Arghiro wrote:I can confirm that that is a good idea, err, to NOT drop it in the sea I mean. Also do not sit down in surf, however accidentally, with one in your pocket.
Have youse folk not heard of waterproof cases for mobile phones? Since I got one of those I haven't fallen in the water at all.
Oh, yes, of course I have one of those. It ws in the side pocket of my bag on the boat at the time. But I do like your assessment of it's magic powers. I expect it will also keep the elephants away. My magic umbrella works in the same way, it only rains when I don't carry it with me.
Its hard to beat the 1 phone or i pad! No other android phone can match the available apps.
With the "Navitronics - UK & Holland" chart plotting program ( £17 or £45 respectively and continually updated/chart corrected): "Boatie" (£2) or Magicseaweed (free) for weather : "Marine Traffic" (£2) as as an AIS receiver, and "Marina Guide" (Free), its better than any chart plotter.
Unfortunately as a phone its not great and is very frustrating when well offshore or in remote areas. Use abroad at your peril! or turn the data roaming off if you don't want a hefty bill!
If you want a phone for making voice calls and the occasional text and not all the other stuff, then the best phone ever made (imo) is the Nokia 6210i
It would last for 10 days on a charge, and is less destructible than others.
They can now be obtained for £20 second hand.
I now have an HTC desire A8181. It does far more than I ever want, filled with apps I don't use, lasts a day or 2 on a charge, does emails and internet etc etc. I need it for work, otherwise I'd go back to the Nokia!
Geoff.
"Contender" Rival 32: Roseneath in winter, Mooring off Gourock in summer.
Looks like the OP has solved his dilemma but if you'll allow me to chuck in my 2p's worth:
I live in Argyll and rely heavily on my mobile for work. I wouldn't even consider anything other than Vodafone for around here, and most people in my area agree.
I was slow to get a smartphone but find it incredibly useful. I use a Blackberry curve 9300 - I know BBs are out of fashion since iPhones and the rise of Android but it has some features which I find unbeatable:
It's battery lasts for ages
It picks up signal better than any phone I've ever had including simple old Nokias. Left lying in the centre console of the car using a bluetooth hands-free, I can keep calls going through known signal dead spots for most people.
It uses a tiny amount of data for internet and email. This means I never come close remotely close to the monthly limit.
It has useable data transfer with only 1 or 2 bars of a GPRS (non-3G) signal, if you're patient. This means that I can get Met Office weather forecasts as soon as I see ANY signal on my phone (quite handy when sailing around here), or look up essential things on the web when an iPad or laptop with 3g dongle would simply time out or refuse to connect.
Blackberry push-email is excellent despite the recent media witchhunt; if it benefits you to stay in touch with your email, having it on your phone is life-changing.
Lastly the clicky keyboard is far better than a touch screen IMHO especially if you have occasion to have dirty or oily hands.
Sorry if this sounds like I'm some kind of mole from the BB marketing department (I'm not), but from time to time you come upon something that fulfils it's stated purpose so completely that you feel credit should be due.
FWIW I have a contract costing £25 a month, 150 mins unlimited texts 500mb data. Handset came with it, lost the first one in a bilge, replacement cost £170 from ebay (ouch!). I'm pretty sure they're cheaper now though.
But I do like your assessment of it's magic powers. I expect it will also keep the elephants away. My magic umbrella works in the same way, it only rains when I don't carry it with me.
You mean that you actually have to PAY for your Apps? 
