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Which mobile for new y7 boy?

54 replies

MrsRichards · 31/07/2013 22:20

He's not had a mobile before and I said I'd get him one when he starts year 7, this September as he'll be travelling alone.

Where do I start? PAYG or pay monthly? Blackberry or other? (NB he's not having an iPhone!)

Any useful advice welcome, thanks!

OP posts:
meditrina · 31/07/2013 22:28

My DS2 has just finished year 7, and he's got a basic Nokia brick on PAYG.

He says most of his friends have smartphones, but not everyone (contrast to a couple of years ago when most had basic phones and only a few had smartphones). He was nagging for an upgrade, but we've fended it off (in return for better laptop that lives at home!)

I suggest that if it's his first phone, you start with a brick, but dangle prospect of upgrade once he's kept it safe and used it sensibly for an agreed period. Then choose the smartphone that is covetable amongst his peer group. And install a device-based filter (like the excellent free K9) as this is the time when preteens start egging each other on to look up all sorts of stuff if they have Internet connectivity.

MrsRichards · 31/07/2013 22:27

lljkk - he does, he wants an iPhone! He has no experience of mobiles to know what's available. I have iPhone and DH has blackberry so that's all he knows.

OP posts:
Snorbs · 31/07/2013 22:26

I'm looking at getting my Y7 DD a Galaxy S3 Mini. £15 a month for a two-year contract on TalkMobile.

lljkk · 31/07/2013 22:24

I am impressed that he doesn't have own firm views. Might be better to wait until he does.
DD is starting yr7, she wants a Samsung Galaxy. Nokia might be okay. Must be touchscreen or have a tiny fully keyboard (stupid design).