When my dad and I did mall-trolling and we asked all four of the separate retailers, they all gave us different answers, as did the Cingular guys. I don't think half of them know what they're talking about, but the guys I spoke to did, much as I'd like to be the skeptic and think they're just trying to make a fast sell.
I did a ton of independent research (admittedly, some sources include the DoCoMo website and the T-Mobile International website), and found that if I get a 3G compatible Tri-band phone (e.x. the Motorola RAZR V3x), I will be able to tap into the DoCoMo partner network with great reception (or so their maps say). DoCoMo has wider coverage than Vodafone.
I didn't want to buy or rent a Japanese phone because I'd have a whole new phone number; I didn't want 2 separate phones because it's a hassle (if I got a phone with a SIM card), and the renting is expensive as all hell.
My plan is to get the RAZR V3x with 3G, make as few international calls (to the U.S.) on the phone as possible, and instead use Skype credits from my laptop. When people can call me though, it's not a problem.
I didn't want to get a J-phone because there are so many things I couldn't take advantage of if I took the phone back home; no Osafu-keitai, no infrared, etc. Someday the U.S. will catch up to Asia in terms of phones; until then, I hope I'm doing the right thing.
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Date: 2006-08-13 06:57 am (UTC)I did a ton of independent research (admittedly, some sources include the DoCoMo website and the T-Mobile International website), and found that if I get a 3G compatible Tri-band phone (e.x. the Motorola RAZR V3x), I will be able to tap into the DoCoMo partner network with great reception (or so their maps say). DoCoMo has wider coverage than Vodafone.
I didn't want to buy or rent a Japanese phone because I'd have a whole new phone number; I didn't want 2 separate phones because it's a hassle (if I got a phone with a SIM card), and the renting is expensive as all hell.
My plan is to get the RAZR V3x with 3G, make as few international calls (to the U.S.) on the phone as possible, and instead use Skype credits from my laptop. When people can call me though, it's not a problem.
I didn't want to get a J-phone because there are so many things I couldn't take advantage of if I took the phone back home; no Osafu-keitai, no infrared, etc. Someday the U.S. will catch up to Asia in terms of phones; until then, I hope I'm doing the right thing.