Powered by Vodafone #tagid

Credit where credit is due. In the Nick of time a Vodafone micro sim arrives in the post.

I met @Martuiak for a beer a couple of days ago and he said Vodafone would be happy to sponsor the data from my trip into Africa with @DarenBBC on his #TAGid project (more on that later).

This is a bit of an experiment for both of us as we have no real idea what coverage is likely as I have no idea where my assignment will take me once I get into Nairobi.

Never the less getting this sim has forced my hand into taking my over priced O2 iPhone 4 back to the O2 shop cancel my contract and pick up an unlocked iPhone 4 to use with this sim.

Those that know me will know my normal phone (that I use for all calls and a little data) has a great contract (also Vodafone) that I have nurtured for well over 10 years.

This means I will be leaving O2 behind me and to be honest this will not just save me cash, It will also save me stress. Since embracing social media and jumping headlong in, Vodafone have always been a Tweet away. As a heavy data user (don't start me on O2's 500 meg limit) I need this kind of service.

I guess this blog is to thank Dave for his assistance in helping TAGid to communicate with the outside world over the next few days but also to thank Vodafone for keeping me connected for the last God knows how many years.

Now let's see if the Vodafone sim magically cures all the faults with the iPhone 4. :)

FaceTime with @Bennycrime

I got hold of the iPhone 4 today. I checked the O2 website for stock and saw three phones listed in Western Favell in Northamptonshire. By the time I got there there was one left.

I really did not fancy renewing my O2 contract as I get through way more than the limited 500mb monthly data allowance and already have a really good contract with Vodafone.

Still, i figured as this was the last phone in Northamptonshire and I have 7 days to in which I can take this back I would bite the bullet and fork out the £300 cash and renew an 18 month contract.

The more I think about it the more I feel queasy. 18 months at £30/month is a bloody rip off considering the £19 unlimited data contract I have with Vodafone.

Still, I have it now and although this feels like a painfully expensive handful of tech, it's fully loaded & ready to go.

So far I have only had a chance to use FaceTime with @BennyCrime and it does feel more than just Skype video.

Some folk have been video calling for ages and will wonder what all the fuss is about, especially original subscribers to 3 Mobile. I could never afford the data.

Tomorrow I will have a play with the camera and see if all the hype is deserved.

So far, i think it certainly has a great screen resolution and FaceTime could be really handy. It could also be the beginning of the end for the humble phone call. Imagine every call you got was a video call. Nightmare.

Anyway I'm sat outside watching the sun go down and have a beer to finish. More on the iPhone 4 later no doubt.

I'm @Documentally on Twitter and a little skinter than I was this morning.

Sent from my iPhone4 (but you already know that)

[I must remember to delete that stealth ad.]