Windows Mobile phone from unknown Chinese companies

[Guest ZSX]

I posted this question over on xda-devs, and thought I'd ask here as well!

Basically, I am off to China for a short holiday in under a fortnight, and was thinking of buying a mobile phone while I'm there. China is like the Burgess Shale of mobile phones, with an explosion of form factors, operating systems and features, most of which will become extinct in what seems like a few months!

Anyway, I was looking on eBay (as usual) for a preview of what to get and encountered some Windows Mobile 5 phones. I was wondering whether anyone has any experience with these devices, and whether they are any good. They are all pretty cheap, and no doubt even cheaper in China!

Yes, I know a reputable brand is probably better, and I used to use two HTC Phones (a Magician and a Universal). However, I currently have a Ubiquio 501 (for me it is the perfect balance of size and functionality) so I'm not averse to experimenting a little on gadget paths less well-trodden.

When you really get down to it virtually all WinMo phones are made in China/Taiwan. I'm just wondering whether, in the perceived lack of quality control from unknown brands, any of these are actually any good! I can't find any reviews, good or bad, on any of these models. ;)

[Guest Confucious]

I don't know - but check to make sure they run on GSm 900/1800 and UMTS 2100 - otherwise you will have a cheap brick.....

[Guest ZSX]

Thanks for the advice. I thnk these are on the 900 and 1800 bands as they are selling them for use in the U.K., but I guess it pays to check. Was also thinking of some of the phones from Amoi, but I guess these are much pricier, as I have at least heard of the brand (and believe they are the OEM for the new HP PPCs?)