Fone Forum

I know you guys are pretty sharp at finding dood deals. Someone I know is looking for a HTC Hero and almost got it here:
http://www.handtec.co.uk/product.php?xProd=2156

I suggested http://www.e2save.com/contract-phone/HTC+Hero/46/HERO?tariffcode=D30TEJAN09 at around £22 per month over 2 years which still works out cheaper than the SIM free price of £320. However, I'm sure someone has got some better tips?  :)

TIA

I guess the answer to that depends in part on what your friend wants it for !

Does he want it on a contract to get a network subsidy: if so, on what network ?        :-\

Does it have to be unlocked: if so, you are well placed to check with your clever friend WebKami to find out how easy / cheap it would be to get one unlocked ( if that is possible currently. )        ;)

If he wants one SIM free, is it available through multiple sources, or only the manufacturer's website ?        :-\

Is your friend willing to consider cashback sites, such as quidco, topcashback, etc ?        :-\

Please tell us a little more, so that we have some idea of the direction in which he wants to go, and we can hunt.

Hi MH. Thanks for the response. Sorry for not being clearer earlier. He is just interested in the phone by whatever means possible, mainly for the purposes of testing software he is developing. The network is not too important, though I think only Orange, TMobile and Vodafone are doing it AFIK. Ideally he wanted it SIM Free and unlocked, but the fact that it would come with a contract (to reduce the overall price) does not matter to him. In terms of unlocking it (if that bothers him), I heard that this will be fairly straight forward. I have also made him aware of the cashback sites!
 
If he is getting a contract he is primarily wanting something with a generous data allowance for himself, but obviously lots of minutes and texts obviously keep everyone else happy too!  ;) If he does end up useing it with a PAYG SIM, I have already told him about the options for cheap/free data such as TMobile and GiffGaff.

OK thanks petkow.        :)

The preference for unlocked, and the required use of software development, make me think along the lines of simply buying one SIM free.        ;)

If budgetary considerations have to be made, and a network subsidy is preferable, I should personally avoid both Orange and Vodafone for contracts, because of their low data allowance.  T-Mobile would be my choice right now ( but note their tariffs are reported to be changing from February 1st. )        ;)

Given that the HTC Hero will work on 2100 MHz and give HSDPA, according to http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_hero-2861.php (http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_hero-2861.php), my own choice for data use would be to buy one SIM free - and then use a '3' Pre-Pay SIM in it.  2 GB for a £5 monthly Add On is still hard to beat.        :)

( Giff gaff is fine right now, but it's free data is due to run out on the 25th May, and nothing is yet known of how they will charge for it after that. )        ;)

HTH.