Is there no phone for me?! Please help :)

[Guest elementalist]

Hi folks. Been a while since I've been here and I'm asking you knowledgable folks for help already ;)

I'm frustrated. I have an SPV C600 and have had it for a long time. It's scratched. It's slow (ish). It's got damaged buttons.

I'm prime for a new phone, but I just can't bring myself to get one, because nothing fits my bill. I don't think it's too weird, either: -

1) Some way of protecting the screen and camera without putting it in a case.

We used to be talking clamshells, but these days clamshells are pointless! I want to close the phone to make it be impervious to harm (what's the point otherwise) and lately they put a dang screen and camera on the outside of them! Gah! The new Razr V8 is even a touch sensitive outer screen! I want a slim, featureless, steel outer casing; if I want to know who's calling I'll open it! If I want to know the time I'll look at my watch! Guess what? This is a pet peeve and my biggest problem with 'modern' mobiles

2) Be smart

I'd like Windows Mobile 6, but any system with a decent interface that talks to Outlook will do

3) Wifi would be nice. Bluetooth would do

4) Take a couple/few GB of memory card

5) Have a media player (not restricted by file-type or rights management weirdness)

6) Have web browsing (3G speed)

That's about it, I think. Please excuse the clamshell rant! Any advice is very greatly appreciated.

[Guest Monolithix (MVP)]

Well clamshell rant aside (what you want isn't going to happen, sorry), have you looked at either the HTC S710 (pretty, no 3G) or the new S730 (fugly, 3G though). Both with slide out keyboards and all the trimmings, nice screen, WMP, BT, Wifi, microSD slot etc...

[Guest elementalist]

Well clamshell rant aside (what you want isn't going to happen, sorry), have you looked at either the HTC S710 (pretty, no 3G) or the new S730 (fugly, 3G though). Both with slide out keyboards and all the trimmings, nice screen, WMP, BT, Wifi, microSD slot etc...

*sigh* Was hoping for more sympathy hehe. I guess noone else has my strong (disappointed) feelings for the way clamsheels have gone.

Does noone have a desire for a phone that you can put in a pocket, or a desk, in a bag, put anywhere without worrying about damage to screen/camera/buttons/etc? ;)

Anyway - I guess I am stuck with upgrading to another phone with an enormous delicate screen that I will have to delicately cradle against my bosom (all my shirts now have a top breast pocket for phone holding).

Oh well - everyone has become used to my left breast lighting up when I get a call, anyway...

Thanks for the advice - the new HTC smartphones do look like they do everything. Just a shame they aren't more robust... I just can't let it go, can I?! hehe

[Guest Alsicole]

It might be worth you holding out for a bit longer to see if HTC do come out with a successor to the StrTrk. I'm sure I saw a rumour of something a couple of months back. Even if they just add in 3G, that should meet most of your criteria.

[Guest elementalist]

It might be worth you holding out for a bit longer to see if HTC do come out with a successor to the StrTrk. I'm sure I saw a rumour of something a couple of months back. Even if they just add in 3G, that should meet most of your criteria.

Thanks for that info. Interesting.

I suppose an additional aspect to mention is that I would prefer not to spend much, ie. would prefer a contract phone. There don't seem to be any HTC phones (the newer ones, anyone) on their lists, so waiting for a new phone means adding aother 6 months for the mobile providers to get around to getting them ;)

Bah. This whole thing is turning me into a moaner!

[Guest Monolithix (MVP)]

The Erato. No word on whether it will ever emerge though i'm afraid!

http://pdadb.net/index.php?m=specs&id=727

Dont put too much faith in those specs btw, especially after the Wings launch spec...

[Guest wikoogle]

For the clam shell issue, just get a good quality stiff screen protecter (you can just get the hori psp screen protector for $5 and cut it to fit your phones screen) and a good leather case and it will do. Thats what I did. I put it in my pocket with my keys all the time without a case, and the screen protector is all I need to protect it.

For your other needs, the at&t tilt aka htc tytn II aka kaiser is absolutely the best phone out on the market right now imho. It meets all your other criteria.

[Guest wakei456]

Why not go some online deal sites? There are many options there, and the deal price always makes huge difference with the retail price. Here is one I usually go, you can try

http://www.ADVERTISING SPAM.com/viewsavings.php?deals_group_id=30