[Sam Kapasi]

As some of you know, I was forced to by a new phone today, because my BlackBerry Pearl was lost/stolen.

I asked at a few stores around my place, but they did not have a replacement. I was contemplating buying another BlackBerry or buying a smartphone with BB connect software.

I did some short research on the internet and narrowed it down to the BB Curve, Sony P1i, Nokia E61i. Later, not having the patience anymore, I called Airtel and asked for the number of Airtel at Peninsula Mumbai.
Strangely, the call centre refused to give me the number, offering to find out if the curve was in stock instead. Weird.

I then went to The Mobile Store at worli. Nice store, well laid out and excellent staff. I spoke to one man about my problem.

He heard me out and then brought out all 3 phones. However he had no dummies for them (every other phone had a dummy). It was a nice experience to be able to decide on the spot.
When I asked a few technical questions, he called his colleague who was truly well versed with the phones and he confirmed to me what I had read.
For Blackberry usage, nothing came close to the BB handsets.

In a few moments I had decided on the curve. To my happy surprise, he asked me if I was a Jet Frequent Flier. If I was, then I was entitled to either a 2GB micro SD card, or a JABRA bluetooth handsfree. I chose the 2GB card as I already had a nokia bluetooth handsfree.

As if THAT was not enough, I also recd a scratch coupon - when I did scratch it, I recd a coupon for a Jet Airways ticket to anywhere in India (one way)

I could have bought the same handset at Airtel for the same price, but this was wonderful. In a matter of moments, he swiped my card, made my invoice and packed up the stuff.

I cannot think of a better buying experience wrt mobiles. The only drawback I can think of was the lack of dummy phones for the 3 models I wanted to choose from, but then I agree, these are all brand new models. Every other model had a dummy handset.