Need some mobile smartphone help please!

[theladylovescupcakes]

Have a blackberry at the moment, does the job, don't use the Internet function much as its a bit rubbish. Good for FB and emails.

Will be changing my provider as current one, Virgin, is crap. Thought about possibly an iPhone or Samsung galaxy or similar. So the question. Will I use heaps of MB on one of these? Will the lure of the instant internet be too much? Does downloading apps use a whole bunch of data? I dont want to suddenly get huge bills for data usage I'm not really a total geek, do t use a whole lot of functions, avoided the lure of Apple products for a while but succumbed to an iPad and they are fab. I do like my BB, but realise that the web function isn't great and have managed to muddle by without it.

Any suggestions?

If you have wifi at home you can use that to browse the internet and keep your data package for when you are out and about.

Your provider should text you when you approach 80% of your data cap so there shouldn't be any surprises.

Having gone ovet a few times I've learned to surf off the wi fi when at home.

It is the YouTube videos that will eat up the data allowance so as long as you don't get carried away when you are on 3G then you should be alright.

As for recommendations, don't be tempted by Three. I was lured to them because they had discounted the phone that I wanted. Their network coverage is IME the worst out of O2 & co.

On the other hand, if you do have Three coverage (and I used them for 3 years in N Wales as my primary access for the internet!) they include 'all you can eat' data on practically any contract (my 15 quid/month is for SIM only, 600 minutes, 3000 texts and unlimited internet, and I bought a PAYG phone separately in Phones4U or Carphone Warehouse)

Thanks, that's helpful. Next question. Tesco mobile are offering a free iPhone 3GS for £20 a month. Am I wasting my time with an iPhone 3, given that the release of the 5 is imminent? As I said, not fussed about having the latest model either.

I have a 4s. Apart from the camera quality, I can't see much difference; the screen is a bit sharper and there is Siri (which I don't use) but that's it.

I'd consider T-Mobile. Their data plans include unlimited browsing, and they don't charge if you go over your download limit (they might slow your connection based on a fair use policy) or they have a fully unlimited 'full monty' plan.

In terms of the phone, I'd steer clear of an iPhone, they are hugely over priced for what they are. If you want a top end phone, then the Samsung Galaxy S3 or HTC One X are the best around at the moment. If you want something mid-range, then Samsung and HTC both offer solid options.

Thx pedro. Will have a look. I see that Three also do all you can eat data.