Welcome to MobileWorkz.com - Information on 3g mobile phones

Claire Rayner, agony aunt

This might sound luddite, but think 3G mobile phone technology is a deep mystery. I have absolutely no use for gimmicks such as picture-messaging and e-mail access, but I'm sure the techno-heads will lap it up. I think the technology will eventually catch on, so it might be dangerous to sneer at it now.

Tim Hunter, engineer

Dead against them. I think that even with current technology such as text-messaging, conversations are becoming less common and people are too self-absorbed.

Johann Hari, journalist

I wouldn't buy one because everyone I know who has one is a pratt. They are synonymous with people who have too much money, and they are more cosmetic than practical. It will be a bleak day if they do catch on.

John Peterbrook, stock trader

I have one and find it immensely useful. I can check the price of shares instantly, and there's no hanging around until you get back to the office. Splendid.

Mary Riddell, journalist

lam resistant to new technology and I'm not sure I'm prepared to overcome the hurdle of learning to use a new phone. I might buy one eventually, but I would be more of a second-generation consumer.

Madeline Hall, graduate

I think they could make people's lives easier, but picture-messaging is particularly dangerous because people can very discreetly take shots of you doing God knows what. It could break up a marriage.

Andy Kershaw, broadcaster

I first got a mobile phone when I worked as a foreign correspondent in Sierra Leone, just after the civil war ended. For me, the function of a mobile is to make and receive calls, but for other people they are a fashion accessory. I have no use for gimmicks.

Christian Wolmar, writer and broadcaster

I see no purpose in transmitting pictures. Nevertheless, the mobile phone revolution has transformed our lives. But a 3G phone is something I don't really need right now.

Miranda Colchester, actress

I'd buy one if they were priced affordably but, as far as I know, they're very expensive right now. Perhaps they'll get cheaper when they become more popular. I'm sure the e-mail and internet access would be really useful.

Mark Thomas, comedian

I have never considered buying a 3G phone, and I'm I not likely to. I'm quite happy with my current phone and I've no real use for the new technology.

Marlene Fitzgerald, civil servant

I think you have to be careful about giving them to kids because the picture-messaging facility could be damaging if they get to see pornographic photos, and so on.

Darryl Wearwood, student

I haven't got one, but if I had, I'd use it to watch sports on the internet and check match scores on the move. I think the new technology they offer would come in very useful.

Stella Chapman, graphic designer

I'm not going to buy a 3G phone--at least, not now. I use my ordinary phone a lot to text, and that's enough for me at the moment. But maybe the instant picture-taking facility would boost my inspiration and provide me with more creative ideas.

Compiled by Ben Harrington and Bernard Mallee