is T-Mobiles coverage a problem in general

One way or another, I'm determined to get a Hermes!

Cheers,

Flex

Edited November 10, 2006 by FlexiPack

[Guest Paul (MVP)]

In my opinion, the Vario II is better than the M3100, because of the button layout. I've not had any problems with coverage whatsoever on T-Mo, and I think once you start using the Hermes you'll REALLY want flat rate data :)

I agree the HERM100 is better than the HERM200, but the HERM300 (Vario II) is best of all :D

If you really want it on Orange though, we are selling it in our shop here - http://shop.modaco.com/orange-spv-m3100.html - with free unlimited off peak browsing for the first 2 months.

We also have the handset on T-Mobile in our shop too - http://shop.modaco.com/t-mobile-mda-vario-2.html.

P

[Guest randomelements]

I'm with Paul on this - coverage on TMob is not an issue.

I moved to Tmob from Orange and there are a number of places where I have signal but didn't on O.

The pictures of a Vario II really don't do it justice - they look MUCH better in the flesh :)

Web N Walk is great so, for me, it was a no brainer.

[Guest nuttyphilt]

When you buy it you will really want unlimited data - it seriously changes the way you use a phone. For that reason only, I would suggest T-Mobile Web n Walk.

[Guest richard_d]

Yes no coverage problems with T-Mobile for me - and if you're relying on the coverage maps I would argue Oranges maps are optomistic whilst TM's are over-cautious. Your mileage may vary etc.

Looks wise, as everyone says, the Vario I looks far better in the flesh - the burgundy is quite subtle not bright red! Looks are subjective though :)

I don't think Voda offer much in the way of data add ons as yet.

[Guest jonc]

I'm with Paul on this - coverage on TMob is not an issue.

I moved to Tmob from Orange and there are a number of places where I have signal but didn't on O.

The pictures of a Vario II really don't do it justice - they look MUCH better in the flesh :)

Web N Walk is great so, for me, it was a no brainer.

I would second this. I thought the Vario II would be this garish red thing from the photos I'd seen. But it a much deeper muted red, and the silver surround is actually quite a nice colour/not really silver and shiny.

Plus it's all about unlimited data!

(I just got my Vario II today, yay!)

[Guest FlexiPack]

Thanks for your input guys!! I must admit the pictures of the keyboard with the red surround does put me off a little but hearing that it looks better in the flesh has allayed my worries somewhat! Also I'm not quite so concerned about T-mob's coverage now although in my street it doesn't show 3g coverage. Having said I don't actually need it at home as I have wifi.

The Vario II does look much better than the Voda 1605. I'm just not keen on the Hermes 200 design.

I'm going to go check out the T-mobile deals now! :)

[Guest prajith]

Can i know what's the main difference between Jasjam and Vario II.

which one is better?

I am in India and none of the dealers here have Vario II though Jasjam is available.

I doubt if eXpansys would ship to India.

I may have to shell out more in taxes then i guess....

why is the amount of available memory less in Jasjam (source:Pdadb)???

Edited November 11, 2006 by prajith

[Guest FlexiPack]

Can i know what's the main difference between Jasjam and Vario II.

which one is better?

I am in India and none of the dealers here have Vario II though Jasjam is available.

I doubt if eXpansys would ship to India.

I may have to shell out more in taxes then i guess....

why is the amount of available memory less in Jasjam (source:Pdadb)???

The JasJam is based on the hermes 100 I believe. The only difference between the JasJam and the Vario II should be cosmetic. As for the available memory.. each company that sells the hermes under their own brand (T-mobile, orange, I-mate etc) use their own rom. It could be that the JasJam comes with more software features.

I am quite new to the hermes so I could be wrong but that what would be my best guess.

I decided to go with T-mobile in the end. Flext 30 + web n walk. Didn't come today as expected though :)

Edited November 11, 2006 by FlexiPack