Questions from an Android Newbie

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Hi Guys, I am looking to get an Android phone in the next month or 2, and I have kinda fallen for the Vodaphone Magic. But I have a couple of questions that you guys might be able to answer.

The Vodaphone UK contract come with "unlimited" Data - actually 500mb a month. I am looking to use the net almost all the time (web surfing, Last.fm, email, spotify (when it comes...) google maps etc. Is this a reasonable amount of data allowance for this type of use, or will I probably go over it...

Can you get BBC Iplayer on this phone over 3G?


Thanks Guys....

Nick

Originally Posted by nickb23

The Vodaphone UK contract come with "unlimited" Data - actually 500mb a month. I am looking to use the net almost all the time (web surfing, Last.fm, email, spotify (when it comes...) google maps etc. Is this a reasonable amount of data allowance for this type of use, or will I probably go over it...

Just do the maths (I'm assuming bytes not bits) 500MB per month equals 0.7MB per hour which is more than a last.fm song but I'm guessing your not going to be using it ALL the time Last.fm and Spotify will be the main eaters of Bandwidth. Browsing, e-mail and Web won't use much Bandwidth at all.

Originally Posted by nickb23

Can you get BBC Iplayer on this phone over 3G?

Yes, there is an app for it but obviously it is not a supported app by the BBC

You should be fine, just be careful with last.fm as constantly streaming music will get you close. I'm pretty sure there's an app out there on the market that can track data usage, you probably should download it when you get the phone.

Wi-fi

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Also remember to make use of wi-fi areas. So if you're at work try and use an available router or sweet-talk an IT guy. At home remember to use your own wi-fi (if you have one).

Hi moremadness2001,

Slight problem,

I am the IT Guy!!!!!!! - I work in Primary Schools in the UK, were WiFi is still not used greatly, due to it being so unreliable...

I think 500mb per month is enough? I just want to never come to a point using it where I have to worry about if I have come to the end of my limit..

Also how big are apps usually?

from 20 kb to a few megs.. I've not seen any more than that (that i can think of).. I think the only really data heavy apps will be obvious things like streaming, and street view etc..

TBH you are more likely to brain your phone battery that use up your bandwitch I think :)

I believe Vodafone are quite nice about the 500MB limit, I remember reading of someone using 2GB in a month and they sent him a letter just saying watch your usage, nothing came of it, it's only a problem if you break it every month.

Originally Posted by dogsbody

Just do the maths (I'm assuming bytes not bits) 500MB per month equals 0.7MB per hour which is more than a last.fm song but I'm guessing your not going to be using it ALL the time Last.fm and Spotify will be the main eaters of Bandwidth. Browsing, e-mail and Web won't use much Bandwidth at all.

Yes, there is an app for it but obviously it is not a supported app by the BBC

Try beebplayer, available in the Market, works like iPlayer and has the capability to watch live BBC channels (don't forget 'you need a license').

I managed to watch the F1 last Sunday while out, the stream was obviously delayed a few minutes,but better than no alternative.

Wow I thought Canada was bad 500MB = "unlimited", here in Canada we get 6GB