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< Esato Forum Index > Sony Ericsson / Sony > General > Where can I get an unbranded K700 on an Orange or Vodaphone contract Bookmark topic

Hi, I'm new here.

I'm in the market for a K700 and I would like to get it on a monthly contract from Orange or Vodaphone.

I've read many posts on these forums from disgruntled users who object to the way these two networks have branded the K700.

I'm not sure if I care about the removal of the facility to use mp3s as ringtones - I'm more concerned about the modifications that have limited the phone's basic functionality (removal of shortcut menus) and aesthetic appearance (logos on the phone and in the user interface).

I've been with T-Mobile for several years, but I want to change network as I'm having reception problems. They've reluctantly given me my PAK code, and I'm now ready to go with Orange or Vodaphone as I believe they offer the best coverage.

There are suggestions on these forums that if you buy a K700 on Orange or Vodaphone, from a dealer that's not tied to one network, then you might get an unbranded phone.

Is this the case? Which dealers? Carphone Warehouse, Link, internet dealers???

And do these dealers offer good deals? (I've checked at Vodaphone and Orange shops, and they will both give me K700 for free on a contract that's £25 or £30 a month - but of course, a branded phone).

Thanks for any info

Elliot, Central London



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Posted: 2004-07-19 14:00:23
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welcome to Esato

I have bought several phones on vodafone upgrade from carphone warehouse and simply asked for an unbranded phone and been given one without a problem

_________________
...Unless I'm very much mistaken
my K700 review

[ This Message was edited by: masseur on 2004-07-19 13:03 ]
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Posted: 2004-07-19 14:03:03
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i was with orange until the K700i came out and then moved to O2 (they were the first to offer the phone) and it seems by luck i have made the right choice. A year or so ago i bought a second t68i from phones 4 U - it was really cheap and a basic contract - and the phone was as it had left Sony Ericsson - perhaps give them a go
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Posted: 2004-07-19 14:08:29
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Thanks for the advice.

Today I went to 3 phone dealers in the Liverpool St area to enquire about getting an unbranded K700 on either Orange or Vodaphone.

Whilst none of them could offer me an unbranded phone on Orange, all of them could offer me one on Vodaphone.

I was mainly interested in the Vodaphone Anytime 100 contract (£22 a month).

Phones 4U offered the phone for free.

Link wanted £80 for the phone (and wouldn't price match Phones 4U).

Carphone Warehouse wanted £160 for the phone (and wouldn't price match Phones 4U).

The staff in Link seemed the most friendly and knowledgeable. I asked why I should buy a phone from them if it's free at Phones 4U. These were the reasons I was given (any comments appreciated):

- They can give me the phone immediately (Phones 4U told me they hold on to the handset, until some PAK authorization has been given - only then can I pick it up)

- Link are offering the first 3 months rental at half price. (I need to check, but I think Phones 4U had the same offer)

- Link has a SIM card reader in their shop, so I could easily transfer my contacts from my old phone.

- (This was their main point, I think) - The Link salesman explained that the network they are selling is something called 'Vodaphone Connect' whereas Phones 4U are selling 'Vodaphone Single Point'. (He said that there is a third network called 'Vodaphone Genesis', but this is solely for business users.) He argued that 'Vodaphone Single Point' was an inferior network, with less 'facilities'. I wasn't clear what he meant by all of this. Any ideas? (I also need to check whether he's right about Phones 4U not offering Vodaphone Connect).

Any tips appreciated.

In general, it seems that it's very easy to get an unbranded k700 on Vodaphone on the high street - and almost impossible to get one on Orange.

Cheers

Elliot




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Posted: 2004-07-22 18:56:00
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From what I have heard on this forum (and from my girlfriend) singlepoint are to be avoided. I believe they are the billing company.
She is still getting invoices from them despite leaving over a year ago, so probably not a great choice.

I have just got one from o2 online, and it is slightly branded, but I used to have a voda T610 which was horribly branded, and they didnt have a clue (the people in the shop) but I just like 'clean' phones.

choice is yours I guess, but I'm still not a fan of singlepoint.

James
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Posted: 2004-07-22 19:05:35
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james have you lost any of the features of the fone? i.e-the left toggle joystick to write msgs? thanks-jon
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Posted: 2004-07-22 19:14:38
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I just called the Phones 4U store, and it is Vodafone Singlepoint they are offering.

So it looks like I'll buying my phone from Link.

The Link salesman suggested I sign up to Anytime 200 (instead of Anytime 100) as the phone is then free. Rental is half price for the first 3 months (so £15 instead of £30), and then a month later I'm allowed to downgrade to the Anytime 100 tariff.

(On top of this I need about 100 texts a month - that's an extra £6 a month on Vodafone).

Elliot



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Posted: 2004-07-22 19:17:20
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hmmm, dont think u can change till the 6th month m8, 6months on all contracts now.

phil
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Posted: 2004-07-23 00:30:46
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depends on the network and originsal connection talkplan. Best to ask them
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Posted: 2004-07-23 00:34:09
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Yeah, I thought it was 6 months.

I asked him more than once, and he said 4 months, then change contract.

I'll check again tomorrow.


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Posted: 2004-07-23 00:59:00
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