Need some advice - getting a folding phone

[Schmooth]

In summary :
1.Good alternatives to Motorola V3i? (simple feature set, colour and case)
2.Are there any short(er than 12 month) contracts available in UK?

I've got a friend coming over from the States for six months and I'd like to sort her out with a phone. She's said that she'd prefer a folding phone (as she "is prone to dropping them") and I thought of the Motarola v3i as most providers do them pretty cheap.

However, after reading a few posts on here I'm put off a little as they are not so well liked as they were when then first came out (2 years ago??).

What would you lot recommend as a cheap(ish) folding phone on pay-as-you-go. Features I'm looking for are; text, voice, still camera, long battery life. Apparently she'd like a "red" phone or one that the covers can be changed to make it red, I don't know, girls!

Also is there such a thing as a short term contract, less than 12 months?

Thanks

[Curfish]

Hi Mate

Sony do some nice clamshell phones

take a look at the z610i or the z710i or there are the walkman style w710i or w300i

most should be got for 100 quidish except the z610 thats near 200 i think.

but none are red altho you can get the z610 in pink


hope this helps

[dave87]

Short term contracts - not that I'm aware of, so PAYG would probably be your best bet.

The SE phones Curfish recommended are quite good, but it really depends on what you are prepared to spend. I would suggest that if she is prone to dropping phones, don't get a v3i, as they tend to have a limited lifespan with such use. It would be better to get her something like the k750i which can standup to a few knocks and bumps.

Hope this helps

[mightymouse]

honestly in my opinion the 6230 should be really good for your friend. i got one for my gf (loves to drop the phone) and after 2 years it still works. She even dropped it in the rain and if you ebay it should be able to get one for 30 or 40quid. after she mauls the phone you could always change the fascia for a fresh look.. cheap and sturdy