Is cell phone WiFi a gimmick?

[cYn]

Can anyone tell me of how they use WiFi enough to justify paying extra for that feature on their phones? The only use I can think of is Skype, even then, does anyone use this regularly?

It's not like we're in the US with a hot spot every ten metres. I'm trying to decide whether it's a feature worth paying for. I am planning on traveling to Europe for a bit. But even then, will it make a difference?

Throw me a frikkin bone.

[Miktar]

Who pays extra for the feature? o.o

Most cellphones come with WiFi standard, and it doesn't cost you more - the price is the same with or without.

I use WiFi on my cellphone all the time, when there is an open network in range.

[cYn]

Who pays extra for the feature? o.o

Most cellphones come with WiFi standard, and it doesn't cost you more - the price is the same with or without.

I use WiFi on my cellphone all the time, when there is an open network in range.

Sadly the two models I'm trying to decide between don't both feature WiFi. The one that does, is more expensive and not as pretty(sans touch screen). I'm trying to figure out if it's justified. I love the concept of it and I know of its advantages. Just not so much in our society. I am planning on getting a PSP when the revision comes out, so having WiFi on my phone too could be a touch redundant(if I always have the PSP on me though).

I'm obsessive, this stuff bothers me. I get anxious okay!

[Miktar]

Ah, okay. I didn't know about the dual models - my bad.

[Flint]

cYn I have a SE W850i and an N95. I have basically completely stopped using the w850 because of the N95's WiFi capabilities-but that is largely because we have a WiFi network with uncapped internet bandwidth at work and I have a WiFi network at home as well.
When either of these is available I use them for all network related usage in favor of comparatively expensive cellular data rates. In my case this includes:
-Calendar synchronization
-Streaming internet radio
-Checking mail and newsfeeds
-General browsing
-Instant Messaging
-Uploading photos and video
Obviously the functionality I use varies based on whether I'm actively using a PC at the time. One thing to consider as well is that WiFi is extremely battery hungry.

[cYn]

That sounds cool, but I don't have access to WiFi networks at work. Unless I crack a user account from the company next door which transmits into our building. Not likely though.

Miktar, do you often come across open networks? I wouldn't bother at home as I'd sooner be at my PC when accessing the net.

[Miktar]

cYn: We have a wireless network at work, which I use with my cell. I also used to have one at home before I moved.

When I travel abroad, I find the WiFi on my cell very useful for checking/sending emails, since internationally it's always easy, cheap or free to get online wirelessly. Most McDonalds and coffee-shops have free wifi internet.

[Flint]

I must be honest, I can't see myself using the WiFi functionality much outside of the home or work-at least not enough to justify the extra cost (I must disagree with Miktar here, WiFi is not yet a standard feature, and only the more expensive phones come with it). The places I most often come across WiFi networks is in coffee shops, and I'm only ever there with other people so it's not exactly an appropriate time to do some browsing ;)
Of course I don't travel much, I know that internationally more hotels and public areas have WiFi, and it is often free. In that case it my well be worth it.

On a related note, some ISPs have partnered with certain coffee shops in South Africa to offer WiFi access. So for example if you are an MWeb customer, you may already qualify for 'free' access in some Mugg & Bean franchises.

Yup, Miktar beat me to it. If you're a regular international traveler it may well be worth it. In that case I suggest you take a look at the N95, you may find the GPS helpful too ;)

[Miktar]

Who buys a cellphone? I've never bought one in my life, and I hardly have the top of the range - in fact, my Nokia E70 is two models old, and it has WiFi. The version before it had WiFi too.

[cYn]

I'm trying to decide between these two :P

HTC S710 (http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_s710-1891.php) WiFi

HTC P3400 (http://www.gsmarena.com/htc_p3400-1885.php) No WiFi but pretty touch screen.

[Miktar]

I'm not a fan of touch-screens myself, actually. I actually hate the idea outright.

[Flint]

The E70 is still a reasonably high end model, even if it isn't new. The majority of phones still don't have WiFi, it's something reserved for mid to upper range business phones-and those aren't available 'free' on most contracts.

[Miktar]

I got it on the cheapest Cell C contract available...

[Flint]

That's interesting. Recently or or when it was a new model?
If you search for WiFi phones on gsmarena, you'll see that it's far from common functionality, a total of 16 Nokia phones have it.

[Miktar]

I left MTN because they were being incredibly pathetic, late last year, and went over to Cell C and got it there.

[Frozenfireside]

I really like the idea of having Wifi in a phone although it chows battery.

All I have ever heard about MTN is bad. That and their adverts just **** me off.
I have a mate with an HTC and he loves it.
Having email on the move would be great actually and when you get free internet overseas it makes the most sense.

AS for having it in RSA-The idea is a little less fantastic I admit.

[Flint]

How do you find Cell C compared to MTN Miktar? I did consider swapping to them from Vodacom, but the biggest things stopping me were lack of 3G support (yes I do use it) and anecdotal reports of connection errors from friends.

[Miktar]

Much more capable than MTN, but because I migrated my number and kept the 083, I keep hitting problems with their system (website) not understanding that I'm their client. Also, MTN refuses to close my account with them (even though I've done everything but take legal action), so that messes with stuff too. I've just not had time to sort it all out. But I'm liking Cell C more than MTN, and I've been with MTN since 1998.

[Flint]

Have you written any articles on your experience with the MNP process? I'd be really interested to read them.

[Miktar]

MNP what?

[Aesir]

Your right the P3400 does have a nice screen, if your not going to use the WiFi and it costs extra and the phone is not that pretty, I'd say the 3400.

[Flint]

MNP what?
Mobile Number Portability. You said you kept your number when you moved networks, I'm curious as to how much of a hassel it really was and what it ended up costing.

[Miktar]

Cost me R80, and it was instant. I filled out a form at Cell C, and it was done after they processed it.

The only hassles I'm getting, as I said, is from the Cell C website being misunderstanding about the 083, and the fact that MTN refuses to process my account closure.

[Flint]

Well the latter part is hardly minor-especially if they are still charging you :(

[Miktar]

Nah, MTN aren't charging me at all - they just don't want to remove all my information. I think because they sell information to third-parties (like banks do), which explains why I get spam and telemarketers.

[Frozenfireside]

That would explain why my old boss, who is also on MTN, got spam.
He got ****ed off one day and let the lady hear it-they didnt call back.

[Flint]

I have been trying to stop the damned sms spam as well, it's quite a mission. And it irks me that I have to pay to be unsubscribed from every frigging list Vodacom (or my bank or whoever) allowed my number to be added to.