Which mobile device do you recommend to use in HK?

hajime · 12-09-2009, 05:05 PM

Hello. I am a Mac user. I have a cell phone already. I plan to get a PDA with not-so-small screen to access the internet, watch videos, and playback music on my way to work (about 1.5 hours from home).
I use the MTR and green minibus. If possible, I hope to access the internet via free services. In this case, which device (iPhone 3GS, just announced iPodtouch, BlackBerry, open to suggestion) do you recommend?

Thanks.

PDLM · 12-09-2009, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by hajime:

on my way to work (about 1.5 hours from home)

Ouch! You must have made a really serious effort to manage to live that far away from your office in Hong Kong!

I don't think you get wi-fi in green minibuses somehow...

hajime · 15-09-2009, 07:29 AM

I checked with an local Apple dealer and tried the iPhone myself. The internet connection was so slooooow. I asked two sales person and they said that it was because of the internet connection in the store. It has nothing to do with the iPhone. Is this true? Then, I asked the sales that given that I have a mobile phone, shall I get an iPhone of iPodTouch. He told me that in HK, even I pay I do not get WIFI connections everywhere (certainly not on the MTR and in the green minibuses). However, if I get the iPhone, I can use it anywhere I want. Are these true?

He said that he is using an iPhone personally. When I asked him the monthly payment, he laughed and refused to talk about it. I asked if it costs somewhere about $300 (as my friend who uses a black berry does), he said it is about that range.

kenbo23 · 15-09-2009, 07:56 AM

I'd recommend the HTC Magic on SmarTone.

I hate Vodafone and anything to do with them... but they are the best people for wi-fi and the SmarTone internet is fast and very stable.

jimbo · 15-09-2009, 08:14 AM

If you get an unlimited data plan why on earth would you want/expect to get wifi on the MTR and Green minibuses?

Totally pointless for you to get an Ipod Touch if you want internet access almost everywhere.

Stick with a smartphone or an Iphone 3GS.

pin · 15-09-2009, 08:23 AM

Ok, first things first, wifi isn't everywhere in HK. It is in a lot of places. PCCW are probably the largest wifi service provider and they cover a lot of ground, but not everywhere. You will get wifi on the mtr platforms, but not on the trains themselves.

Secondly, if you do have a 3g connection, the speeds will suffice for browsing and even video streaming (which i've done over a vpn as well).

Thirdly, you can buy an iphone or any smartphone and connect it to pretty much any network, they all offer unlimited data plans. Or else you can buy on a specific network and get a rebate.

Have a look here for a full list of unlimited data plans: Rambling thoughts about nothing really: Mobile data plans in Hong Kong

In relation to Kenbo, I wasn't aware that SmarTone offered a wifi service. The only wifi providers I am aware of in HK are PCCW and Y5Zone.

Also SmarTone Vodafone is just a branding agreement between Vodafone and SmarTone communications.

kenbo23 · 15-09-2009, 08:57 AM

Originally Posted by pin:

In relation to Kenbo, I wasn't aware that SmarTone offered a wifi service. The only wifi providers I am aware of in HK are PCCW and Y5Zone.

Also SmarTone Vodafone is just a branding agreement between Vodafone and SmarTone communications.

I think i'm mistaking wi-fi to 3g!! Sorry, to early for me to be posting! lol

I know Vodafone do a mobile broadband but thats another story!

After the issues i've had with Vodafone in the past, I personally don't think i'd chose to go with any brand that have anything to do with them. Unfortunately, Smartone's deals on the HTC magic are the best out there by a long shot!