I'm looking for a new mobile phone. Or rather, I'm researching the best phone for my needs.

My postpaid plan lock-in period with Smart Communications is going to expire next month. By then, I have the option to apply for another unit from them and be tied to them for another 2 years, or I can go back to prepaid service and free myself one monthly obligation.

I don't know why I always lament getting a postpaid plan but when renewal time approaches, Smart seem to sweeten their offer making it hard to refuse getting out of the contract.

Let's see what do I need from a phone.

• I don't use SMS/text much, I call most of the time.
• I have a dire need to check emails and check sites for uptime - this is a must for our sites where people pay $100 up to use our service.
• Internet access for my notebook would be nice but not required.
• An embedded MP3 player would be nice too.
• I don't need a camera on my mobile phone.

So far, I have trimmed down my options to:

• Smart plan 800 with Motorola E770
• Go prepaid and buy a much cheaper recon/class b unit in MaryMart Mall

Given the list of what I need, I'm inclined to retaining the plan. Hmmm... what do you think?

Beware of text messages abusing our emotions. Somebody just sent me a message asking for a Php 2.00 pasaload. The text that came from +639197992611 goes:

Gudam po pwd mu po ba ako 2lungan kc un nanay ko sa abrod may sakit kelangan ko po sya matawagan ngaun, emergency po, kulang po ng 5pesos pra mktawag ako sa kanya kung pwd po sna pasaload po kht 2peso para mktawag ako sa kanya salamat po - caTHy2

When it comes to mobile phone applications. Filipinos are hard to beat.

PHILIPPINES-BASED mobile software developer D3 Systems Inc. has "re-launched" its mobile instant messaging software with Bangladesh-based operator Grameenphone, an official told INQUIRER.net Friday.

D3 Systems developed Yehbah*, a mobile instant messaging application that allows users to do instant mobile messaging.

"We've re-launched our service with Grameenphone of Bangladesh. They've branded Yehba* as Grameenphone IM," Roger Delgado, vice president for technical operations of D3 Systems Inc., said in a telephone interview. Via Inquirer.Net