It's because of dodgy contracts like these that I decided to go PAYG a couple of years back. I'm still a Vodafone customer but can regulate my spend and useage to suit me, not 'The Man'.

I reckon that overall I'm saving money against a £35/month contract* on an N900; I paid £470 for my sim-free N900. I should get £200 back for it next year (after 18M use) so it'll stand me in at £270.00.

On average I spend £18/Month on top-ups - that's £324 over 18M. (Typically I buy 200 mins/month for £15 and rarely use them all). Add in the nett cost of the phone (£270.00) and I'll have spent £594 over 18M - that's £33/M, saving me £36.00 over the 18M period.

* That's if I could get an N900 on contract for free. Most suppliers wanted 100 when I last checked. That being the case I'm nearly £140 better off.

PLUS I have the freedom to change device when I want.

I get enough free calls & internet access via my landline and use free wireless when out and about. If I need to use Vodafone's WAP service I pay 50p/day - not bad value for occasional use.

It won't suit everyone - but give it some thought. Not many of us use 700 'Free' minutes a month...