mobile phone for internet browsing
 

I'm looking for a mobile phone mainly for internet browsing and google maps, with the occasional SMS or voice call. For example, if I'm on vacation, I'd like to figure out where I am (google maps does this nicely), where I'd like to go (look up museum hours or restaurant reviews) and how to get there (google maps again).

I'd use it mainly in Europe, but should work in the US too. I don't care about camera, music player and other such features. I'd rather not spend a whole lot (e.g. under $200 if possible). I wouldn't use it that often, so I'd be using pay-as-you-go rather than something that requires a contract.

Suggestions would be much appreciated.

Check out the discounted phones at Expansys:

http://www.expansys-usa.com/smartpho...subfolder=1719

They may have what you need - any Windows powered GPS enabled device should/could do the job.

Any more specific suggestions?

I don't even need GPS, as google maps is usually good at identifying your location.

thanks

In the US yes - cell tower location is not always available abroad so I'd recommend a GPS enabled one.

The following models are cheap and well spec'd:

http://www.expansys-usa.com/d.aspx?i=162529

Alternatively, this one is also very good:

http://www.buxr.com/deal/nokia-5800-...artphone_24571

sorry about that link - it was supposed to go to a lineup of sub $200 phones, but their site does not link to very well.

If only the Toshiba had better battery life or the Nokia had a better browser

If only you had a higher budget ;)

Sorry, but you get what you pay for in the phone market.

As for the Nokia browser, you can, for example, download Opera Mini for free to use instead of the default Nokia browser.

The Nokia E63 is on sale at Amazon for $150 after a $50 mail-in-rebate:
http://www.amazon.com/Nokia-Unlocked...dp/B00212HNA0/

I guess I could get a second battery for the Toshiba.

I fear the Nokia would lead to unfavorable comparisons to my ipod touch.

Something like the Nokia with a bit better browser and a bit less music, camera, etc. would be nice.

I've been spending lots of time at gsmarena, with forays to phonescoop. Anything else good to check?

Read the reviews of the E-63 and its big brother the E-71. They're almost uniformly positive--camera and music are their weak points, as these are E-series business-focused phones.

The E63 seems like a great phone, especially for $150. I might prefer the European version of UMTS, but that's just quibbling. My most data intensive app, google maps, should run fine on Edge class 32.

EDIT: From Nokia website:
# GPRS class A, multislot class 32, maximum speed 100/60 kbps (DL/UL)
# EDGE class A, multislot class 32, maximum speed 296/177.6 kbps (DL/UL)
# WCDMA 900/2100 or 850/1900 or 850/2100, maximum speed 384/384 kbps (DL/UL)

Wirelessly posted (Android: Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 1.5; en-us; T-Mobile G1 Build/CRB43) AppleWebKit/528.5+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/3.1.2 Mobile Safari/525.20.1)

Since you mention Google, have you considered an Android-powered device, such as the T-Mobile G1 (HTC Dream) or one of the newer Android-powered devices that are due out in the next coming months (and have just released)?

Nothing interfaces with Google products, including Google Maps, better than Android. The browser (which I'm using now) is years better than IE on Windows Mobile, and better even than Opera or some of the other WM options, in my opinion. It handles most sites with ease. The Google Maps application will easily allow me to dial a business directly from map search results, or plot directions from my location using the built-in GPS.

Looks like a nice device, but Android pricing is higher than I want to go

Wal-Mart is offering a T-Mobile WING for free with a 2-year service agreement. Is that more in line with your price criteria? ;)

http://walmart.letstalk.com/product/...869&corpId=686

Or how about a G1 for $97.77?

http://walmart.letstalk.com/product/...901&corpId=686

As I mentioned, I wouldn't use it that often, so I'd be using pay-as-you-go rather than something that requires a contract.

The Nokia e63 is my current favorite. I have an ipod touch and camera for almost all smartphone functions.