Are Rental Systems better than Plans....??

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  ozhunter on 06/07/2013 - 02:17

  Renting is a dumb idea imo. This place for example has rental contracts for 2-4 years. Using the iphone 5 as an example would cost you around $1000 after 2 years and you end up having to give it back. Buying it outright would be a much cheaper option in the long run.

  not in position to pay $650+ dollars at once…:(

  I'd get a cheaper phone(such as the Nexus 4) and go on a monthly plan from either Vaya or Liveconnected if the Optus network works for you.

  You could also get a second hand HTC One for $500+ on gumtree.

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  wildlook attracts on 06/07/2013 - 12:37

  Thanks for your suggestions..
  what if I go for plans based on Telstra network, as I have heard that Optus network isn't covering the 4G network better..!!
  May be m wrong but giving Telstra the priority over Optus would be a good idea or not..??

  • 

    ozhunter on 06/07/2013 - 14:14

    +1

    Telstra does have better coverage and download/upload speeds but depending on where you are, Optus might be good enough.

    I think Virgin Mobile has the cheapest plan for the HTC One. They use the Optus Network.

    HTC One on Telstra's small plan starts at $68/m http://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/mobile-phones/htc/

  • 

    zelda707 on 06/07/2013 - 14:26

    the telstra network is better but it also costs a lot more than optus

    • 

      wildlook attracts on 06/07/2013 - 22:18

      Yes, I have checked with Virgin Mobile, they have the best n cheapest plans..

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  fungi79 on 06/07/2013 - 15:10

  +1

  With all the expense of studying in Melbourne, are you sure you need to add to that by buying a highend smartphone? What is it to you other than a status symbol or a fashion statement.

  If I were you, and I (or my parents) have to pay for board and tuition already, I would get a reliable sub $200 handset (Y201, Xpop or a Nokia W8 phone) and go with Liveconnected, Vaya or Aldi.

  • 

    wildlook attracts on 06/07/2013 - 22:23

    Ya mate, I understand this that's why asked about the possible ways to buy HTC One, n have already mentioned that I just loved that phone, no status symbol n all that.
    n yes m also considering about buying a cheaper one or to go with a plan.
    thanks for the advice..

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  andy19363 on 06/07/2013 - 22:48

  I'd grab a thl w110 for $160…..
  http://thlmobilemall.com/thl-w100-smartphone-mtk6589-quad-co…

  then grab one of the previously mentioned sims…..

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  wildlook attracts on 07/07/2013 - 20:07

  Thanks for the help guys, m currently using lycamobile sim as I didn't know much about the cheapest plans when I landed in Australia and bought lyca as per friend's advice, but Vaya and LC are really very cheap then lyca, I think Kogan is best if considering about large amount of data and unlimited calls to 13 and 18 numbers…???
  And what do you guys suggest about buying such mobiles through e-bay or any other online website, is this worthy to buy such second hand mobiles as one doesn't know much about the condition of the phone.

  have a look at these link…

  (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-iPhone-3GS-16GB-Black-Smart…)

  (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Apple-iPhone-3GS-16GB-Black-Smart…)

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  branners on 10/07/2013 - 16:53

  +1

  A good used 16GB 3GS will go for about $250. I have owned two iPhones; they worked fine but I find them susceptible to dirt and rain and I always wonder how long one will last.
  If my son (who is a student also) was asking the Q and he did not care about the platform, I would suggest that he save the premium phone for when he has a premium income. A good starting point for the money is a Nokia 520 or a large (5.5 inch) Chinese android (which is what I have). Both sub-$200, unlocked.
  Unlimited or large usage prepaid deals are better than signing a contract, IMO. That is what my kids are on.