02 release the 02 Xda Zest on PAYG and contract

PDA’s are traditionally the domain of the contract crowd. The heavy data usage and functionalities that are incorporated into smart phones have issues when dealing with a PAYG tariff, but never fear, O2 PAYG-ers can now own their very own device, the Xda Zest. OK, they have to pay £249 for the privilege and then an exorbitant amount to stay in credit, but hey, that’s the price they’re willing to pay.

For that cash you get a decent 3 megapixel camera, a 2.8 inch touchscreen, built in Wi-Fi, HSDPA and an integral MP3 player and FM radio.

It doesn’t look like the prettiest phone on the market, so you’ll really have to work out if you’d prefer this to an iPhone.

You do get two weeks of free CoPilot Sat Nav bundled in, and if you’re a fan of the Windows Mobile 6.1 system you may be swayed by this device. If not, it’s off to Apple for the latest iPhone.

From 17th Nov at 02, £249.99 fro PAYG, free on some tariffs

See here for more phones